The Astonishing Truth Behind the Sudden Replacement of 'Always Sunny's Original Dee Actress!

Summary

The success of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia heavily relies on Kaitlin Olson's exceptional portrayal of Sweet Dee, as her energetic and unhinged delivery of lines injects a distinct personality into the character.

Dee Reynolds was initially played by Jordan Reid in the original pilot for the series. However, after Reid's breakup with Rob McElhenney, she was replaced by Olson, which created drama among the cast and crew. Reid alleges that McElhenney coerced her into leaving the show, stating that she would only remain in the series if she stayed in the relationship. Nevertheless, Reid holds no ill feelings towards Olson and recognizes that she is a better fit for the role.

Sweet Dee is a prominent character in the hit series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. However, there is an intriguing backstory to Kaitlin Olson's casting as Dee Reynolds in the show. Olson brilliantly portrayed Dee Reynolds throughout every season, adding her humor to the dynamic group of five. Interestingly, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia almost took a completely different path, with Olson joining the cast after the series was approved.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia centers around the lives of Charlie, Mac, Dee, Dennis, and Frank, the owners of a rundown bar called Paddy's Pub in Philadelphia. Their outrageous personalities lead them into all sorts of wild and comical situations, causing trouble in nearly every episode. Despite the show's immense popularity, its origins reveal that it was originally envisioned as a story about a group of actors in Hollywood. Moreover, the pilot episode featured a completely different version of Dee.

Sweet Dee Reynolds Was Played By Jordan Reid In The Pilot

The Kaitlin Olson Jordan Reid Always Sunny connection dates back to the original pilot of the series. In this initial episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Olson did not play the character of Dee. Instead, the role was portrayed by an actress named Jordan Reid, who at the time happened to be the girlfriend of Rob McElhenney, the actor playing Mac. This led to Reid and the group of friends all starring in the pilot.

Now, as the show reaches its sixteenth season, it is hard to imagine anyone other than Kaitlin Olson in the role of Dee. Nevertheless, had it not been for some behind-the-scenes drama, Jordan Reid might have made an appearance in the final season. Unfortunately, the breakup between Reid and McElhenney led to her departure from the series. While Jordan Reid has made occasional appearances in shows like Law & Order, she is not as prominent on screen as the cast of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Kaitlin Olson's Dee Is Better For Always Sunny In Philadelphia

Kaitlin Olson is a much better fit for Dee in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia compared to Jordan Reid, the show's original Dee. Olson brings a manic and deranged energy to the character, which has become her defining trait. Despite often being sidelined, Olson's portrayal of Dee adds so much personality and contributes to the show's success.

Furthermore, if Reid had continued on the show after their breakup, it may have negatively impacted the comedy. Emotions behind the scenes could have potentially hindered the show's performance, making it less effective. While Reid may have done a good job as Dee, the decision to bring in Olson was the right choice for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

The Reason Jordan Reid Left It's Always Sunny

Although the show's casting was successful, the Kaitlin Olson Jordan Reid Always Sunny casting has a troubling backstory. Reid previously spoke about her involvement in the pilot and her departure from the show, suggesting that she was forced out due to her breakup with Rob McElhenney. According to Reid (via Ramshackle Glam), McElhenney explicitly informed her that she would be removed from the show if she didn't stay in their relationship. After the pilot, Reid eventually ended her relationship with McElhenney, and her manager informed her that she wasn't picked up for the series, unlike McElhenney, Glenn, and Charlie. The It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast has not commented on the casting issue, but Reid stated that she doesn't hold any resentment towards them and that she and McElhenney are now friends again (via The New York Times). Reid also acknowledges that Olson is funnier and more suitable for the role, displaying a gracious attitude towards her own involvement in the history of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia despite the circumstances.