Shelly Desai, Actor on ‘Men of a Certain Age’ and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ Dies at 90

Hollywood Reporter

by Mike Barnes

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Shelly Desai, the accomplished Indian-born character actor known for his roles on *Men of a Certain Age* and *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, has passed away at the age of 90. Born in Bombay in 1935, Desai had a lengthy and varied career that spanned over six decades, with appearances in films, television shows, and theater productions. His death occurred on Tuesday in Los Angeles, with details about the cause not yet shared publicly. Desai’s most notable roles included playing Carlos, an employee at the party-supply store owned by Ray Romano’s character on *Men of a Certain Age*, and as landlord Hwang on *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. He also lent his voice to 10 episodes of the children’s show *Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?* in 1994. Beyond television, Desai appeared in numerous Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including *Gandhi*, which closed on its opening night in 1970, and *A Talent for Murder* in 1981. In addition to his theater work, Desai left a mark on film and television with roles in movies such as *Thelma & Louise*, *Midnight Clear*, and *Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2*. His resume also included appearances on shows like *ER*, *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, *NYPD Blue*, and *Friends*. Desai’s versatility allowed him to thrive in a wide range of roles, from comedic turns on *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia* to dramatic performances on *St. Elsewhere* and *Hill Street Blues*. Desai’s passing is significant for fans of entertainment who have enjoyed his work across various genres and platforms. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to even minor roles made him a beloved figure in the industry. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; stepdaughters April and Dawn; and grandchildren Sean, Sofia, and Dylan. Shelly Desai’s contributions to film, television, and theater will continue to be celebrated by those who appreciated his

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026