Dee Reynolds

Lore & Background

Deandra and her twin brother Dennis Reynolds were born to Barbara Reynolds and led a rich, entitled life believing Frank Reynolds was their father. The actual father of the twins was revealed to be philanthropist Bruce Mathis. Dee often faced abuse from her mother, causing her to resent her later in life. During school, Dee wore a back brace due to her scoliosis and was often teased for the fact, being known as the Aluminium Monster. She attended physical therapy, where she met Matthew Mara, the man known to the gang as Rickety Cricket. She was initially a sweet, good-natured person, but an accident shown in the episode "The Gang Buys a Roller Rink" made her the crude, morally bankrupt person shown in the show. Dee and Dennis both pursued psychology majors at the University of Pennsylvania. Dee aspired to be an actress and comedian, but has no real creative talent or stage presence, often resorting to racist stereotypes and having negative reactions to being on stage, including dry heaving.

In Their Own Story

Dee is a bartender at Paddy's Pub, alongside the rest of the gang. She is often the punching bag of the group, often referred to as a "bird" due to her supposedly unattractive, bird-like features. She finds out throughout the series that her grandfather was a Nazi officer, and that her real father is Bruce Mathis. Barbara Reynolds dies in season three and leaves Dee nothing, while leaving Dennis her home and the majority of her wealth. She often manipulates Matthew Mara, whose unrelenting crush on Dee causes him to leave the priesthood, a choice which would later leave him homeless, destitute, and in poor physical health.

Reader's Guide

The character of Sweet Dee was created as the "straight man" of the group, being a more level-headed presence to the gang's shenanigans. In the pilot episode Dee was initially portrayed by Jordan Reid, who was the current girlfriend of Rob McElhenney. Due to the pair breaking up, Reid was no longer set to portray Dee in the now greenlit show. Olson was brought on to the show, but she only accepted the role after discussing with McElhenney that the character could evolve to be funnier as the show progressed. Kristen Wiig also auditioned for the role. The character of Dee Reynolds has been positively received, with Olson's comedic timing and performance considered a high point of the series. Certain episodes with the character donning blackface have proved controversial.

Did You Know?

• Dee was initially portrayed by Jordan Reid in the pilot episode before Kaitlin Olson took over the role.
• Kristen Wiig also auditioned for the role of Dee.
• Dee was known as the 'Aluminium Monster' in school due to wearing a back brace for scoliosis.
• Dee and Dennis both pursued psychology majors at the University of Pennsylvania.
• An accident shown in the episode 'The Gang Buys a Roller Rink' is what made Dee the crude, morally bankrupt person she is in the show.

The Character of Deandra 'Sweet Dee' Reynolds

Deandra "Sweet Dee" Reynolds is a fictional character and one of the five main characters on the American sitcom *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. Portrayed by Kaitlin Olson, the character debuted in the pilot episode, "The Gang Gets Racist." Dee is a bartender at Paddy's Pub alongside Mac and Charlie, the fraternal twin sister of Dennis, and supposed daughter of Frank. Together, the group are often collectively known as the "Gang." Throughout the series, Dee is often the "punching bag" of the group, and referred to as a "bird." She is as cruel as the rest of the gang, although initially was more of a level-headed character.

Historical Significance and Longevity

The source does not cover the show's historical significance, longevity, renewal through an eighteenth season, or status as the longest-running live-action comedy series. The source only covers the character's creation, development, background, and reception.

Creative Origins and Production Structure

The character of Sweet Dee was created as the "straight man" of the group, being a more level-headed presence to the gang's shenanigans. In the pilot episode Dee was initially portrayed by Jordan Reid, who was the current girlfriend of Rob McElhenney, one of the show's main stars and creators. Due to the pair breaking up, Reid was no longer set to portray Dee in the now greenlit show. Olson was brought on to the show, but she only accepted the role after discussing with McElhenney that the character could evolve to be funnier as the show progressed. Kristen Wiig also auditioned for the role.

The Evolution of Paddy's Pub

Dee is a bartender at Paddy's Pub alongside Mac and Charlie. The source does not provide additional details about the evolution of Paddy's Pub beyond its role as the setting where Dee works.