Danny DeVito , born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, is an American actor, director, and producer. He is celebrated for his role as Louie DePalma in the TV series Taxi (1978–1983) and Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006– ). DeVito's acting career began with roles in The Man with the Flower in His Mouth (1969) and Dreams of Glass (1970). His first major film appearance was in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Beyond acting, DeVito has directed films such as Throw Momma from the Train (1987) and Matilda (1996). He cofounded Jersey Films, which produced Man on the Moon (1999) and Garden State (2004). DeVito has won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for his work on Taxi . In 2018, Asbury Park, New Jersey, declared his birthday "Danny DeVito Day".

What is Danny DeVito best known for?

Danny DeVito, born November 17, 1944, is an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his role as Louie DePalma, the wisecracking dispatcher in the television comedy series Taxi (1978–1983). DeVito's career took off after Taxi , leading to roles in 1980s films such as Terms of Endearment (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), and Twins (1988). In 1992, he played the Penguin in Batman Returns . DeVito also directed films, including The War of the Roses (1989) and Hoffa (1992). He cofounded Jersey Films, which produced Matilda (1996) and Man on the Moon (1999). Nearly three decades after Taxi , DeVito played Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia . He has also voiced characters in animated films such as The Lorax (2012).

What are some famous movies or TV shows Danny DeVito has acted in?

Danny DeVito is an American actor, director, and producer. He is known for playing Louie DePalma in Taxi (1978–1983) and Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006– ). DeVito's first major movie appearance was in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). After Taxi , he appeared in Terms of Endearment (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), Ruthless People (1986), and Twins (1988). In 1992, he played the Penguin in Batman Returns . DeVito has also taken roles in animated films such as the voice of the title role in The Lorax (2012) and the voice of the Devil in Little Demon (2022).

How has Danny DeVito’s unique appearance and style influenced his career?

Danny DeVito's unique appearance has undeniably influenced his career. Standing less than five feet tall, he was often bullied as a child, but he has said that his height has never been a disadvantage and that it has helped him stand out. DeVito's breakout role as Louie DePalma in Taxi (1978–1983) effectively launched his career, with critics well-receiving his performance as the grumpy, antagonistic cab dispatcher. After Taxi , DeVito appeared in numerous films, often portraying memorable and sometimes villainous characters such as The Penguin in Batman Returns and the title role in the animated film The Lorax .

What contributions has Danny DeVito made to the entertainment industry overall?

Danny DeVito, an American actor, director, and producer, has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is known for his role as Louie DePalma in the comedy series Taxi , which launched his career, earning him a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. DeVito's acting roles include appearances in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest , Terms of Endearment , Romancing the Stone , Batman Returns , and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia . As a director, his work includes Throw Momma from the Train , The War of the Roses , and Hoffa . With Jersey Films, which he cofounded, DeVito has produced popular films such as Pulp Fiction , Matilda , Man on the Moon , Erin Brockovich , Reno 911! , and Garden State .

Danny DeVito

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images

Cast of Taxi posing in a garage set. Front row, left to right: Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Danny DeVito, Tony Danza. Back row, left to right: Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd.

Danny DeVito stands in the foreground with arms raised, while Kaitlin Olson, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Charlie Day smile and react behind him in a scene from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Rob McElhenney, Danny DeVito, Charlie Day, and Kaitlin Olson from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia stand around a keyboard in a bar, appearing to sing together.

Danny DeVito, Kaitlin Olson, and Charlie Day stand in a grocery store aisle with surprised expressions in a scene from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Quick Facts

In full:: Daniel Michael DeVito, Jr.

Born:: November 17, 1944, Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S. (age 81)

Awards And Honors:: Golden Globe Award (2022); Emmy Award (1981); Emmy Award (1981): Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series; Golden Globe Award (1980): Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Limited Series, or Motion Picture Made for Television

Notable Works:: “Hoffa”; “Matilda”; “The War of the Roses”; “Throw Momma from the Train”

Notable Family Members:: spouse Rhea Perlman

Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In):: "Romancing the Stone" (1984); "Renaissance Man" (1994); "10 Items or Less" (2006); "Terms of Endearment" (1983); "Christmas in Love" (2004); "Family of the Year" (2004); "Pearl" (1997); "Car Wash" (1976); "When in Rome" (2010); "Deadbeat" (2015); "Friends" (2004); "Nobel Son" (2007); "Get Shorty" (1995); "Going Ape!" (1981); "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" (2001); "Wiener-Dog" (2016); "Batman Returns" (1992); "Twins" (1988); "Hotel Noir" (2012); "Karen Sisco" (2003); "Starsky and Hutch" (1977); "The Virgin Suicides" (1999); "Ruthless People" (1986); "Smallfoot" (2018); "The Comedian" (2016); "The Money" (1976); "Girl Walks Into a Bar" (2011); "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987); "The Lorax" (2012); "The World's Greatest Lover" (1977); "Relative Strangers" (2006); "Taxi" (1978–1983); "Death to Smoochy" (2002); "Space Jam" (1996); "The Good Night" (2007); "Dumbo" (2019); "Be Cool" (2005); "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (2006–2019); "Goin' South" (1978); "Angie" (1979); "Other People's Money" (1991); "Hercules" (1997); "Austin Powers in Goldmember" (2002); "Hurry Up, or I'll Be 30" (1973); "Hoffa" (1992); "The Oh in Ohio" (2006); "Biography" (1999–2000); "Drowning Mona" (2000); "Sesame Street" (1988); "Dreams of Glass" (1970); "House Broken" (2010); "The Larry Sanders Show" (1994); "Look Who's Talking Now" (1993); "Police Woman" (1977); "Just Add Water" (2008); "Junior" (1994); "Jack the Bear" (1993); "Even Money" (2006); "CBS Schoolbreak Special" (1984); "The Kominsky Method" (2018); "Animal Crackers" (2017); "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975); "Mars Attacks!" (1996); "Johnny Dangerously" (1984); "Bette" (2000); "Matilda" (1996); "Head Office" (1985); "Deadly Hero" (1975); "Delvecchio" (1977); "The War of the Roses" (1989); "Solitary Man" (2009); "The Big Kahuna" (1999); "Amazing Stories" (1986); "Scalawag" (1973); "Big Fish" (2003); "Screwed" (2000); "Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School" (2005); "Heist" (2001); "The Van" (1977); "Man on the Moon" (1999); "L.A. Confidential" (1997); "Anything Else" (2003); "The Rainmaker" (1997); "Tin Men" (1987); "Living Out Loud" (1998); "Wise Guys" (1986); "Swap Meet" (1979); "La mortadella" (1971); "Deck the Halls" (2006); "Father of the Pride" (2004); "Jumanji: The Next Level" (2019); "My Little Pony: The Movie" (1986); "The Jewel of the Nile" (1985); "All the Wilderness" (2014); "The Simpsons" (1991–2013); "Ed" (2002); "I'm Still Here" (2010); "The One and Only Ivan" (2020); "Reno 911!: Miami" (2007)

Danny DeVito

American actor, director, and producer

Also known as: Daniel Michael DeVito, Jr.

Written by

Fred Frommer

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026 •History

Top Questions

Who is Danny DeVito?
Danny DeVito, born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, is an American actor, director, and producer. He is celebrated for his role as Louie DePalma in the TV series Taxi (1978–1983) and Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006– ).

DeVito's acting career began with roles in The Man with the Flower in His Mouth (1969) and Dreams of Glass (1970). His first major film appearance was in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). Beyond acting, DeVito has directed films such as Throw Momma from the Train (1987) and Matilda (1996). He cofounded Jersey Films, which produced Man on the Moon (1999) and Garden State (2004).

DeVito has won a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award for his work on Taxi. In 2018, Asbury Park, New Jersey, declared his birthday "Danny DeVito Day".
2 Britannica Sources
1. Danny DeVito: Facts & Related Content
2. Danny DeVito
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What is Danny DeVito best known for?
Danny DeVito, born November 17, 1944, is an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for his role as Louie DePalma, the wisecracking dispatcher in the television comedy series Taxi (1978–1983).

DeVito's career took off after Taxi, leading to roles in 1980s films such as Terms of Endearment (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), and Twins (1988). In 1992, he played the Penguin in Batman Returns. DeVito also directed films, including The War of the Roses (1989) and Hoffa (1992). He cofounded Jersey Films, which produced Matilda (1996) and Man on the Moon (1999).

Nearly three decades after Taxi, DeVito played Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He has also voiced characters in animated films such as The Lorax (2012).
1 Britannica Source
1. Danny DeVito
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What are some famous movies or TV shows Danny DeVito has acted in?
Danny DeVito is an American actor, director, and producer. He is known for playing Louie DePalma in Taxi (1978–1983) and Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006– ).

DeVito's first major movie appearance was in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975). After Taxi, he appeared in Terms of Endearment (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), Ruthless People (1986), and Twins (1988). In 1992, he played the Penguin in Batman Returns. DeVito has also taken roles in animated films such as the voice of the title role in The Lorax (2012) and the voice of the Devil in Little Demon (2022).
2 Britannica Sources
1. Danny DeVito: Facts & Related Content
2. Danny DeVito
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Has Danny DeVito worked as a director or producer? Can you name an example?
Yes, Danny DeVito has worked as a director and producer. He directed Throw Momma from the Train (1987), the satirical comedy The War of the Roses (1989), the crime biopic Hoffa (1992), and the fantasy comedy Matilda (1996).

In 1992, DeVito cofounded Jersey Films, which produced Man on the Moon (1999) and Garden State (2004).
1 Britannica Source
1. Danny DeVito: Career
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How has Danny DeVito’s unique appearance and style influenced his career?
Danny DeVito's unique appearance has undeniably influenced his career. Standing less than five feet tall, he was often bullied as a child, but he has said that his height has never been a disadvantage and that it has helped him stand out.

DeVito's breakout role as Louie DePalma in Taxi (1978–1983) effectively launched his career, with critics well-receiving his performance as the grumpy, antagonistic cab dispatcher. After Taxi, DeVito appeared in numerous films, often portraying memorable and sometimes villainous characters such as The Penguin in Batman Returns and the title role in the animated film The Lorax.
1 Britannica Source
1. Danny DeVito: Career
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What contributions has Danny DeVito made to the entertainment industry overall?
Danny DeVito, an American actor, director, and producer, has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. He is known for his role as Louie DePalma in the comedy series Taxi, which launched his career, earning him a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award.

DeVito's acting roles include appearances in One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Terms of Endearment, Romancing the Stone, Batman Returns, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

As a director, his work includes Throw Momma from the Train, The War of the Roses, and Hoffa. With Jersey Films, which he cofounded, DeVito has produced popular films such as Pulp Fiction, Matilda, Man on the Moon, Erin Brockovich, Reno 911!, and Garden State.
1 Britannica Source
1. Danny DeVito
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Danny DeVito (born November 17, 1944, Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S.) is an American actor, director, and producer best known for portraying wisecracking dispatcher Louie DePalma in the television comedy series Taxi (1978–1983). DeVito is a versatile entertainer and filmmaker who has produced several popular films and television series, such as the crime film Pulp Fiction (1994), the legal drama Erin Brockovich (2000), and the television comedy series Reno 911! (2003– ). He is also known for portraying debauched pub owner Frank Reynolds in the comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006– ).

Early life

DeVito was the youngest child of Italian American parents Julia (née Moccello) and Daniel DeVito, Sr., who owned several small businesses, including a candy store and a pool hall. DeVito, who would stand less than five feet tall as an adult, was often bullied as a child for his short stature. However, he has claimed that his height has never been a disadvantage and that it has helped him stand out. He studied cosmetology and acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and graduated in 1966. After graduating, he worked at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut, where he met American actor and producer Michael Douglas, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator. In 1971 DeVito met American actress Rhea Perlman while he was performing in an Off-Broadway show. The couple married in 1982.

Career

DeVito’s first professional acting roles were in the Off-Broadway play The Man with the Flower in His Mouth (1969) and the film Dreams of Glass (1970). His first major movie appearance was in the classic psychological drama One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), which was coproduced by Douglas. His breakout role came three years later, when he landed the part of Louie DePalma, the grumpy, antagonistic cab dispatcher who regularly hurled insults from his dispatcher’s cage in the comedy series Taxi. The show was a commercial success, and DeVito’s performance was well received by critics, effectively launching his career.

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After Taxi ended its run, DeVito appeared in several 1980s films, including the family drama Terms of Endearment (1983), the romantic adventure Romancing the Stone (1984; which also featured Douglas as an actor and producer), the dark comedy Ruthless People (1986), and the buddy film Twins (1988). In 1992 he portrayed the supervillain Oswald Cobblepot, who transforms into the Penguin, in the action film Batman Returns. He also branched out to directing films such as the satirical comedy The War of the Roses (1989), the crime biopic Hoffa (1992), and the dark comedy Throw Momma from the Train (1987). In 1992 DeVito, along with Perlman and American producer Michael Shamberg, cofounded the production company Jersey Films, which produced movies such as the fantasy comedy Matilda (1996; also directed by DeVito), the Andy Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon (1999), and the coming-of-age film Garden State (2004).

Nearly three decades after debuting on Taxi, DeVito portrayed another twisted character—the dive bar proprietor Frank Reynolds in the comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He has also taken roles in animated films and television shows, such as the voice of the title role in the animated Dr. Seuss comedy The Lorax (2012) and the voice of the Devil in the animated sitcom Little Demon (2022).

DeVito won a Golden Globe Award for best actor in a supporting role in a television series (1980) and garnered an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy or variety or music series (1981) for his work on Taxi. DeVito and Perlman have three children. The couple separated for the first time in 2012, separating again in 2017; however, they have never divorced. DeVito and his daughter Lucy have acted together in Little Demon and other projects. In 2018 the city council in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where DeVito grew up, honoured him by declaring his birthday (November 17) as “Danny DeVito Day.”

Fred Frommer

Danny DeVito

Early life

Career

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