Welcome to Wrexham’s Rob McElhenney says being raised by two gay mums was ‘a gift’
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Actor and writer Rob McElhenney has opened up about his unique upbringing in a recent interview, describing it as a “gift.” McElhenney, best known for his role as Mac in the US sitcom It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, revealed that he was raised by his two gay mothers and expressed his admiration for their courage.
McElhenney’s mother, Helena McElhenney, came out as a lesbian, leading to her divorce from the star’s father. This marked the beginning of a new family dynamic for McElhenney, as he became part of an extended family unit with two mothers. In a heartfelt interview with GLAAD, Helena shared the story of how she met her now-wife, Mary Taylor, almost 40 years ago. She described their meeting as a life-changing moment and knew immediately that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Mary.
Reflecting on his upbringing, McElhenney expressed his admiration for his parents’ bravery. He recognized the courage it took for them to navigate their circumstances, especially considering the time period in which they came out. He also acknowledged that anyone over the age of 35 could appreciate the challenges they faced during that time.
McElhenney emphasized that having two mothers was a wonderful gift. He explained that while their family may have been considered unconventional in 1984 South Philadelphia, they were always surrounded by love, support, compassion, and empathy. Growing up with this level of acceptance allowed him and his siblings to flourish and embrace the diversity of families.
In an interview with Deadline in 2018, McElhenney revealed that he has always been part of the gay community. He shared that he has two gay brothers, which further solidified his connection to the LGBTQ+ community. This upbringing has shaped his perspective and understanding of diverse family structures.
Aside from his personal experiences, McElhenney has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. In 2020, he and actor Ryan Reynolds purchased the struggling Welsh football club Wrexham AFC. This entrepreneurial move led to the creation of the sports documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, where McElhenney serves as an executive producer. The series chronicles the club’s journey from financial struggles in the fifth tier of English football to its current success in League Two and an impressive FA Cup run.
McElhenney’s openness about his family background and his support for the LGBTQ+ community has resonated with many. His story serves as a reminder that every family is unique and that love and acceptance are key ingredients for a happy and fulfilling childhood.
In conclusion, Rob McElhenney’s experience of being raised by two gay mothers has shaped his perspective and appreciation for diverse families. He recognizes the courage it took for his parents to navigate their circumstances and emphasizes the love and support they provided. McElhenney’s story serves as a testament to the power of acceptance and highlights the importance of celebrating and embracing different family structures.
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