ACTOR · BORN 1944
Danny DeVito
- Born
- 17 November 1944, Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA
- Known for
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005), Junior (1994), When in Rome (2010)
14 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Danny DeVito (born 17 November 1944) is a producer best known for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Junior.
Danny DeVito over the years
14 Interesting Facts About Danny DeVito
Interesting Facts (2)
- #001
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.
- #002
Characters & Cast (2)
- #003
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.
- #004
Easter Eggs & References (1)
- #005
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'.
Career & Awards (7)
- #006
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.
- #007
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.
- #008
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.
- #009
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.
- #010
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'.
- #011
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.
- #012
Life & Family (2)
- #013
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.
- #014
Related pages
- Mr. Popper's Penguins — Danny DeVito comes up in the facts on that page
- Catherine Zeta-Jones — Danny DeVito comes up in the facts on that page
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Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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