Danny DeVito is a famous American actor, comedian and film producer. He is best known for his role as Louis De Palma in the television series “Taxi” (1978–1983).
Small in stature but versatile, DeVito started his acting career in the 1960s. Since then he has starred in many iconic films and television shows including “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), Terms of Endearment (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), Throw Momma from the Train (1987), and Twins (1988) etc.
DeVito is also a successful director and producer. In 1991, he founded his own production company “Jersey Films” along with Michael Shamberg.The company has also produced several successful films, including “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Get Shorty” (1995), “Erin Brockovich” (2000) and “Garden State” (2004).
DeVito has received numerous award nominations for his acting, including an Academy Award, a Tony Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Emmy Award.
Physical Stats
Full name: | Danny DeVito |
Born: | 17 November 1944, Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA |
Profession: | Comedian, Actor and Writer |
Best Known For: | Television Series “Taxi” (1978–1983)” |
Active: | 1965- Present |
Age: | 79 Years |
Height: | 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m) |
Parents: | Daniel DeVito Sr. & Julia DeVito |
Siblings: | Three |
Religion: | Christian |
Marital Status: | Married |
Spouse: | Rhea Pearlman |
Nationality: | American |
Early Life
Danny DeVito’s real name is Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. He was born on November 17, 1944 in Neptune Township, New Jersey in an Italian-American family. His family is originally from San Fell, Basilicata, Italy and the Arberesh Albanian community of Calabria, Italy.
His father, Daniel DeVito Sr. was a small business owner and mother, Julia DeVito. DeVito is the youngest of two sisters.
Danny was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He was a shy and introverted child since childhood. He was often criticized for his short stature.
DeVito received his primary education from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grammar School. His high school education was from Oratory Preparatory School in New Jersey. After high school, she worked as a cosmetic specialist in her sister’s beauty salon for a few days.
DeVito also studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.
Career
Danny DeVito began his acting career in 1969 in the Broadway plays “Anything with Hair That Moves” and “The Man with the Flower in His Mouth”. He previously worked in many Off-Broadway shows.
DeVito’s first career success came with the role of Martini in the 1975 film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. The film proved to be a commercial success, and DeVito was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
DeVito then played the role of overbearing dispatcher Louis De Palma in the 1978 TV show “Taxi.” This show also proved to be quite successful commercially. DeVito received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for the film.
Danny DeVito’s Movies and Tv Shows
DeVito has starred in many films and TV shows since the 1980s, including.
- Terms of Endearment (1983)
- Romancing the Stone (1984)
- Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
- Roses (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- The Twins and the War of the Roses (1993)
- Jack the Bear (1993)
- Junior (1994)
- Get Shorty (1995)
- Matilda (1996)
- LA Confidential (1997)
- Hercules (1997)
- The Big Kahuna (1999)
- Big Fish (2003)
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006)
- Deck the Halls (2006)
- When in Rome (2010)
- The Lorax (2012)
- Wiener-Dog (2016)
- Smallfoot (2018)
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Television shows
- Taxi (1978-1983)
- Cheers (1982-1983)
- Friends (2004)
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present)
- The Simpsons (1991, 1992, 2013)
- Family Guy (2006)
- Father of the Pride (2004)
- Little Demon (2022)
In 2023, DeVito starred in the Disney horror comedy Haunted Mansion, Chris Pine’s directorial debut Poolman, and the Illumination animated film Migration.
Apart from this, his upcoming film is “Haunted Mansion” (2023) in which he will play the role of DeVito Bruce Davis in the Disney remake.
Role of Producer
Apart from his acting career, DeVito is also a successful director and producer. He has produced several of his own films, including.
- The Ratings Game (1984)
- The Wedding Ring (1986)
- Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
- The War of the Roses (1989)
- Reno 911
- Hoffa (1992)
- Pulp Fiction” (1994)
- Get Shorty (1995)
- Matilda (1996)
- Man on the Moon (1999)
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
- Garden State (2004)
Danny DeVito directed eight short films between 1973 and 2016, including.
- The Sound Sleeper (1973)
- Minestrone (1975)
- Oh Those Lips (2010)
- Evil Eye (2010)
- Poison Tongue (2011)
- Skin Deep (2011)
- Nest of Vipers (2011)
- Curmudgeons (2016)
Awards and Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award (1981): Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “Taxi”.
- Golden Globe Award (1980): Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Television Series for “Taxi” (tied with Vic Tayback for “Alice”).
- Screen Actors Guild Awards (2007): Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”.
- Satellite Awards (1998): Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, Drama for “The Rainmaker”.
- 1997: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical for “Matilda”.
- In 2019, DeVito received the Camerimage International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award for acting.
- DeVito was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2023.
- DeVito was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.
Danny DeVito’s Net worth
Currently, Danny DeVito’s net worth is $80 million. He is a popular comedian who has earned recognition across the world, including America, during his long acting career.
Here is a table showing Danny DeVito’s estimated net worth over the years:
Year | Estimated Net Worth |
2010 | $60 million |
2015 | $70 million |
2020 | $80 million |
2023 | $80 million |
Danny DeVito has earned his huge wealth from his acting and film direction. Currently he is active in the cinema world and his wealth is likely to continue increasing in the coming years.
Life Style
Danny DeVito’s lifestyle is relatively modest. He lives in a big house in Beverly Hills, California, but he is not known for extravagance. He is a fan of sports and often attends sporting events.
DeVito’s is also a philanthropist and has donated to many causes. He has current assets include his Beverly Hills home, a portfolio of investments, and a collection of cars.
Car Collection
- A 2015 Rolls-Royce Wraith
- A 2010 Bentley Continental GT
- A 2005 Maserati Quattroporte
- A 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera
- A 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- A 1989 BMW 750iL
- A 1974 Dodge Dart
- A 1973 Cadillac Eldorado
- A 1970 Chevrolet Camaro
- A 1968 Pontiac GTO
- A 1964 Mercury Monterey
- A 1964 Dodge Dart convertible
Personal Life
Danny DeVito was married to actress Rhea Pearlman on January 28, 1982. They have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito (Born-1983), Grace Fan DeVito (Born-1985) and Jacob Daniel DeVito (Born-1987).
DeVito and Perlman first met while working in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. TheyThey starred in several films and television shows together, including the sitcom “Taxi” and the film “Matilda.” He is also the co-founder of the production company DeVito Pearlman Productions.
In October 2012, the couple announced that they were separating after 30 years of marriage. However, they reconciled in March 2013.
The pairing of DeVito and Pearlman is one of the famous couples of Hollywood. They have been with each other for a long time.
All three of Danny DeVito’s sons are actors. He has appeared in many films.
- Lucy, has appeared in films such as “Curious George” and “Deadwood”.
- Gracie starred in the television series “Californication”.
- Jake has starred in the films “Jack the Giant Slayer” and “Don’t Breathe”.