Danny Devito – Biography, Age, Height, Wife & Net Worth

Danny DeVito, born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, is an American actor, comedian, director, and producer. He first gained widespread fame as the irascible Louie DePalma on the sitcom Taxi and later found a new generation of fans as Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Over more than five decades, DeVito has built a career that spans television, film, and stage, earning both critical acclaim and popular recognition.

Standing at 4 feet 10 inches, DeVito turned his height into a defining feature rather than a limitation. His filmography includes iconic roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Matilda, and Throw Momma from the Train, as well as producing credits on major films like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich. His personal life, including his long marriage to actress Rhea Perlman, has also drawn public curiosity.

This article provides a comprehensive look at DeVito’s biographical details, career milestones, family, and the questions that fans most frequently ask.

How tall is Danny DeVito and how old is he?

• Danny DeVito is one of the shortest leading men in Hollywood, standing at 4’10”, yet his comedic presence is larger than life.
• He has been married to actress Rhea Perlman since 1982 (separated since 2017 but not legally divorced).
• His role as Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (seasons 2–present) revitalized his career and introduced him to a new generation.
• DeVito directed and starred in the 1996 film Matilda, which remains a beloved family classic.
• He is also a successful producer and director, co-owning Jersey Films with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher.

Who is Danny DeVito’s wife and does he have children?

Who is Rhea Perlman?

Rhea Perlman is an American actress best known for her role as Carla Tortelli on the sitcom Cheers. She met Danny DeVito in 1971 at a dinner party in New York. The couple married in 1982 and have three children together. For more on her career, see our profile of Rhea Perlman.

Are Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman still married?

DeVito and Perlman have been legally married since 1982, but they separated in 2017 after 35 years of marriage. As of 2024, their divorce has not been finalized, and they remain on good terms. Reports indicate they have not pursued a legal dissolution.

Who are Danny DeVito’s children?

DeVito and Perlman have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito (born 1983), Grace Fan DeVito (born 1985), and Jacob Daniel DeVito (born 1987). Lucy has pursued acting, appearing in several episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Who is Danny DeVito’s son Jake?

Jacob Daniel DeVito, known as Jake, is the youngest of the three children. He keeps a relatively low profile compared to his sister Lucy. Little is publicly known about his career or personal life, as he has not sought the spotlight.

What are Danny DeVito’s most famous movies and TV shows?

Early breakthrough: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

DeVito’s first major film role came in 1975, playing Martini in the Oscar-winning One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This role put him on the map as a character actor.

Television success: Taxi (1978–1983)

His portrayal of the scheming dispatcher Louie DePalma on Taxi earned him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. The show ran for five seasons and remains a benchmark of 1970s/80s television comedy.

Directing and starring in Matilda (1996)

DeVito directed and starred as Harry Wormwood in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. The movie became a beloved family classic and is still widely watched.

Later career: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006–present)

Starting in season 2, DeVito joined the cast of the FX comedy series as Frank Reynolds, a wealthy and eccentric bar owner. The show has run for 16 seasons, with a 17th expected, and has introduced DeVito to a younger audience.

Notable filmography (selected)

• Ruthless People (1986)
• Throw Momma from the Train (1987)
• The War of the Roses (1989)
• Hoffa (1992)
• Matilda (1996)
• Death to Smoochy (2002)
• Duplex (2003)

As a producer through Jersey Films, DeVito contributed to Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, Gattaca, Erin Brockovich, and Garden State.

What is Danny DeVito’s net worth and how did he earn it?

DeVito’s net worth is estimated to be around $80 million by various sources, though the exact figure is not publicly confirmed. The range commonly cited falls between $70 million and $100 million. His wealth comes from a combination of acting salaries, directing fees, producing credits, and residuals from long-running shows like Taxi and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

His production company, Jersey Films, co-founded in 1991 with Rhea Perlman and Michael Shamberg, has been a major contributor. The company produced box office hits and critically acclaimed films, generating substantial revenue. DeVito also earned income from directing and acting in multiple films.

What is Danny DeVito’s career timeline?

1. 1944: Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey.
2. 1970: Graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
3. 1975: Breakthrough film role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
4. 1978–1983: Starred as Louie DePalma in Taxi.
5. 1981: Won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Taxi.
6. 1982: Married Rhea Perlman.
7. 1987: Directed and starred in Throw Momma from the Train.
8. 1991/1992: Co-founded Jersey Films.
9. 1996: Directed and starred in Matilda.
10. 2006–present: Joined It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia as Frank Reynolds.
11. 2017: Separated from Rhea Perlman.
12. 2024: Continues acting and producing; upcoming project Game7 (2027).

What is certain and what remains unclear about Danny DeVito?

What is Danny DeVito’s impact on Hollywood?

Danny DeVito’s career is a masterclass in leveraging a unique physicality and comedic timing. His height became a signature trait rather than a limitation. He transitioned from TV star (Taxi) to film lead (Twins, Ruthless People) to respected director (Matilda). His later role in the cult series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia earned him a younger fanbase.

As a producer, he helped bring independent films like Pulp Fiction and Garden State to the screen through Jersey Films. DeVito’s longevity in Hollywood (over 50 years) is rare. He remains active at age 79, defying industry ageism. His personal life, including a long but unconventional marriage, adds to his public intrigue.

Where do these facts come from?

“I’m an actor, director and producer. Winter 2027 Release Game7!!!! ‘100% of proceeds’ goes to 200+ local charities!”

Danny DeVito on Twitter (X), 2024

“Danny DeVito has amassed a formidable and diverse body of work as an actor, producer and director that spans the stage, television and film.”

IMDb biography

“Daniel Michael DeVito Jr., born November 17, 1944, is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. He first gained prominence as the irascible Louie De Palma on the ABC/NBC sitcom Taxi.”

Wikipedia

Primary sources include Wikipedia, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Britannica, Biography.com, and Official Twitter account.

Who is Danny DeVito in a nutshell?

Danny DeVito is a versatile American entertainer whose career spans over 50 years. He is an Emmy-winning actor, a successful film director, and an Oscar-nominated producer. Best known for his roles in Taxi, Matilda, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, he continues to work actively. For a deeper look at his television work, see Danny DeVito’s role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Frequently asked questions about Danny DeVito