Celebrity Info
Danny DeVito has long been a bold and unmistakable force in both television and film, carving out a dynamic career that’s spanned decades. From his early days as a scene-stealing comic actor to becoming a respected director and influential producer, Danny DeVito has consistently reinvented himself while staying true to his roots. It all began with his Emmy-winning performance as the irascible Louie DePalma on the beloved sitcom Taxi (ABC/NBC, 1978–1983), a role that catapulted Danny DeVito into the spotlight and earned him both critical acclaim and popular recognition, including Golden Globe and Emmy Awards in 1980 and 1981.
Born Daniel Michael DeVito, Jr., on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, Danny DeVito grew up in a tight-knit Italian-American family. His early life wasn’t necessarily geared toward stardom—standing just 4’10” due to Fairbank’s disease, he was often underestimated. As a student at Oratory Prep High School in Summit, New Jersey, Danny DeVito first dipped his toes into performance, unknowingly setting the stage for what would become a legendary career. Initially considering a different path, he worked at his sister’s salon before enrolling at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. There, during an audition monologue—a requirement for admission—Danny DeVito received such enthusiastic feedback that he seriously began to consider acting as more than just a hobby.
After graduating, Danny DeVito immersed himself in the theater world, performing with East Coast companies like the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Connecticut, where he forged a lasting friendship with fellow aspiring actor Michael Douglas. He also collaborated with the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective, further honing his craft. A brief stint in Los Angeles led to his screen debut in the indie film Dreams of Glass (1970), followed by a series of minor roles until fate intervened: Michael Douglas cast Danny DeVito as Martini, a patient in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). The film’s massive success opened doors, and soon Danny DeVito became a go-to presence for quirky, offbeat characters.
But it was Taxi that truly made Danny DeVito a household name. Playing the abrasive, fast-talking dispatcher Louie DePalma, he brought a volatile energy that was both hilarious and unforgettable. Riding that wave, Danny DeVito smoothly transitioned into film, delivering standout performances in hits like Terms of Endearment (1983) and Romancing the Stone (1984), where his cunning con man added just the right amount of chaos. By 1987, Danny DeVito had not only starred in successful comedies like Ruthless People and Tin Men, but also stepped behind the camera to direct his first feature, Throw Momma from the Train. The dark comedy, loosely inspired by Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train, paired Danny DeVito with Billy Crystal and became a surprise box office hit—proving that Danny DeVito wasn’t just a talented actor, but a capable filmmaker too.
Buoyed by this success, Danny DeVito co-founded Jersey Films with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher, a production company that would go on to shape 1990s cinema. Under its banner, iconic films like Pulp Fiction (1994), Reality Bites (1991), Out of Sight (1998), and Man on the Moon (1999) were brought to life—films that redefined independent storytelling. In Man on the Moon, Danny DeVito even reprised his real-life connection to Andy Kaufman, playing himself opposite Jim Carrey’s transformative performance.
All the while, Danny DeVito kept acting—and directing—with remarkable range. He delivered memorable turns alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Twins (1988) and Junior (1994), stunned audiences as the grotesque yet tragic Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992), and shone in Norman Jewison’s Other People’s Money (1991). Behind the camera, Danny DeVito helmed acclaimed films like The War of the Roses (1989), reuniting with Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, the gritty labor epic Hoffa (1992) starring Jack Nicholson, and the whimsical Matilda (1996), a beloved adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic.
As the new millennium dawned, Danny DeVito remained as active as ever. While some of his projects, like Drowning Mona (2000) and Death to Smoochy (2002), didn’t find wide audiences, others left a lasting mark. He produced hits like Erin Brockovich (2000), Garden State (2004), and the cult-favorite series Reno 911! (Comedy Central, 2003–09). On screen, he appeared in major films such as LA Confidential (1997), lent his voice to Disney’s Hercules (1997), and delivered a quietly powerful performance in David Mamet’s Heist (2002).
In 2006, Danny DeVito returned to television in a big way, joining the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 2005– ) as Frank Reynolds, the wildly unpredictable father of Glenn Howerton’s character. The role showcased Danny DeVito’s gift for absurd humor and cemented his status as a modern comedy icon. Even as he embraced voice work—like his turn in The Lorax (2012)—and diverse live-action roles in films such as Todd Solondz’s Wiener-Dog (2017), Tim Burton’s Dumbo (2019), and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), Danny DeVito continued producing and mentoring new talent through Jersey Films.
Notably, after a 16-year break from feature directing, Danny DeVito made a quiet return with St. Sebastian, a post-apocalyptic drama that signaled a more introspective phase in his creative journey. And throughout it all—whether working alongside Michael Douglas on Netflix’s The Kominsky Method (2018– ) or simply showing up with unmatched charisma—Danny DeVito proved time and again that his passion for storytelling, in front of or behind the camera, remains undiminished. With a legacy built on bold choices, relentless energy, and undeniable talent, Danny DeVito stands as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and multifaceted figures.
When it comes to Danny DeVito’s film career, there’s a clear standout in terms of critical acclaim. Danny DeVito’s highest rated movie is undoubtedly L.A. Confidential from 1997—a gripping crime drama that earned widespread praise and remains a favorite among fans and critics alike. On the other end of the spectrum, Danny DeVito’s lowest rated film tends to be Look Who’s Talking Now, released in 1993. While it had its moments of humor, the movie didn’t resonate as well with audiences or reviewers. So, when you look at Danny DeVito’s body of work, it’s interesting to see such a contrast between these two films. Still, Danny DeVito has had a long and varied career, and even in less successful projects, his presence often adds a unique flair. Overall, Danny DeVito continues to be a memorable figure in cinema, with roles that span decades and genres.
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