Danny DeVito

Background

Danny DeVito was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He is a much-beloved actor, producer, director, and screenwriter known for his comedy chops. DeVito, whose real name is Daniel Michael DeVito Jr., was born to Italian-American parents. His father, Daniel Devito Sr., was a small business owner and his mother, Julia Moccello, was a homemaker. DeVito was raised as a devout Catholic. He graduated in 1962 from Summit, New Jersey’s Oratory Preparatory School. In 1966, he received his degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

In the beginning, DeVito gave theater performances in Waterford, Connecticut. He received his first acting role in 1968, playing a thug in the underrated “Dreams of Glass” (1970). But he wasn’t satisfied with the industry and shifted his focus to stage productions. In 1975, he was offered the role of Martini in the theater adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” In 1978, he starred in the American sitcom “Taxi,” which was a huge success and earned him fame. He starred alongside comedy heavyweight actress Bette Midler in the 1986 film “Ruthless People.” In 1991, he established a production studio, Jersey Films, which has produced blockbuster hits like “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Gattaca” (1997), and “Erin Brokovich” (2000). The following year, he played D.C. villain ‘The Penguin’ in the massively popular 1992 film “Batman Returns,” directed by Tim Burton. DeVito also directed and co-produced “Matilda” (1996) and played Matilda’s father, Harry Wormwood.

In 2003, he began producing the Comedy Central comedy T.V. series “Reno 911!” He starred in an episode of “Friends” for which he was nominated for the Emmys in 2004. DeVito joined the main cast of the comedy series “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in 2006. In 2011, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his work in television. He did the voice for the title character in the 2012 adaption of “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss. He continued working with Tim Burton, portraying Maximillian “Max” Medici, the ringmaster, in the live-action remake of the beloved Disney cartoon classic “Dumbo.” His most recent role was Edward “Eddie” Gilpin in the 2019 film “Jumanji: The Next Level.” In 1982, Danny married his wife, Rhea Perlman, and they have three children. After numerous highs and lows in their relationship, they finally separated in March 2017. They do not intend to file for divorce and remain on amicable terms.