Shelly Desai, 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' Star, Dies at 90

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Shelly Desai, a prolific character actor known for his roles in shows like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Men of a Certain Age, and ER, has died at the age of 90. Desai's death was announced by his family, though no cause was given. Born in Bombay, India, Desai moved to the United States in the 1960s to pursue a master's degree in engineering before transitioning to acting, with a career spanning stage, film, and television.

Why it matters

Desai was a beloved character actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous iconic TV shows over the course of his decades-long career. His passing marks the end of an era and the loss of a talented performer who brought depth and nuance to a wide range of roles.

The details

Desai's most memorable TV roles included a 14-episode arc as Carlos on the TNT dramedy Men of a Certain Age, as well as his portrayal of the sketchy landlord Hwang who frequently hassled Charlie (Charlie Day) and Frank (Danny DeVito) for rent on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also lent his voice to several episodes of the animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? and appeared in episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Star Trek: The Next Generation, ER, Friends, and many other shows.

• Desai died on February 10, 2026.
• He first traveled to the United States from Bombay, India in the 1960s.