Danny DeVito is an American actor, director, producer, and comedian whose distinctive voice and diminutive stature have made him a standout figure in entertainment.
Raised in a working-class Italian-American family in Asbury Park, New Jersey, DeVito first rose to prominence as the irascible taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the hit sitcom Taxi (1978–1983).
Over the decades, he has built a remarkable career across film, television, and theater, earning a reputation as a versatile talent with a knack for both comedy and drama.
Siblings
Danny grew up with two older sisters, Angela DeVito and Theresa DeVito.
Angela and Theresa, both significantly older than Danny, played a role in shaping his early life, though they have largely remained private figures compared to their famous brother.
Their father ran several small businesses, including a pool hall and a candy store, while their mother was a homemaker who occasionally worked as a bookkeeper.
Career
After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1966, DeVito began with stage work before breaking into film with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), where he played Martini alongside Jack Nicholson.
His role in Taxi, however, catapulted him to fame, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base over the show’s five-season run.
DeVito’s comedic timing and gruff charm as Louie De Palma became legendary, setting the stage for a prolific career.
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In film, DeVito shone in comedies like Twins (1988) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Throw Momma from the Train (1987), which he also directed, and The War of the Roses (1989), another directorial effort co-starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner.
He embraced darker roles too, notably as The Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992).
His voice work as the surly satyr Phil in Disney’s Hercules (1997) and as the title character in The Lorax (2012) showcased his vocal talents.
On television, DeVito has been a mainstay as Frank Reynolds on the long-running FX/FXX sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia since 2006, delighting audiences with his unhinged antics.
Behind the scenes, DeVito co-founded Jersey Films with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher, producing hits like Pulp Fiction (1994), Erin Brockovich (2000), and Matilda (1996), which he also directed and starred in alongside Perlman.
His Broadway credits include a 2017 revival of The Price, earning him a Tony nomination, further proving his range across mediums.
Accolades
For Taxi, DeVito won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981 and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Series in 1980, along with multiple nominations.
His film and TV work earned him additional Golden Globe nods, including for Throw Momma from the Train and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In 1998, Jersey Films’ production of Out of Sight contributed to his reputation as a savvy producer, though individual accolades often went to directors or actors.
DeVito received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, located at 6906 Hollywood Boulevard, celebrating his decades-long impact.
His 2017 Tony nomination for The Price highlighted his stage prowess, while the 2004 Saturn Award nomination for Big Fish acknowledged his supporting role work.