Hollywood actor Shelly Desai, best known win recent times for his recurring role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia as Hwang, landlord to Charlie (played by Charlie Day) and Frank (Danny DeVito), has died at the age of 90. His stepdaughter, Dawn Lerman Vaccaro, confirmed the news in a touching Facebook post although she did not reveal a cause of death. "The kindest person in the world passed away today. I am beyond heartbroken," she wrote. "He was my mother Phyllis's husband, soul mate, my stepfather, my kid’s grandfather and my cheerleader for all my creative projects.”
Shelly started his career appearing in both Off-Broadway and Broadway productions in the 1970s. His screen career began with a small part in Brian De Palma’s 1974 rock musical Phantom of the Paradise. He went on to become a familiar face on the small screen with guest appearances on a wide range of series.
Throughout the decades he appered in shows including ER, Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The A-Team, NYPD Blue, and Ugly Betty. He played Carlos in Men of A Certain Age between 2009 and 2011.
He also made an impact on the big screen in movies, including Thelma & Louise, Clifford, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.
Friends and fans paid touching tribute as news of the stars death broke. "RIP my dear friend and "cousin," and actor extraordinaire Shelly Desai," one wrote on Facebook.
"I just lost my good friend of 35+ years Shelly Desai... One of Hollywood's great character actors... Have a great journey my friend... Sigh... It is no fun getting old..." another sighed.
A third chimed in: "He’s in my favorite movie, 'Clifford,' and I loved him on Always Sunny! RIP Shelly!"
A fourth penned: "I worked with him on and off for 20 years, first in casting and then in management. He worked right til the end.. and I always loved his final delivery on a tape - it was always really witty and funny. Miss you Shelly. Condolences to the family."
A fifth commented: "...So shocked and sad to hear this news! Shelly was quite a guy and actor and I am remembering All the Happy Times we had in New York and LA! I treasure them. Shelly did what he Loved all his Life and he will be terribly missed."
Meanwhile a sixth wrote: "RIP!!! My good friend the legendary Character Actor Shelly Desai has died and he was like family to me... everyone loved him that ever met him. He was 90 years young and knew everyone in Hollywood...I could write a novel about him and all his acting parts and stories and adventures. I will miss him forever. My heart is shattered."
