Shelly Desai, best known for recurring roles in the hit show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and TNT’s “Men of A Certain Age,” passed away on Tuesday, February 10, in Los Angeles, according to Deadline.
He was 90, with his death being announced by the family. However, the exact cause of death was not revealed.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis, stepdaughters April and Dawn and grandchildren Sean, Sofia and Dylan.
Tributes Pour In For Shelly Desai
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of Shelly Desai,” actor Robert Patrick posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Shelly and I did a play together back in 1990 at the Aresis Ensemble on the Santa Monica Pier. It was a two-hander written by David Mamet called The Shawl and it was one of those experiences you don’t forget. Shelly was the real deal. A gifted actor, sharp as hell and always a kind presence in the room. My love to his family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him
“Shelly Desai, what an incredible talent! So funny, so sweet. Honored to have known him. You will be missed. Requiescat in pace. 🙏🏼,” actor Kevin James wrote on Instagram.
“The sweetest, kindest man. RIP my friend,” filmmaker Andy Fickman commented on James’ post.
Shelly Desai’s Career
Despite arriving in the United States in the 1960s with a plan to pursue graduate studies in engineering, Desai found himself in the acting world, where he got his start in Chicago. From there, he moved to New York before settling in Los Angeles.
In the 1970s, Desai was in some performances Off-Broadway and on Broadway. He got his first film role, earning a small part in the 1974 rock musical “Phantom of the Paradise.” Throughout the years, he also had roles in films including “Thelma & Louise,” “Toys,” “Clifford,” “A Midnight Clear” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.”
His career then went into television, where he made numerous guest appearances in shows such as “St. Elsewhere,” “Hill Street Blues,” “The A-Team,” “Moonlighting,” “thirtysomething,” “ER,” “Friends,” “NYPD Blue,” “Ugly Betty,” “Baskets” and “History of the World: Part II.” He also appeared in episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” as well as having a one-episode role on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
From 2009 to 2011, Desai played Carlos in 14 episodes of “Men of a Certain Age,” along with starring as Hwang, the landlord on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Variety contributed to this story.
RIP!!! Speaking on the role I saw him most in, Bad Landlord on Philly, he was so funny and I loved every episode he was on. Thoughts go to his family. Know your loved one is remembered so fondly, and he was a hilarious guy.