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Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. (born November 17, 1944) is an American actor and filmmaker. Known for his short stature, raspy voice, and energetic comedy roles, he gained prominence for his portrayal of the taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the television series Taxi (1978–1983), which won him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award. Since 2006, he has played Frank Reynolds on the FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Key Information

DeVito is known for his film roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Terms of Endearment (1983), Head Office (1985), Ruthless People (1986), Throw Momma from the Train (1987), Twins (1988), The War of the Roses (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Jack the Bear (1993), Junior (1994), Matilda (1996), L.A. Confidential (1997), The Big Kahuna (1999), Big Fish (2003), Deck the Halls (2006), When in Rome (2010), Wiener-Dog (2016) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019). He has voiced roles in such films as Hercules (1997), The Lorax (2012), Smallfoot (2018) and Migration (2023).

DeVito and Michael Shamberg founded Jersey Films. Soon afterwards, Stacey Sher became an equal partner. The production company is known for films such as Pulp Fiction (1994), Garden State (2004) and Freedom Writers (2007). DeVito also owned Jersey Television, which produced the Comedy Central series Reno 911!. DeVito and wife Rhea Perlman starred together in his 1996 film Matilda, based on Roald Dahl's children's novel. DeVito was also one of the producers nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for Erin Brockovich (2000).

From 2012 to 2013, DeVito played Willie Clark in the West End revival of Neil Simon's The Sunshine Boys. He made his Broadway debut as Gregory Solomon in the revival of Arthur Miller's The Price (2017), earning a Tony Award nomination for his performance. He returned to Broadway in the Theresa Rebeck play I Need That (2023).

Early life and education

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DeVito at Oratory Preparatory School in 1962.

DeVito was born at Raleigh Fitkin-Paul Morgan Memorial Hospital in Neptune Township, New Jersey, the son of Daniel DeVito Sr., a small business owner and Julia DeVito (née Moccello).[2][3] He grew up in a family of five, with his parents and two older sisters.[4] He is of Italo-Albanian descent; his family is originally from San Fele, Basilicata,[5] as well as from the Arbëresh Albanian community of Calabria.[6][7] He was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey. He lived a few miles away from the original Jersey Mike's location and would eat there frequently, which would inspire him to become the sub shop's first celebrity spokesman in a line of commercials that began to air in September 2022.[8][9]

DeVito was raised as a Catholic. When he was 14, he persuaded his father to send him to boarding school to "keep him out of trouble",[4] and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, in 1962. While working as a beautician at his sister's salon, his search for a professional makeup instructor led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts,[10] where he graduated in 1966. In his early theater days, he performed with the Colonnades Theater Lab at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut. Along with his future wife Rhea Perlman, he appeared in plays produced by the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective.

Career

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Acting

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Before he became an actor, Danny DeVito worked in a morgue as a cosmetologist, styling the hair of the deceased. He began this after a client of his died where he worked as a beautician at his sister's salon in New Jersey, and her family asked him to do her hair for her funeral.[11] DeVito started his career acting off-Broadway in the plays Shoot Anything With Hair That Moves and The Man with the Flower in His Mouth both in 1969. DeVito played Martini in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest directed by Milos Forman, reprising his role from the 1971 off-Broadway play of the same title. He had his feature film debut in the drama Dreams of Glass (1970). Early film roles include Lady Liberty (1971), Hurry Up, or I'll Be 30 (1973) and Deadly Hero (1975).

In 1977, DeVito played the role of John "John John the Apple" DeAppoliso in the Starsky & Hutch episode "The Collector".[12] DeVito gained fame in 1978 playing Louie De Palma, the short but domineering dispatcher for the fictional Sunshine Cab Company, on the hit TV show Taxi. For his performance he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film. He got the role by astonishing the show's creators during the audition when asking them "Who wrote this shit?" then throwing the script on the table.[13]

After his breakthrough on the sitcom Taxi, DeVito devoted more effort to a growing successful film career. He took a supporting role as Vernon Dalhart in the James L. Brooks directed comedy-drama Terms of Endearment (1983) acting alongside Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson. The film earned critical acclaim as well as the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The following year he acted in the crime comedy Johnny Dangerously (1984) and took the role as the comic rogue Ralph in the romantic adventure Romancing the Stone (1984), starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner; and its sequel, The Jewel of the Nile (1985). In 1986, DeVito starred in Ruthless People with Bette Midler and Judge Reinhold and also voiced the character Grundle King in My Little Pony: The Movie. In 1987 he acted in director Barry Levinson's Tin Men (1987), as a rival salesman to Richard Dreyfuss' character.

In 1990, he and Rhea Perlman played the couple Vic & Paula, commenting on the state of the environment in The Earth Day Special. The following year he acted in Other People's Money (1991) with Gregory Peck. In 1991 and 1992, DeVito voiced Herb Powell in The Simpsons episodes "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?" and "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?".[14][15] In 1992 he portrayed the villain Oswald Cobblepot / The Penguin in director Tim Burton's Batman Returns (1992) acting opposite Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken. That same year he directed and produced the biographical drama film Hoffa (1992) starring Jack Nicholson. He also acted in the film portraying Bobby Ciaro. DeVito also acted opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the comedies Twins (1988) and Junior (1994).

DeVito at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2010

In 1995, DeVito appeared in the gangster comedy Get Shorty. In 1996, he took supporting roles as Swackhammer in the Looney Tunes live-action / animated sports comedy Space Jam and reunited with Tim Burton's science fiction comedy Mars Attacks! starring Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan, Martin Short and Natalie Portman.

In 1997, he played Deck Shifflet in the legal thriller The Rainmaker starring Matt Damon and Claire Danes as well as Sid Hudgens, editor of a sleazy tabloid called Hush-Hush, who gets tips ahead of time of celebrity arrests in the neo-noir thriller L.A. Confidential with Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and Kevin Spacey, the latter of which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. That same year he also voiced Phil in the Walt Disney Animated film Hercules (1997). Leonard Klady of Variety praised the voice performances writing, "As in Aladdin, the melding of character animation with the screen personae of the actors voicing the roles provides forceful and amusing entertainment, particularly in DeVito's turn as a physical trainer and the acid wit James Woods brings to his villainous role."[16]

He starred in Living Out Loud (1998) alongside Helen Hunt and Queen Latifah, reunited with Kevin Spacey in The Big Kahuna (1999) and hosted the last Saturday Night Live episode before the year 2000. In 1999, he produced and co-starred in the biographical drama film Man on the Moon, a film about the unusual life of his former Taxi co-star Andy Kaufman, played in the film by Jim Carrey. He also played Dr. Hornicker in the Sofia Coppola directed The Virgin Suicides (1999) starring Kirsten Dunst. He continued to take roles in comedy films such as Drowning Mona (2000), Screwed (2000), What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001), Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), Anything Else (2003) and Be Cool (2005).[17] He also acted in the drama films Heist (2001) and Big Fish (2004). He earned a 2004 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series nomination for his role of a stripper in the NBC sitcom Friends,[18]

DeVito with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia castmates Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for DeVito on August 18, 2011

In 2006, he joined the cast of the FX / FXX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as Frank Reynolds. DeVito stars opposite Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, Kaitlin Olson and Charlie Day. The character of Frank Reynolds is introduced at the beginning of Season 2. He received a nomination for the Satellite Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy Series. DeVito said of the show "I loved it. It was fucking outrageous just the way they are. I immediately said, 'Yeah, this is an amazing show.'"[19] Also in 2006 he starred opposite Matthew Broderick in the Christmas comedy film Deck the Halls.

DeVito has an interest in documentaries. In 2006 he began a partnership with Morgan Freeman's company ClickStar, for whom he hosts the documentary channel Jersey Docs. He was also interviewed in the documentary Revenge of the Electric Car, discussing his interest in and ownership of electric vehicles. DeVito has directed eight short films between 1973 and 2016, five of which were released across 2010 and 2011. These are The Sound Sleeper (1973), Minestrone (1975), Oh Those Lips (2010), Evil Eye (2010), Poison Tongue (2011), Skin Deep (2011), Nest of Vipers (2011) and Curmudgeons (2016). In 2011, DeVito received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television.[20] In 2012, he voiced the title character in the animated version of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. He appeared in the Angry Birds Friends "Champions for Earth" tournament advertisement in September 2015. Following the Japanese release of the Nintendo 3DS game Detective Pikachu, dedicated Pokémon fans submitted a 40,000-signature petition requesting that DeVito be the English voice actor for the title character. However, he declined to audition for the role, commenting that he was unfamiliar with the franchise.[21][22]

In April 2012, DeVito made his West End acting debut in a revival of the Neil Simon play The Sunshine Boys as Willie Clark, alongside Richard Griffiths.[12] It previewed at the Savoy Theatre in London from April 27, 2012, opened on May 17 and played a limited 12-week season until July 28.[23] DeVito played a fictional version of himself in the music video of One Direction's song "Steal My Girl" (2014).[24][25] He also appeared in the short film Curmudgeons,[26] which he also produced and directed. In 2013, he would voice Herb for a third time in the episode "The Changing of the Guardian".[citation needed] DeVito made his Broadway debut in a Roundabout Theatre Company revival of the Arthur Miller play The Price as Gregory Solomon. He acted opposite Mark Ruffalo and Tony Shalhoub. Marilyn Stasio of Variety praised DeVito's performance writing, "DeVito, who holds the audience in the palm of his hand, tends to favor the comic side, making an extended meal out of an egg-eating visual gag. But he also draws on down-to-earth Jewish wisdom to keep family hostilities from boiling over and spoiling the financial negotiations".[27] He went on to be nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. The production began preview performances at the American Airlines Theatre on February 16, 2017, and opened on March 16 for a limited run-through on May 7.

In 2018 he had a guest starring role in the Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method acting opposite Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin. He also voiced Dorgle in the Warner Bros. animated film Smallfoot (2018). The following year in 2019 he reunited with Tim Burton playing Max Medici in the live action Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Dumbo, a remake of the 1941 animated film. He acted alongside Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton and Eva Green. He also played Eddie Gilpin in the action comedy film Jumanji: The Next Level starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan. The film was a box office and critical success. In 2020 he voiced Bob, a stray dog in The One and Only Ivan. In 2021 he played Charlie Goldman the biographical HBO drama film The Survivor. That same year DeVito wrote a 12-page story centered on the Penguin and Catwoman for the anthology comic Gotham City Villains.[28] In 2023 he acted in the Disney horror comedy Haunted Mansion, Chris Pine's directorial film debut Poolman and the Illumination animated film Migration. Also in 2023 he returned to Broadway in the Theresa Rebeck play I Need That.

Directing

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DeVito made his directorial debut in 1984 with The Ratings Game. In 1986, he directed and starred in the black comedy "The Wedding Ring", a season 2 episode of Steven Spielberg's anthology series Amazing Stories, where his character acquires an engagement ring for his wife (played by DeVito's real-life wife, actress Rhea Perlman). When the ring is slipped on his wife's finger, she is possessed by the ring's former owner, a murderous black widow. In 1987 he made his feature-directing debut with the dark comedy Throw Momma from the Train, in which he starred with Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey.[29] For his performance he earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy nomination.[30]

DeVito reunited with Jewel of the Nile co-stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in 1989 when he directed and starred alongside them in The War of the Roses. In 1996 he directed Matilda (1996), a film adaptation of Roald Dahl's 1988 classic children's novel of the same name. Critic Roger Ebert of The Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "There is never a moment (except toward the happy ending) that we sense DeVito is anything other than quite serious about this material. He goes with Dahl's macabre vision."[31] He also served as the Narrator and played the villainous used-car dealer father Harry Wormwood opposite his wife Rhea Perlman. The following year, he was in talks to direct the crime drama The Little Things with Robert De Niro at that time set to star,[32] and The Crowded Room with Leonardo DiCaprio.[33] Both projects were eventually realized in the 2020s, but without DeVito's involvement.

In 1997, DeVito was in talks for a $13-million deal to both star in and direct Mystery Men, but negotiations broke down over who would produce the soundtrack. "It was a big deal for me," DeVito said. "I really wanted it, so I walked away from the project."[34]

In 1998, he committed to star in and direct both the sci-fi film Barthe for TriStar, about an alien who falls in love,[35][32] and a remake of The Man Who Came to Dinner for DreamWorks.[36] In 1999, DeVito was attached to star, direct and produce Jason Keller's spec script Sugar's Sweet Science of Bruising for New Line Cinema.[37][32]

For the next two years, DeVito was attached to film Michael Petroni's Revelations, a "supernatural religious thriller" that was to have starred George Clooney. The project was delayed due to rewrites however.[38][39] DeVito was also at one time attached to direct How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.[40] He instead resurfaced with Death to Smoochy (2002) and Duplex (2003), which were made back-to-back. Before the release of the latter, DeVito agreed to direct a remake of 1942's I Married a Witch for Tom Cruise and Columbia Pictures, announcing to Variety that he hoped to begin production by the end of the year.[41]

Instead of I Married a Witch, he sought to make Trump vs. Wynn as his next directorial project after receiving an offer from HBO. Written by Rick Cleveland, the script chronicles business tycoons Donald Trump and Steve Wynn's competition to build a casino in Atlantic City.[42] DeVito was expected to direct, produce and star in an unspecified role, but he dropped out after meeting with both figures, who protested the film's production.[32]

He directed the pilot episode for a proposed 2005 Imagine TV sitcom Queen B,[43] which was not picked up by the network for series.

In 2009, it was reported that DeVito would direct and produce the biopic Crazy Eddie, based on the life of consumer electronics king Eddie Antar, from a script by Peter Steinfeld.[44] However the film could not be made due to a life rights deal that was made with Antar.[45] Instead, he pivoted to making the apocalyptic horror thriller St. Sebastian,[46] which completed post-production in 2012 but to this day has not been released.[47] DeVito also worked on the independently financed Honeymoon with Dad, a comedy which never went into production.[48]

DeVito has written a film adaptation of and been, since 2008, attached to direct The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle with Morgan Freeman, Pierce Brosnan and Saoirse Ronan starring.[49] The production was halted when Freeman was seriously injured in a car accident two weeks before filming was scheduled to commence.[50][51] DeVito returned to the subject in February 2013, saying he was looking for another young actress to star in the title role and scouting movie locations in Ireland. Production was expected to restart in July 2014.[50][52] The release date is still classified as "TBD" without any new information as to whether it will be shot.[53]

Producing

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DeVito founded Jersey Films in 1991,[54] producing films like Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995), Erin Brockovich (2000) (for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture), Gattaca (1997) and Garden State (2004).

DeVito also produced the Comedy Central series Reno 911!, the film spin-off Reno 911!: Miami and the revival on Quibi.[55][56]

In 2019, his company Jersey Films optioned the screen rights to make a film of Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation, by Dan Fagin.[57]

Personal life

[edit]

DeVito stands 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m) tall.[1] His short stature is the result of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank's disease), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth.[58][59]

DeVito with Rhea Perlman in 2006

On January 17, 1971, DeVito met Rhea Perlman when she went to see a friend in the single performance of the play The Shrinking Bride, which featured DeVito.[60] They moved in together two weeks later[61] and married on January 28, 1982.[62] They have three children: Lucy, Grace and Jacob.[63]

Perlman and DeVito have acted alongside each other several times, including in the television show Taxi and the feature film Matilda (where they played Matilda's parents).[63] They separated in October 2012, after 30 years of marriage and over 40 years together,[63] then reconciled in March 2013.[64] They separated for a second time in March 2017, but remained on amicable terms and Perlman stated they had no intent of filing for divorce.[65] In 2019, Perlman told interviewer Andy Cohen that she and DeVito have become closer friends after their separation than they were in their final years as a couple.[66]

Before their separation, DeVito and Perlman resided in a 14,579-square-foot (1,354 m2) house in Beverly Hills, California, that they purchased in 1994; they sold the property for US$24 million in April 2015. They still own a bungalow near Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and a multi-residence compound on Broad Beach in Malibu.[67][68] They also frequented a home they owned in Interlaken, New Jersey, to get away from Los Angeles.[69]

DeVito has mentioned being a big fan of singer Mike Patton's various musical projects, being introduced to his work though his son Jacob in 2005.[70] DeVito collaborated with Patton on a music video and has attended several of his concerts, with Perlman contributing an introductory voiceover to an album by Mr. Bungle, one of Patton's bands.[71][72] In 2016, DeVito also included music from Patton's band Faith No More on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.[73]

Acting credits and accolades

[edit]
Main articles: Danny DeVito filmography and List of awards and nominations received by Danny DeVito

DeVito has an extensive film career, dating back to the early 1970s.

Selected work:

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Danny DeVito

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Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. (born November 17, 1944) is an American actor, comedian, director, and producer best known for his roles as the short-tempered taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma on the ABC/ (1978–1983) and the eccentric on the FX/Hulu series (2006–present). DeVito was born in , to Italian-American parents Julia Moccello, a homemaker, and Daniel DeVito Sr., who owned a ; his of 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m) stems from Fairbank's disease, a rare form of that affects bone growth. After attending Catholic schools in Asbury Park and graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in in 1966, he began his career in theater in the late 1960s before moving to , where he landed early film roles including Martini in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). His breakthrough came with Taxi, for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981 and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film in 1980, along with additional Golden Globe nominations in 1979, 1981, and 1982. DeVito transitioned to film stardom in the 1980s and 1990s with comedic roles in (1984), (1986), and Twins (1988) opposite , the latter earning him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy in 1989; he also received a nomination in 1988 for starring in . Notable dramatic turns include the Penguin in (1992) and producer credits through his company Jersey Films for acclaimed works like (1994) and (2000), the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He directed films such as Hoffa (1992) and Matilda (1996), blending his talents across genres. In recent years, DeVito has continued voicing characters like in The Lorax (2012) and appearing in (2019) and Haunted Mansion (2023), while starring in the animated series Little Demon (2022) with his daughter ; he starred in season 17 of , which premiered on July 9, 2025. DeVito married actress on January 26, 1982, after meeting her in 1971; the couple has three children— (born 1983), Grace (born 1985), and (born 1987)—and, despite separations in 2012 and 2017, remain legally married and maintain a close family bond while living separately.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in , the third of five children born to Italian-American parents Daniel DeVito Sr. and Julia (née Moccello) DeVito. His father operated several small businesses, including a dry-cleaning shop, a outlet, a candy store, and a pool hall known as the Crown Billiard Academy. His mother served as a homemaker, managing the household for the family, which included two older sisters, Angela and Theresa, though the DeVitos had tragically lost two children, including a son, prior to Danny's birth. DeVito spent his formative years in a working-class neighborhood in , a blue-collar community that swelled with tourists from and during summers but harbored underlying challenges like crime and drug issues. The family environment emphasized love, humor, and togetherness despite financial constraints, with DeVito recalling his parents' hard work and the close-knit dynamics that shaped his early worldview. He gained early exposure to entertainment through regular visits to local theaters, including the , St. James, Lyric, and Paramount, where he watched films weekly, sparking a lifelong fascination with movies and storytelling. DeVito was born with Fairbank's disease, clinically known as , a rare that disrupts and development, ultimately resulting in his adult of 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 m). This condition manifested during his youth, making him the smallest child in his classes and influencing his self-perception; he later reflected on challenges such as being unable to with girls he admired, which heightened feelings of difference amid typical adolescent experiences. Despite these hurdles, his early passion for cinema provided an outlet, as watching films at home and in theaters from around age 11 inspired interests in performance and even makeup artistry, laying the groundwork for his creative pursuits.

Education and early training

DeVito attended grammar school in Asbury Park for his early education. He attended Oratory Preparatory School, a Catholic all-boys high school in , where he participated in student theater productions, including roles in plays such as St. and The Billion Dollar Saint. He graduated in 1962 with no immediate plans for college, reflecting on the period as one of uncertainty about his future career path. Following high school, DeVito joined his sister Angela's beauty salon in Asbury Park, New Jersey, initially learning basic hairdressing skills like cutting and perming from family members. To advance professionally, he enrolled at the Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture in Asbury Park, completing a four-month program that earned him a cosmetology license. He then worked as a licensed stylist at the salon for approximately two years during the mid-1960s, handling shampoos, sets, and client services in an environment that fostered his early interest in creative expression. As the salon expanded into cosmetics, DeVito's sister encouraged him to pursue formal makeup training, leading him to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in around 1963. Initially attending classes focused on makeup artistry, he performed a during an audition that impressed faculty, prompting him to shift toward studies; he completed the full program and graduated in 1966. This vocational pivot, supported by his family's encouragement of artistic pursuits, marked the beginning of his structured training in performance. After graduation, DeVito relocated fully to in 1966 to immerse himself in the theater scene, taking evening acting classes while seeking opportunities. His professional stage debut came in 1969 with an production of Luigi Pirandello's The Man with a Flower in His Mouth, where he performed in a program of one-act plays, establishing his foothold in experimental theater.

Career

Television career

DeVito began his television career with guest appearances in the 1970s, including roles in series such as in 1977. His breakthrough came with the role of the abrasive cab dispatcher Louie De Palma on the ABC/NBC sitcom (1978–1983), where he portrayed a diminutive but domineering figure whose sharp wit and volatility became central to the show's ensemble dynamic. For this performance, DeVito received four Primetime Emmy nominations, winning Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981; he also directed several episodes of the series, blending his acting and creative talents. In the 1980s and 1990s, DeVito continued to build his television presence through voice work and guest spots that highlighted his distinctive gravelly voice and comedic timing. He voiced Homer Simpson's half-brother Herb Powell on in the 1991 episode "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" and reprised the role in 1992's "Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?," 2013's "" (in a brief non-speaking cameo), and the 2024 season 36 premiere "Bart's Birthday," establishing the character as a recurring, eccentric family member whose inventions often led to chaotic family interactions. DeVito also directed early episodes of the short-lived sitcom Mary (1985–1986), starring , contributing to its behind-the-scenes production during a period when he balanced television with emerging film opportunities. From the 2000s onward, DeVito solidified his status as a television mainstay with his portrayal of the sleazy, unpredictable Frank Reynolds on FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–present), joining in season 2 and appearing in over 170 episodes by 2025, where his character's outrageous schemes and physical comedy drove much of the show's boundary-pushing humor. He made a guest appearance as Frank Reynolds in the 2025 Abbott Elementary episode "Volunteers," part of a crossover event with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia that aired on January 8, 2025, showcasing his character's disruptive energy in a school setting. Additional credits include a 2015 guest role as the ghost Giuseppe Monamocce on Hulu's Deadbeat (2014–2016). Overall, DeVito has amassed over 50 television series and specials, predominantly in character-driven comedies that leverage his ability to blend menace with vulnerability.

Film career

DeVito's entry into film came in the mid-1970s with supporting roles that showcased his knack for portraying quirky, memorable characters. He made his screen debut as the patient Martini in Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), a role that highlighted his ability to blend vulnerability with subtle humor amid the ensemble cast led by . The following year, he appeared as the sleazy car wash manager in the ensemble comedy (1976), directed by , further establishing his presence in character-driven Hollywood productions. The 1980s marked DeVito's ascent as a prominent , transitioning from bit parts to more substantial roles in both comedies and adventures. In (1984), directed by , he played the villainous Ralph, a henchman whose manic energy complemented the film's action-romance tone opposite and . He followed with the lead role of the bumbling kidnapper Sam Stone in the black comedy (1986), co-directed by , , and , earning praise for his timing alongside . DeVito also starred as Owen Lift in (1987), which he directed, playing a timid inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train in a dark comedic plot with . DeVito's versatility peaked in the late 1980s and with high-profile blockbusters and dramatic turns that expanded his range beyond comedy. In Ivan Reitman's Twins (1988), he starred as the street-smart con artist Vincent Benedict opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger's Julius Benedict, their contrasting physiques driving the buddy comedy's success. He delivered a transformative performance as the grotesque Oswald Cobblepot, the Penguin, in Tim Burton's (1992), a role that required extensive prosthetics and garnered acclaim for its villainous . That same year, DeVito directed and co-starred as the loyal aide Bobby Ciaro in Hoffa, portraying a fictional associate to Jack Nicholson's titular union leader in a gritty biopic. Into the 1990s and 2000s, DeVito balanced family-oriented projects, , and fantasy, often blending producing with acting. He directed, produced, and starred as the neglectful father Harry Wormwood in Matilda (1996), adapting Roald Dahl's story with his then-wife as the mother, emphasizing themes of empowerment through his character's comedic antagonism. In Curtis Hanson's (1997), he portrayed tabloid editor Sid Hudgens, providing sardonic narration and commentary on 1950s Hollywood corruption. DeVito appeared as the circus ringmaster Amos Calloway in Tim Burton's whimsical (2003), a supporting role that added eccentric flair to the film's tall-tale narrative. He voiced the environmental guardian in the animated (2012), directed by , infusing the character with gravelly urgency across multiple dubbed languages. In the 2010s and , DeVito continued as a reliable ensemble player in family adventures and blockbusters, while collaborating with family members. He joined the cast of Jake Kasdan's (2017) in a pivotal role that carried into the sequel Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), playing the curmudgeonly Eddie Gilpin trapped in the game's chaotic world. DeVito portrayed circus owner Max Medici in Burton's live-action (2019), guiding the young elephant's story with heartfelt showmanship. In 2024, he starred alongside his daughter in A Sudden Case of Christmas, a holiday comedy directed by , where they played family members navigating divorce and reconciliation during an impromptu summer celebration. As of 2025, DeVito is developing an untitled sequel to Twins with Schwarzenegger, tentatively titled , exploring the brothers discovering a third sibling. Throughout his career, DeVito has amassed over 100 credits, spanning , , and voice work, evolving from a in supporting roles to a versatile performer capable of leading ensembles and voicing icons.

Directing and producing

DeVito co-founded the production company Jersey Films in 1992 alongside producers and . The company has produced numerous and television projects, including several critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles. DeVito made his feature film directing debut with the Throw Momma from the Train in 1987, in which he also starred alongside . He followed this with The War of the Roses (1989), a take on marital discord featuring and ; Hoffa (1992), a biopic of labor leader starring , where DeVito again appeared on screen; Matilda (1996), an adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's novel starring ; and (2002), a dark on children's television with and . Over his career, DeVito has directed six feature films, often blending humor with . As a producer, DeVito's credits through Jersey Films include the executive production of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994), which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and received seven Academy Award nominations. He also produced Erin Brockovich (2000), starring Julia Roberts in an Oscar-winning performance, earning the film a Best Picture nomination. Other notable producing efforts encompass Garden State (2004), Zach Braff's directorial debut, and the Comedy Central series Reno 911! (2003–2009), along with its 2007 theatrical spin-off Reno 911!: Miami and later iterations through 2020. In more recent years, DeVito has continued producing, serving as an on the long-running FX/FXX series since 2006, which entered its seventeenth season in 2025. His producing work spans both television and film, reflecting a sustained involvement in the industry up to 2025. DeVito's directorial style frequently favors dark comedies and intricate character studies, exploring themes of dysfunction and resilience with a mix of and .

Personal life

Marriage and family

DeVito met actress on January 17, 1971, when she attended a performance of the play The Shrinking Bride in to support a friend; DeVito was performing in the production, and the two began dating shortly after, moving in together just two weeks later. After more than a decade together, they married on January 28, 1982. The couple announced their separation in October 2012 after 30 years of marriage, but reconciled in March 2013. They separated again in 2017, yet remain legally married as of 2025, maintaining an open arrangement that allows them to live separately while staying close as friends and co-parents. DeVito and Perlman prioritize privacy in their personal lives but occasionally make joint public appearances, such as at award shows, and continue to support each other's endeavors. DeVito and Perlman have three children: daughter Lucy Chet DeVito (born March 11, 1983), who is an actress; daughter Grace Fan DeVito (born March 1985); and son Jacob Daniel DeVito (born October 1987). The family has collaborated professionally, notably with Lucy appearing alongside her father in the 2024 film . DeVito and Perlman actively encourage their children's pursuits, with Lucy following in her parents' footsteps in and Jacob working in film production. In recent years, DeVito has embraced grandparenthood, becoming a grandfather to two grandchildren from his daughters and Grace. In a January 2025 interview with , DeVito described the role as his "greatest joy," sharing how he teaches his children about the rewards of parenting and delights in spending time with his grandchildren.

Health and philanthropy

DeVito was born with , commonly known as Fairbank's disease, a rare that affects bone growth and development, leading to his of 4 feet 10 inches. The condition, diagnosed in childhood, causes lifelong challenges including potential joint issues and premature , though DeVito has not publicly disclosed any major health complications in recent years. Through his production company Jersey Films, DeVito has supported environmental causes by optioning the rights to Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation, a Pulitzer Prize-winning book detailing industrial pollution's impact on a community and the resulting cancer cluster. This project underscores his commitment to raising awareness about and corporate accountability. DeVito is a vocal political activist, consistently endorsing Democratic candidates and progressive policies. He publicly supported Senator ' presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020, praising Sanders as "the man to beat Trump" and change the U.S. system. In 2024, he joined Hollywood figures in endorsing Vice President for president. DeVito has also advocated for representation in media, signing a 2019 open letter with actors including and that called on Hollywood to cast more performers with disabilities and treat as a core aspect of diversity to combat stigma. In 2025 interviews marking his 80th year, DeVito reflected on the resilience required to manage his condition, crediting support and a strong for his enduring career success despite physical challenges. He emphasized staying active through work as a source of , stating, "I think when I'm working I'm happiest," and celebrated his unique identity rather than lamenting limitations. DeVito also highlighted the role of in his life, expressing joy in his grandfather duties and noting how familial bonds have bolstered his perseverance.

Recognition

Awards and nominations

DeVito's critically acclaimed performance as Louie De Palma in the television series (1978–1983) marked a significant career milestone, earning him his first major award wins and multiple nominations. He received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding in a Series in 1981 for . He was also nominated for the same category for in 1979, 1982, and 1983, as well as for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Series for Friends in 2004. Additionally, DeVito won the Golden Globe Award for Best in a Series, , or Motion Picture Made for Television in 1980 for , with further nominations in the same category for in 1979, 1981, and 1982, and for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or for in 1987 and in 1988. In film, DeVito's contributions as an actor and have garnered additional recognition. As a on (2000), he shared an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture in 2001, alongside and , highlighting his impact behind the camera. For his ensemble work, DeVito was nominated for the Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for (1997) in 1998. His long-running role in (2005–present) has contributed to the cast's multiple nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at the SAG Awards, including in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. DeVito received a star on the in the television category on August 18, 2011, at 6906 , honoring his multifaceted career in entertainment. As of 2025, DeVito has earned 16 awards and 46 nominations across major ceremonies, including recent honors such as the Gold Derby TV Award for Comedy Guest Actor for his appearance on in 2025. His producing and directing efforts, such as the dark comedy The War of the Roses (1989), have also received nods, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
AwardCategoryYearWorkResult
Primetime EmmyOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series1981TaxiWon
Golden GlobeBest Supporting Actor in a Series, , or Motion Picture Made for Television1980TaxiWon
Academy AwardBest Picture (Producer)2001Nominated
Screen Actors GuildOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series2008Nominated
Star in Television2011N/AReceived
Gold Derby TVComedy Guest Actor2025Won

Cultural impact

DeVito has established a distinctive comedic through his portrayals of short-statured, irascible characters, such as the vengeful Penguin in (1992) and the chaotic in (2006–present), which emphasize quick-witted aggression and vulnerability to create enduring humor. This has influenced subsequent depictions of compact, fiery personalities in , contributing to a broader of physical differences as central to character depth rather than mere punchlines. His career has pioneered positive visibility for individuals with in Hollywood, stemming from his own condition of , which limits height to 4 feet 10 inches, by transforming potential stereotypes into multifaceted roles that highlight charisma and talent over physicality. DeVito's unapologetic embrace of his stature has inspired actors with similar experiences, contributing to conversations on . In 2025 media discussions, his legacy continues to fuel conversations on , underscoring how short-statured actors can drive narratives on and resilience in an industry historically biased toward conventional physiques. DeVito's presence permeates pop culture through iconic lines like Louie DePalma's snarling "You think you're better than me?" from Taxi (1978–1983) and Vincent Benedict's exasperated banter in Twins (1988), which have been endlessly quoted and parodied in comedy sketches and social media. A viral moment from the 2024 Academy Awards saw him reunite onstage with Arnold Schwarzenegger, playfully roasting their shared history as Batman villains, amassing millions of views and reigniting Twins nostalgia. His image frequently appears in memes—often as Frank Reynolds in absurd scenarios—and AI-generated art, where tools like Bing's Image Creator have produced surreal depictions, such as DeVito as a cryptid, amplifying his meme-worthy status in digital culture. Through Jersey Films, co-founded in 1992 with Michael Shamberg and later expanded with Stacey Sher, DeVito has mentored emerging producers and filmmakers, fostering talents behind hits like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Erin Brockovich (2000), which helped launch directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh. His enduring popularity in the streaming era is evident in the long-running success of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on platforms like Hulu, where new seasons draw younger audiences alongside longtime fans. Tributes marking his 80th birthday in November 2024, including heartfelt messages from It's Always Sunny co-stars calling him an "American treasure," highlighted his cross-generational appeal, bridging 1970s TV viewers with Gen Z meme enthusiasts. DeVito contributed to the 1980s shift toward ensemble casting in television, particularly through , where his role as the abrasive dispatcher Louie DePalma anchored a diverse group dynamic that prioritized character interplay over star vehicles, influencing shows like and . As a , he spurred the indie boom of the 1990s by backing quirky, character-driven projects like Garden State (2004) and (1995) via Jersey Films, democratizing opportunities for non-mainstream stories and elevating ensemble narratives in cinema.

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