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
17 Facts From Danny DeVito's Career
- #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.
- #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.
- #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'.
- #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.
- #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.
- #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).
- #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.
- #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.
- #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.
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