Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito
Name	Danny DeVito
Caption	DeVito in 2012
Birth name	Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
Birth date	17 November 1944
Birth place	Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, comedian, director, producer
Years active	1969–present
Spouse	Rhea Perlman, 1982, 2017
Children	3, including Lucy DeVito
Alma mater	American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Danny DeVito is an American actor, comedian, director, and producer renowned for his distinctive stature and dynamic career spanning over five decades. He first gained widespread recognition for his role as the dispatcher Louie De Palma on the acclaimed television series Taxi, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. DeVito has since built a formidable reputation in both comedy and drama, starring in major films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Terms of Endearment, Romancing the Stone, and Twins, while also directing and producing through his company Jersey Films, responsible for hits such as Pulp Fiction and Garden State. His unique comedic timing and everyman persona have solidified his status as a beloved and influential figure in American cinema.

Early life and education

Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, to parents of Italian descent. He attended Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, before pursuing his interest in acting. DeVito initially trained as a hairdresser at his mother's beauty salon but soon enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. His early stage work included performances with the Westbeth Theatre Company, where he honed his craft in Off-Off-Broadway productions.

Career

DeVito's film debut came with a minor role in the Dreams of Glass before his breakout performance in Milos Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. His portrayal of Louie De Palma on ABC's Taxi from 1978 to 1983 brought him critical acclaim and several awards. He transitioned to leading film roles in the 1980s, starring in Robert Zemeckis's Romancing the Stone and its sequel The Jewel of the Nile, as well as Ivan Reitman's Twins alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. DeVito also established himself as a director with dark comedies like Throw Momma from the Train and The War of the Roses. He co-founded the production company Jersey Films, which produced significant works including Reality Bites, Get Shorty, and Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. In later years, he gained a new generation of fans for his role as Frank Reynolds on the FX series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and voiced characters in animated films such as The Lorax and the Matilda musical film.

Personal life

DeVito married actress Rhea Perlman in 1982 after meeting her during a production of The Shrinking Bride. They have three children: actors Lucy DeVito and Gracie DeVito, and Jake DeVito. The couple separated in 2012 but reconciled briefly before ultimately separating again in 2017, though they remain close. A longtime resident of Beverly Hills, California, DeVito is also known for his political activism, supporting the Democratic Party and causes such as environmentalism. He is a co-owner of the Devil's Canyon brewery in San Francisco.

Filmography

DeVito's extensive filmography highlights his versatility. Notable acting credits include Terms of Endearment (1983), Ruthless People (1986), Tin Men (1987), Batman Returns (1992) as The Penguin, Matilda (1996) which he also directed, L.A. Confidential (1997), Man on the Moon (1999), Big Fish (2003), and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). His directing work also includes Hoffa (1992) and Death to Smoochy (2002).

Awards and nominations

Throughout his career, DeVito has received numerous accolades. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for Taxi. He has been nominated for multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards, including for his ensemble work in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His production company's film Get Shorty earned a BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In 2011, he received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television.

Legacy and influence

DeVito is regarded as a quintessential character actor whose unique physicality and sharp comedic instinct have left a lasting mark on Hollywood. His successful transition from television star to film lead, director, and influential producer with Jersey Films demonstrates rare versatility. The cultural impact of his portrayal of Frank Reynolds on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia has cemented his status with younger audiences. His work has inspired a generation of performers and filmmakers, and his advocacy for independent cinema through his production efforts has supported the careers of directors like Steven Soderbergh and Quentin Tarantino.

Category:American male film actors Category:American film directors Category:American television actors