Background Charlie Kelly was born to Bonnie and Shelley Kelly. His father is an
Irish man that was entirely absent from Charlie's life, except for being a
pen pal to his son, with Charlie not knowing the identity of his pen pal. Charlie's mother was promiscuous during his childhood, often being hinted she was a prostitute. It is also hinted that his uncle Jack attempted to molest him. Charlie befriended Mac, Dennis, and Dee during his school years. He was bullied throughout school, and didn't perform well academically, leading to his
adult illiteracy. While working at a roller rink, Charlie bought Paddy's Pub alongside Mac and Dennis. This is where he also got addicted to
inhalants.
During the series Throughout the series, Charlie is often manipulated by the other members of the group due to his innocent nature and lack of intelligence. He performs menial labour, dubbed "Charlie work", in the bar due to the other characters not wanting to do the tasks. He lives in near squalor and does not care for his physical or mental health. He often eats strange foods such as cat food, and makes regular use of inhalants such as glue or paint, to get high. He is illiterate, but is able to understand
Irish and is exceptionally talented musically, able to perform piano and he wrote his own musical,
The Nightman Cometh. As well as his musical pursuits, Charlie has been portrayed as a creative eccentric, such as in his Dream Journal, his choice of hobbies, and his many personas, including Green Man. Charlie moves in with
Frank Reynolds, the new addition to the gang. He quickly develops a strong relationship with Frank, and it is heavily implied that Frank is his biological father. Frank dates Charlie's mother Bonnie on-and-off throughout the show. Charlie has an infatuation with the
waitress, a woman he went to high school with and who is disgusted by Charlie and his actions towards her. Nothing deters Charlie from pursuing her, stalking her and even breaking into her home. The waitress is portrayed by Day's wife,
Mary Elizabeth Ellis. In
season 15, the gang visits Ireland and Charlie's biological father Shelley is revealed. Charlie reconnects with his father, but Shelley dies soon after and Charlie throws his body from a cliff, due to a family tradition. ==Reception==