ACTOR · BORN 1944
Danny DeVito
- Born
- 17 November 1944, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
- Known for
- Men in Black (1997), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Rick and Morty (2013), The Simpsons (1989)
41 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (41)
- #001
Before he began his acting career, Danny DeVito trained as a professional hairdresser, a fact that may surprise many of his fans. This professional background laid the groundwork for the distinctive presence he developed on stage and screen. Hairdressing honed his ability to communicate with people and to pay attention to detail. That experience may have helped him add depth to the characters he would later play.
- #002
In the late 1960s, a young and eager DeVito shared an apartment at 338 West 89th Street in Manhattan with Michael Douglas, who was also at the start of his career. The two paid $75 each per month in rent to get by. These were the years when both actors were struggling to gain a foothold in a tough industry. Living together laid the foundation for a long-lasting friendship. Today, as two of Hollywood's best-known names, they have never forgotten the solidarity they shared in those lean days.
- #003
The 73rd Academy Awards ceremony featured an unusual move by DeVito, who brought a bag of carrots with him to snack on during the show. When Steve Martin, who was hosting the evening, noticed, he acted on his sense of humor and improvised by handing DeVito a bowl of ranch dip in the middle of the ceremony. The moment became an unforgettable image for both the guests in the hall and viewers at home. DeVito's relaxed and unconventional manner was a reflection of the personality often discussed in the media.
- #004
In DeVito's New Jersey hometown, his family's neighborly ties formed a rather interesting intersection. One of his relatives ran a hair salon together with relatives of Jack Nicholson, who lived in the same neighborhood and would later become a famous actor. This created a connection between the two actors' families before their paths crossed in Hollywood. Such small coincidences are just one of the details that color DeVito's life story.
- #005
DeVito met the love of his life, Rhea Perlman, in 1971 while he was appearing in the off-Broadway play 'The Shrinking Bride'. Perlman went to see the play, and their paths crossed. This meeting marked the beginning of a long-lasting partnership both personally and professionally. Over the years, the couple sustained both their marriage and their working relationship. That first encounter is regarded as one of the most important turning points in DeVito's life.
- #006
A significant turning point in DeVito's career came when he was considered for the lead role in the 1993 film 'Super Mario Bros.'. The actor, however, withdrew from the project by his own choice, and Bob Hoskins, who passed away in recent years, took his place. This decision led DeVito to move in a different direction in his career. Although the film failed to achieve the success expected at the box office, his choice made him more selective in the future. The episode is remembered as one of the important decisions of his career.
- #007
Danny DeVito teamed up with director Tim Burton on four different films, forming a productive collaboration. These films were 'Batman Returns' in 1992, 'Mars Attacks!' in 1996, 'Big Fish' in 2003 and 'Dumbo' in 2019. The distinctive styles of both artists complemented each other on these projects. In particular, the Penguin in 'Batman Returns' became one of the most memorable roles of DeVito's career. The collaboration is cited as one of the most successful examples of a director-actor relationship in Hollywood.
- #008
In 'The Simpsons', one of the most beloved animated series, DeVito gives voice to the character Herbert Powell, Homer Simpson's half-brother. The character has become etched in memory as one of the show's unforgettable supporting figures. DeVito's distinctive vocal tone gave Herbert Powell an added characteristic depth. With this role, the actor won the affection of both children and adults. The voice performance is regarded as a sign of his versatile talent.
- #009
The first professional connection between DeVito and Michael Douglas came in 1969 with the stage play 'Down the Morning Line', performed in New York. Michael Douglas directed the play, and Martin Sheen wrote the script. By taking a role in the production, DeVito appeared in the same project as Douglas for the first time. This experience laid the foundation for the friendship and collaboration between the two. Years later, they would act together in many films.
- #010
DeVito and his wife Rhea Perlman have three children: Lucy, born in 1983; Gracie, born in March 1985; and Jake, born in October 1987. Although the couple began living apart after many years of marriage, they kept their bonds with their children strong. The children followed in their parents' footsteps and made places for themselves in the art world. Lucy DeVito in particular stands out for her acting career. The family remains one of Hollywood's best-known.
- #011
Beyond acting, DeVito has made a name for himself in business. As a co-owner of a restaurant called 'DeVito South Beach' in Miami, Florida, the actor also stepped into the world of gastronomy. The restaurant quickly became one of the area's popular spots. DeVito's success in business shows that he is a versatile businessman. The restaurant is proof of his commercial acumen as well as his success in the entertainment world.
- #012
DeVito received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2011, in recognition of his achievements in television. His star is located at 6906 Hollywood Boulevard. The honor is regarded as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to the world of television. DeVito had an emotional moment at the ceremony and thanked his family. The star remains a symbol of his legendary career and is still visited by fans today.
- #013
DeVito and his wife Rhea Perlman founded the production company 'Jersey Films' together. The company's first big breakthrough came with the 1992 film 'Hoffa'. The film held an important place both in their producing careers and in DeVito's acting career. 'Jersey Films' quickly became one of the important production houses of independent cinema. The company later produced Oscar-nominated films such as 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Erin Brockovich'.
- #014
DeVito's close circle of friends includes some of Hollywood's most colorful names. The actor, who has formed tight friendships with Judd Hirsch, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kristin Chenoweth and Lucy Liu, draws attention with these relationships as well. His friendship with Schwarzenegger in particular was reinforced by the films they appeared in together. These friendships show how wide DeVito's social circle is. The actor often displays these friendships in front of the cameras too.
- #015
DeVito was considered for the role of Detective John Kimble in the 1990 film 'Kindergarten Cop'. Because of his short stature, however, he did not get the part, which went to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Although this may have been a disappointment in DeVito's career, he later made up for it by teaming up with Schwarzenegger on many projects. The episode is remembered as an example of how decisive physical characteristics can be in Hollywood casting.
- #016
DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared together in three films. Two of them, 'Twins' (1988) and 'Junior' (1994), were directed and produced by Ivan Reitman. The third was 'Last Action Hero' (1993), in which DeVito voiced the character Detective Whiskers. The two actors also appeared as villains in the Batman universe: DeVito played the Penguin in 'Batman Returns', while Schwarzenegger played Mr. Freeze in 'Batman & Robin'. This partnership holds an important place in their careers.
- #017
DeVito appeared alongside Jack Nicholson in several films. These include 'Goin' South' (1978), 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), 'Terms of Endearment' (1983), 'Hoffa' (1992) and 'Mars Attacks!' (1996). The two veteran actors also appeared as villains in Batman films: Nicholson played the Joker in the 1989 'Batman', while DeVito played the Penguin in the 1992 'Batman Returns'. These collaborations are regarded as one of the most productive actor pairings in Hollywood history.
- #018
DeVito was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2010. The honor was given for his service and contributions in the fields of art and entertainment. The New Jersey-born actor became a source of pride for his home state. The award crowned not only his achievements in acting but also his contributions to society. In his speech at the ceremony, DeVito expressed his love for his hometown.
- #019
DeVito also achieved significant success in his directing career. With the 1987 film 'Throw Momma from the Train', he guided Anne Ramsey to an Oscar-nominated performance. The film was one of the works that proved DeVito's directing ability. Ramsey's performance is regarded as one of the most memorable roles of her career. With this success, DeVito earned praise not only as an actor but also as a director.
- #020
In 2022, DeVito became the face of the famous sandwich chain Jersey Mike's Subs. The collaboration demonstrated both the actor's influence in the business world and his warm relationship with the public. DeVito brought his distinctive sense of humor to the advertising campaigns. The deal once again cemented his place in popular culture. Jersey Mike's Subs drew great interest with the campaign.
- #021
Danny DeVito is a big fan of musician Mike Patton and his bands Fantomas and Peeping Tom. His admiration went so far that he personally asked to appear in the music video for Peeping Tom's single 'Mojo'. The producers granted the request and gave him a brief cameo role.
- #022
DeVito appeared alongside Michael Douglas in several films: 'Romancing the Stone' (1984), 'The Jewel of the Nile' (1985), 'The War of the Roses' (1989) and 'Solitary Man' (2009). He also appeared in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), which Douglas produced. The long-running collaboration strengthened the friendship between the two, who remain good friends today and share one of Hollywood's most enduring friendships.
- #023
DeVito appeared in three films nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975), 'Terms of Endearment' (1983) and 'L.A. Confidential' (1997). Of these, only 'L.A. Confidential' did not win the award. As a producer, he earned Best Picture nominations for 'Pulp Fiction' (1994) and 'Erin Brockovich' (2000).
- #024
DeVito completed his acting training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in Hollywood, California, graduating in 1966. The training formed the foundation of his stage craft, and AADA is a long-established institution that has produced many famous actors. After graduating, he quickly found his place in the worlds of theatre and cinema.
- #025
DeVito was considered for the role of Sallah in the 1981 film 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. He could not accept the part because of his television commitments at the time. The role ultimately went to John Rhys-Davies, who won great acclaim for the character.
- #026
Among the actors who appeared in Tim Burton's and Joel Schumacher's Batman films, DeVito worked with the most other cast members on non-Batman productions. He appeared in the same projects as Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Tracey Walter, Kim Basinger, Christopher Walken, Vincent Schiavelli, Paul Reubens, Steve Witting, Jim Carrey, George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Uma Thurman and many more.
- #027
DeVito appeared in three films selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant': 'Hot Dogs for Gauguin' (1972), 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' (1975) and 'L.A. Confidential' (1997). He also served as executive producer on 'Pulp Fiction' (1994), which is likewise in the registry.
- #028
DeVito was nominated for the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor in three different decades: in the 1980s for 'Going Ape!' (1981), in the 1990s for 'Batman Returns' (1992) and in the 2000s for 'Deck the Halls' (2006). He never won any of these awards.
- #029
Throughout his career, DeVito often played dark and villainous characters. He portrayed the Penguin, a mutant crime boss, in 'Batman Returns' (1992), sarcastic gamblers in 'Space Jam' (1996) and 'Mars Attacks!' (1996), and an unscrupulous talent agent in 'Death to Smoochy' (2002). He also brought ruthless and greedy businessmen to life in 'Ruthless People' (1986), 'What's the Worst That Could Happen?' (2001), 'Matilda' (1996) and 'Other People's Money' (1991).
- #030
DeVito lives in Los Angeles and Malibu, California, and has a holiday home in Interlaken, New Jersey. His Malibu home offers a peaceful escape with an ocean view, while the Interlaken holiday home lets him maintain his ties to his home state.
- #031
DeVito continued his education at Oratory Preparatory School in the town of Summit, New Jersey. The years he spent there were influential in shaping his personality, and he later left the school to focus on his acting career.
- #032
In the 1984 film 'Romancing the Stone', in the scene where he corners Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in a cave, DeVito makes a joking reference by saying, 'Move it, before Batman gets home!' The line is interpreted as a nod to the Penguin, the character DeVito would later play, at a time when he had not yet appeared in the Batman films. Eight years later, in 1992, he did indeed play the Penguin in 'Batman Returns'.
- #033
On 16 August 2004, DeVito attended the final Phish concert, held in Coventry, Vermont, together with his son Jake. The concert was the last stop of the band's farewell tour at the time and drew about 75,000 people.
- #034
DeVito openly supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 United States presidential election. He also posted messages of support on his social media accounts during Sanders's candidacy, and took an active part in the election process, keeping his fans informed on the subject.
- #035
The godfather of DeVito and Rhea Perlman's children Lucy, Jake and Grace Fan DeVito is the famous actor Tracey Walter. Walter has a friendship with DeVito going back many years, and the godfather role is a sign of the strong bond between the two actors.
- #036
DeVito was born on the same day as the famous television producer and 'Saturday Night Live' creator Lorne Michaels. The coincidence is something the two have often mentioned over the years, and both have left significant marks on the entertainment world.
- #037
DeVito is the cousin of film producer Jonathan M. Parisen, who has worked on various projects in the film world. The relationship shows that DeVito's family ties extend into the film industry, and the two cousins have occasionally found opportunities to work together.
- #038
Danny DeVito lives in Beverly Hills, California, and in 2008 he took part in the Beverly Hills Film Festival, a major event focused on independent cinema. His participation demonstrated his support for independent film, and his life in Beverly Hills places him in a luxurious and comfortable setting. The appearance kept his connection to the film world alive.
- #039
Danny DeVito also built close ties with the family of his wife, Rhea Perlman, and is the son-in-law of Philip Perlman and Adele Perlman. He got along well with his father-in-law and mother-in-law, a sign of the harmony in his private life and of the importance he places on family values.
- #040
Danny DeVito is the brother-in-law of Heide Perlman, the sister of his wife, Rhea Perlman. Heide Perlman worked in television as a writer and producer, and this family connection reflects the warm relationship DeVito built not only with his wife but also with her family, giving him a wide family circle.
- #041
Danny DeVito was born on 17 November 1944 at 10:20 a.m. (EWT). The time of his birth is a detail of interest to fans of his astrological profile and marks the starting point of his life story, and it has been recorded as part of his personal history.
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