Danny DeVito is a legendary American actor, comedian, director, and producer with an estimated net worth of $80 million.
Best known for his iconic roles in both film and television, DeVito has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his unique presence, exceptional comedic timing, and versatility across multiple genres.
Over the course of his five-decade career, he has starred in beloved classics like Taxi (1978-1983), Twins (1988), Batman Returns (1992), and Matilda (1996).
More recently, he has continued to delight audiences with his role as Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a cult-favorite TV series that has become one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms in television history.
Beyond acting, DeVito has made a significant impact as a film director and producer, with his company Jersey Films backing critically acclaimed projects such as Pulp Fiction (1994), Erin Brockovich (2000), and Garden State (2004).
Early Life and Background
Childhood and Family
Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He was raised in the nearby city of Asbury Park in a working-class Italian-American family.
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His father, Daniel DeVito Sr., owned a small business, while his mother, Julia DeVito, was a homemaker.
DeVito grew up with two older sisters and was the youngest in the family. From a young age, he developed a passion for entertaining people, often using humor as a way to stand out.
Fairbank’s Disease
DeVito’s short stature (4 feet 10 inches) is due to a rare genetic disorder called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease), which affects bone growth.
While this could have been a significant obstacle in a career dominated by tall, conventionally attractive actors, DeVito turned it into an advantage, using his unique appearance and personality to carve a niche in Hollywood.
Education and Early Acting Interests
Danny DeVito attended Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, a Catholic boarding school. Initially, he had no intention of becoming an actor and instead worked at his sister’s beauty salon after graduation.
However, he eventually developed an interest in makeup artistry, which led him to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
It was there that he was required to perform a monologue as part of his application. The overwhelming positive feedback from that performance convinced him to pursue acting seriously, and he graduated from the academy in 1966.
Acting Career
Early Career: Theater and Film Breakthrough
Danny DeVito started his acting career in the late 1960s with off-Broadway plays and small roles in theater productions. His breakthrough came when he landed a part in the stage adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in 1971.
His performance caught the attention of Hollywood, and he was later cast in the 1975 film version, starring Jack Nicholson.
The film was a massive success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. This early exposure helped DeVito gain recognition, but his true rise to fame came a few years later with television.
TV Stardom: “Taxi” (1978-1983)
In 1978, DeVito was cast as Louie De Palma, the short-tempered, sarcastic dispatcher in the hit television series Taxi. The show was a huge success, running for five seasons and earning DeVito both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
His portrayal of Louie De Palma—grumpy, yet oddly lovable—became one of television’s most memorable characters.
Taxi made DeVito a household name, paving the way for a long and successful career in both television and film.
Hollywood Success: 1980s-1990s
Following Taxi, DeVito transitioned into film, starring in a string of hits throughout the 1980s and 1990s:
- “Terms of Endearment” (1983) – A drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture
- “Romancing the Stone” (1984) and “The Jewel of the Nile” (1985) – Adventure comedies with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner
- “Ruthless People” (1986) – A dark comedy alongside Bette Midler
- “Twins” (1988) – A massive box office hit co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger
- “Batman Returns” (1992) – Played The Penguin, one of his most iconic roles in Tim Burton’s Batman sequel
During this period, DeVito also stepped behind the camera, directing movies like “Throw Momma from the Train” (1987), “The War of the Roses” (1989), and “Matilda” (1996).
2000s-Present: Modern Career and “It’s Always Sunny”
In the 2000s, DeVito continued acting but gained renewed popularity when he joined FX’s dark comedy series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in 2006.
His role as Frank Reynolds, a corrupt, morally bankrupt, yet hilarious character, became a fan favorite.
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The show has since become one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms in history, with DeVito’s presence playing a big part in its longevity.
Recent projects include:
- “Dumbo” (2019) – A live-action remake directed by Tim Burton
- “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019) – Played Eddie Gilpin alongside Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart
- “Haunted Mansion” (2023) – Co-starred in Disney’s horror-comedy film
Production Ventures: Jersey Films
Danny DeVito co-founded Jersey Films in 1991, producing award-winning films like:
- Pulp Fiction (1994)
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
- Garden State (2004)
- Man on the Moon (1999)
His production company also created the hit comedy series “Reno 911!”
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Danny DeVito married actress Rhea Perlman in 1982, and they had three children together. The couple separated in 2012 but later reconciled, only to separate again in 2017. However, they have never officially divorced, remaining close friends and business partners.
Philanthropy
DeVito is a strong advocate for charitable causes and social activism. In 2023, he donated $500,000 to the Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Real Estate and Assets
DeVito and Perlman owned multiple properties, including a 14,579-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion, which they sold for $24 million in 2015. They also co-own a Malibu home in Point Dume.
