Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, he stands 4 feet 10 inches tall with a raspy voice and a strong New Jersey accent. DeVito studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his film debut in 1970. His breakthrough came in 1975 with a role in *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He became a household name playing Louie De Palma on the sitcom *Taxi* (1978–1983), earning a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Since 2006, he has portrayed Frank Reynolds on *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, one of the longest-running live-action sitcoms in American television. DeVito has appeared in over 100 films, including *Twins* (1988), *Batman Returns* (1992), and *Matilda* (1996), and has voiced characters in animated hits like *Hercules* (1997) and *The Lorax* (2012). He co-founded the production company Jersey Films in 1991, which produced *Pulp Fiction* (1994) and *Erin Brockovich* (2000), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture as a producer. As of 2026, he continues to star on *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* and remains a beloved figure in popular culture.[edit]

DeVito grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, in a working-class Italian-American household. His father, Daniel DeVito Sr., ran a pool hall and a dry cleaning business; his mother, Julia, was a homemaker. He has two sisters, Angela and Kathleen. At age four, he was diagnosed with Fairbank's disease, a rare genetic condition that affects bone growth, resulting in his short stature. The condition made him a target for bullying but also fueled his determination. He attended Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, where he first performed in school plays. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1966, he worked odd jobs, including as a hairdresser and a janitor, while pursuing acting. His first credited film role was in the 1970 comedy *Dreams of Glass*. In 1975, he was cast as Martini in *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*, a small but pivotal role that led to his casting on *Taxi*.[edit]

DeVito's role as Louie De Palma on *Taxi* (1978–1983) earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy in 1981. After the show ended, he transitioned to film, starring in *Romancing the Stone* (1984) and its sequel *The Jewel of the Nile* (1985). He directed and starred in *Throw Momma from the Train* (1987), then headlined the blockbuster *Twins* (1988) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, which grossed $216 million worldwide. In 1991, he co-founded Jersey Films, which produced *Pulp Fiction* (1994) and *Erin Brockovich* (2000). He played the Penguin in *Batman Returns* (1992) and directed *Matilda* (1996). DeVito voiced Philoctetes in Disney's *Hercules* (1997), the Lorax in *The Lorax* (2012), and Dorgle in *Smallfoot* (2018). Since 2006, he has starred as Frank Reynolds on *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, a role that has introduced him to a younger generation. In 2023, he voiced Dan the Mallard in *Migration*. As of 2026, the show has been renewed through Season 18, and DeVito is set to voice a character in *The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2*.[edit]

DeVito's public persona is that of a lovable curmudgeon, short, bald, raspy-voiced, and perpetually grumpy-looking, yet warm and self-deprecating in interviews. He often wears eccentric clothing, such as bowler hats and colorful suits, which has become part of his brand. On social media, his Twitter and Instagram accounts are known for surreal, humorous posts that have cultivated a cult following. Fans frequently create memes featuring his character Frank Reynolds from *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, and a viral TikTok trend in 2024 saw users comparing themselves to the character. The media often describes him as a "national treasure" and one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. His New Jersey accent and deadpan delivery are defining features of his appeal.[edit]

Danny DeVito stands as a cultural constant, a figure whose name alone evokes a specific brand of chaotic warmth. In August 2026, the 31st most famous person in Comedy ranking places him firmly among the industry's elite, holding steady from the previous cycle within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This placement reflects his enduring presence across decades of television and film, where he commands attention through sheer charisma rather than physical stature. His fanbase operates organically, lacking a formal designated name or structured rituals like organized fan clubs or chart-pushing campaigns. Instead, the audience connects through mutual affection and public gratitude, celebrating his birthday annually on November 17th with social media tributes that range from simple memes to special acknowledgments from partners like Jersey Mike's Subs. The cultural mythology surrounding him is built on verified iconic performances and specific legendary anecdotes that define his career. One widely retold story involves the four words "You're too short," reportedly spoken to him early in his career, creating a narrative of overcoming physical limitations to become a Hollywood icon. A major recent event occurred in San Francisco in July 2026, where graffiti featuring his likeness appeared all over Polk Street; unlike typical celebrity vandalism, DeVito expressed genuine love for the street art. His role in *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* reached its 18th season in August 2026, cementing his status as a television legend whose longevity rivals his film success.[edit]

DeVito bought the film rights to Roald Dahl's *Matilda* personally after the author's death. He almost played Jules Winnfield in *Pulp Fiction* before the role went to Samuel L. Jackson. The Penguin makeup in *Batman Returns* took 4 to 5 hours to apply each day. He has a cameo in *Friends* as himself. DeVito is a vocal advocate for New Jersey and has said he "bleeds New Jersey" despite living in California. He invested in a small winery in California, though its name is not publicly known. He appeared in a 2020 Super Bowl commercial for M&M's and a 2022 ad for Uber Eats. A story fans still retell involves the phrase "You're too short" ruining his life in 1980, a moment that fueled his determination to overcome height-based casting limits. In July 2026, he embraced a wave of graffiti covering Polk Street in San Francisco, viewing the unsanctioned portraits as a sign of connection rather than vandalism. That same month, his narration of *Matilda* at the San Francisco Symphony blended his comedic persona with high-culture classical music, drawing significant media attention. Additionally, his relationship with Rhea Perlman remains a subject of modern lore; despite separating around 2017, they never legally divorced, a fact confirmed in multiple 2026 interviews as an unconventional arrangement that works for them.[edit]

DeVito's parents were Daniel DeVito Sr., a small business owner, and Julia Cantore, a homemaker. He has two sisters, Angela and Kathleen. He was married to actress Rhea Perlman from 1982 until their separation in 2017; they remain legally married and close friends. They have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito (born 1983), a writer; Grace Fan DeVito (born 1985), an actress; and Jacob Daniel DeVito (born 1987), a writer and director. DeVito lives in a home in Beverly Hills, California, which he purchased in 1985. He also owns a property in New York City.[edit]

DeVito is closely associated with his *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* co-stars Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day, with whom he occasionally appears on *The Always Sunny Podcast*. He has a long friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, his co-star in *Twins* and *Junior* (1994). He also worked frequently with director Tim Burton on *Batman Returns* and *Mars Attacks!* (1996). His production company Jersey Films was co-founded with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher.[edit]

DeVito met actress Rhea Perlman in 1970 while both were working as actors in New York. They lived together for over a decade before marrying in 1982. The couple had three children: Lucy (born 1983), Grace (born 1985), and Jacob (born 1987). In 2017, after 35 years of marriage, they announced their separation but have not finalized a divorce. DeVito has stated that they remain close friends and continue to co-parent and spend time together as a family. As of 2026, he has not been publicly linked to anyone else and is not currently dating.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Danny DeVito's net worth stands at $100 million as of 2026. This financial standing stems from a diverse portfolio of acting salaries, producing credits, and strategic real estate holdings. He earned $10 million for *Twins* (1988) and $5 million for *Batman Returns* (1992). For *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, he reportedly earns between $500,000 and $1 million per episode in later seasons. Jersey Films, which he co-founded in 1991, produced successful projects like *Pulp Fiction* (grossed $213 million on an $8 million budget) and *Erin Brockovich* ($256 million on a $52 million budget), earning him an estimated $20 to $30 million in producer shares. He owns a home in Beverly Hills, purchased in 1985 for $1.2 million and now valued at $5 to $7 million, plus a New York City property. Residuals from *Taxi*, *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, and film roles provide ongoing income. He has done minimal endorsement work, including a 2020 Super Bowl commercial for M&M's.[edit]

DeVito won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award in 1981 for his role as Louie De Palma on *Taxi*. He also won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Batman Returns* (1993) and an Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting for *Hercules* (1998). He received a National Board of Review Award for Best Directorial Debut for *Throw Momma from the Train* (1988). As a producer, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for *Erin Brockovich* (2001). He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012.[edit]