Daniel Michael “Danny” DeVito Jr. is a celebrated American actor, comedian, director, and producer whose career has spanned over five decades. Standing at just 4 feet 10 inches tall due to multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder affecting bone growth, DeVito has carved out a unique and influential space in Hollywood. He first rose to prominence as the cantankerous taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the hit television series Taxi (1978–1983), a role that earned him both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. DeVito has since starred in numerous acclaimed films, showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. He is also a successful director and a prolific producer, co-founding the production company Jersey Films, which is responsible for iconic films like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich.
Danny DeVito Overview
| Full Name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1944 |
| Age | 80 years old (as of late 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Family | Julia DeVito (mother), Daniel DeVito Sr. (father), Rhea Perlman (wife, separated), Lucy DeVito (daughter), Grace DeVito (daughter), Jacob DeVito (son) |
| Height | 4′ 10″ (1.47 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $80 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Danny DeVito
Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, and grew up in an Italian-American family in Asbury Park. His parents were Julia and Daniel DeVito Sr., who owned several small businesses, including a candy store and a pool hall. As a child, DeVito was often bullied for his short stature. At the age of 14, he persuaded his father to send him to Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, to “keep him out of trouble.” It was here that he had his first acting experiences in school plays.
After graduating in 1962, DeVito initially pursued a career in cosmetology, working at his sister’s hair salon. His interest in makeup led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where he intended to study makeup but ended up enrolling in acting classes after receiving positive feedback on his audition monologue. He graduated in 1966 and subsequently worked at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Connecticut, where he met his lifelong friend, Michael Douglas.
Danny DeVito’s Career
Breakthrough and Early Career
DeVito’s acting career began in the late 1960s with off-Broadway plays. His first significant role came in 1971 when he played Martini in an off-Broadway production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He reprised this role in the 1975 film adaptation, produced by his friend Michael Douglas, which won five major Academy Awards and brought DeVito national attention.
However, his breakout role was as the tyrannical but lovable taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the television sitcom Taxi (1978–1983). The show was a huge commercial and critical success, and DeVito’s performance earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1980 and a Primetime Emmy Award in 1981.
Film Career
Following the success of Taxi, DeVito’s film career flourished. He starred in a string of successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, showcasing his range as an actor. Notable roles include his performances in Terms of Endearment (1983), the action-adventure Romancing the Stone (1984), and the black comedies Ruthless People (1986) and Throw Momma from the Train (1987), which he also directed.
He famously co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the hit comedy Twins (1988) and again in Junior (1994). In 1992, he delivered a memorable performance as the villainous Penguin in Tim Burton‘s Batman Returns. Other significant films include The War of the Roses (1989), which he also directed, the critically acclaimed crime film L.A. Confidential (1997), and Tim Burton’s Big Fish (2003).
Directing and Producing
DeVito made his directorial debut in 1984 and went on to direct several films, including Throw Momma from the Train, The War of the Roses, and the children’s classic Matilda (1996), in which he also starred and narrated. In 1991, he co-founded the production company Jersey Films with Michael Shamberg. The company has produced numerous critically and commercially successful films, including Quentin Tarantino‘s Pulp Fiction (1994), the sci-fi film Gattaca (1997), Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight (1998), and the Oscar-winning drama Erin Brockovich (2000), for which DeVito received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Since 2006, DeVito has played Frank Reynolds in the FX and FXX sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His addition to the cast in the second season is widely credited with saving the show from cancellation and boosting its popularity. His portrayal of the depraved, eccentric millionaire has become one of his most iconic roles, introducing him to a new generation of fans.
Danny DeVito Personal Life & Family
DeVito met actress Rhea Perlman on January 17, 1971, when she attended a performance of a play he was in, The Shrinking Bride. They moved in together two weeks later and married on January 28, 1982. They have three children together: Lucy Chet DeVito (born 1983), Grace Fan DeVito (born 1985), and Jacob Daniel DeVito (born 1987). All three of their children have pursued artistic careers.
DeVito and Perlman acted alongside each other in Taxi and famously played the dysfunctional parents in the film Matilda. The couple separated in October 2012, reconciled in March 2013, and separated again in March 2017. Despite living separately, they remain legally married and on very amicable terms, stating they have no plans to divorce and that their family remains their top priority.
Awards and Achievements of Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career for his work as an actor, director, and producer. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 2011 for his contributions to television.
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture for Erin Brockovich (2000).
- Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for Taxi (1980). He also received several other nominations for Taxi and for his film work.
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series for Taxi (1981). He was also nominated for guest roles in Friends and other projects.
- Tony Awards: Nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his Broadway debut in Arthur Miller’s The Price (2017).
Danny DeVito Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Danny DeVito’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his long and diverse career in the entertainment industry. His primary sources of income include his work as an actor in television and film, with consistent earnings from his long-running role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also earns significantly from his work as a director and producer. His production company, Jersey Films, has been behind major box-office successes like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich. More recently, DeVito has also earned income from endorsement deals, such as his partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Legacy and Influence
Danny DeVito’s influence on Hollywood is substantial. Through Jersey Films, he helped launch the careers of filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and produced films that have become cultural touchstones. As an actor, he has defied industry stereotypes and built a career on his unique talent and personality, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in entertainment. His work in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has cemented his status as a comedic icon for multiple generations. He is also known for his political activism, including his support for Bernie Sanders and his vocal criticism of racism in the film industry.
Interesting Facts about Danny DeVito
- His short stature is the result of Fairbank’s disease, also known as multiple epiphyseal dysplasia.
- Before becoming an actor, he trained and worked as a hairdresser in his sister’s salon.
- He was roommates with actor Michael Douglas in the early days of their careers.
- He is the first celebrity spokesperson for the submarine sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s, a place he frequented in his youth in New Jersey.
- DeVito is an avid tweeter, known for his “Trollfoot” posts, where he photographs his own foot in various locations.
- He was considered for the role of Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark but couldn’t take the part due to his commitments to Taxi.
Controversies
While generally a beloved public figure, Danny DeVito has occasionally been involved in controversy. In 2016, during the #OscarsSoWhite debate, he made headlines by stating that the United States is “a racist country.” His comments were part of a larger criticism of the lack of diversity in Academy Award nominations and American society in general. He has also been the subject of fictionalized and sensationalized reports, including a false claim of a heated argument and walk-off on the set of The View and Jimmy Kimmel Live! In 2006, he appeared on The View seemingly intoxicated after a night out with George Clooney, an incident he later discussed with humor.
Social Media Presence
Danny DeVito has a significant presence on social media, particularly on Twitter, where he has cultivated a large following. As of mid-2021, he had over 4.1 million followers on the platform. He is known for his quirky and often humorous posts, most notably his “Trollfoot” series. While he has an official TikTok account, his presence is more pronounced on Twitter.
Final Words about Danny DeVito
At 80 years old, Danny DeVito shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to be a vital presence in Hollywood, with his ongoing role in the perennially popular It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and various film projects. His career is a testament to his immense talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. Having conquered acting, directing, and producing, DeVito has built a lasting legacy as a true original in the entertainment industry, a cultural icon who has brought laughter and memorable characters to audiences for over half a century.
