Danny DeVito, born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, in Neptune, New Jersey, is an American actor, director, and producer with a career spanning over five decades. Known for his distinctive 4-foot-10-inch stature, raspy voice, and comedic brilliance, he has left an indelible mark on film and television through roles in Taxi, Matilda, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
DeVito’s journey from a small-town boy with a rare bone growth disorder to an $80 million net worth Hollywood powerhouse is a story of talent, resilience, and versatility. He is of Italian American ethnicity, married to actress Rhea Perlman since 1982 (though they have been separated since 2017), and together they have three children: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob (Jake) DeVito.
This article provides a comprehensive look at his height, age, net worth, family, and filmography, drawing from verified sources and addressing the most common questions fans ask.
How tall is Danny DeVito?
Danny DeVito’s height is one of the most searched topics about him. The widely accepted figure is 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm), though some sources, including Wikipedia and IMDb, list him at 5 feet 0 inches (152 cm). This discrepancy likely stems from his condition, Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth.
Danny DeVito at a Glance
- Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm)
- Age: 80 (born November 17, 1944)
- Net Worth: Approx. $80 million (2025 estimate)
- Spouse: Rhea Perlman (separated)
Key Insights
- DeVito’s short stature became both a trademark and a comedic asset, yet he has never been typecast exclusively in comedy.
- His early role as Louie De Palma on Taxi won him a Golden Globe and an Emmy, launching his decades-long career.
- Despite his comedic persona, DeVito has demonstrated strong dramatic range, notably in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
- His net worth of around $80 million reflects earnings from acting, directing, producing, and his production company Jersey Films.
- DeVito remains active on social media, engaging fans with his characteristic humor.
- His condition MED is the reason for his short stature, but he has never let it limit his career.
- He is one of the few actors to have successfully transitioned between TV, film, and directing.
| Key Facts About Danny DeVito | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) |
| Spouse | Rhea Perlman (married 1982, separated 2017) |
| Children | Jake DeVito (son), Lucy DeVito (daughter), Grace DeVito (daughter) |
| Notable Roles | Louie De Palma (Taxi), Frank Reynolds (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), The Penguin (Batman Returns) |
| Condition | Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED) |
| Ethnicity | Italian American |
To verify these details, you can read the full Danny DeVito Bio & Career Highlights on Bored Panda.
What is Danny DeVito’s net worth?
Danny DeVito’s net worth is estimated at approximately $80 million as of 2025. However, estimates vary across sources, ranging from $60 million to $100 million. The $80 million figure is the most commonly cited and reflects his long career as an actor, director, and producer.
How he built his wealth
DeVito’s income streams include his iconic role on Taxi, a steady paycheck from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and box office successes like Batman Returns and Matilda. He also co-founded Jersey Films in 1992, which produced hits such as Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, and Erin Brockovich.
While exact salary figures are not public, it is known that DeVito earned substantial residuals from Taxi and Matilda. His production company Jersey Films added significant wealth, with Pulp Fiction alone grossing over $200 million worldwide. Investments and real estate also contribute to his portfolio.
For a full filmography and credit list, visit IMDb – Danny DeVito Filmography.
Who is Danny DeVito’s wife and family?
Danny DeVito married actress Rhea Perlman on January 28, 1982, after meeting her in 1971. The couple has three children: Lucy Chet DeVito (born March 11, 1983), Grace Fan DeVito (born March 1985), and Jacob Daniel “Jake” DeVito (born October 10, 1987). They separated in 2017 (some reports say 2012) but remain legally married and continue to co-parent.
Children
Lucy and Grace are both actresses, while Jake has appeared in minor roles such as The Better Angels (2014) and Curmudgeon. Jake stands 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) tall and has an estimated net worth of $1 million. The family maintains a close bond despite the separation.
Ethnicity
DeVito is of Italian American descent. His grandparents emigrated from Italy to the United States, and he has spoken proudly of his heritage in interviews.
Though separated for several years, DeVito and Perlman have not finalized a divorce. They remain legally married and are often seen together at family events, indicating a continued friendship and mutual support.
For more on his personal life, consult the Danny DeVito Biography on Biography.com.
What movies and TV shows has Danny DeVito been in?
DeVito’s career is packed with memorable roles across genres. He won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for playing Louie De Palma on Taxi (1978–1983). He later portrayed Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006–present), a role that introduced him to a new generation.
Key film roles
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – His breakthrough role as Martini.
- Batman Returns (1992) – Played The Penguin.
- Matilda (1996) – Starred as Harry Wormwood and directed the film.
- Pulp Fiction (1994) – Produced through Jersey Films.
Did he star in Matilda?
Yes, Danny DeVito played Harry Wormwood, Matilda’s neglectful father, and also directed the 1996 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic. His performance is often cited as one of the film’s highlights.
What did he look like when he was young?
Early in his career, DeVito had a fuller face and darker hair. Photos from his Taxi era are widely available online. He has maintained a youthful energy despite his age.
Most authoritative sources like Biography.com and Bored Panda list DeVito’s height as 4 ft 10 in. Wikipedia and IMDb list 5 ft 0 in. The shorter measurement is generally attributed to his MED condition. Neither figure has been officially confirmed by DeVito himself.
For audience reviews and ratings, check Rotten Tomatoes – Danny DeVito and community insights on Letterboxd – Danny DeVito Films.
Where can I follow Danny DeVito online?
Danny DeVito maintains an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @DannyDeVito. He posts humor, updates, and interactions with fans. As of early 2025, no upcoming projects have been officially announced, but fans expect continued appearances on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and potential new voice-over roles.
Career Timeline
- 1944: Born in Neptune, New Jersey.
- 1970s: Stage and minor TV roles.
- 1978–1983: Breakout role as Louie De Palma on Taxi.
- 1983: Directorial debut (The Ratings Game).
- 1992: Portrayed The Penguin in Batman Returns.
- 1996: Directed and starred in Matilda.
- 2006–present: Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
- 2020s: Continues acting, voice work, and appearances.
What is known and what remains unclear about Danny DeVito?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Height: 4 ft 10 in (widely reported and confirmed). | Exact net worth varies by source ($60M–$100M); $80M is a common estimate. |
| Date of birth and age according to public records. | Current relationship status with Rhea Perlman (still legally married but separated). |
| Marriage to Rhea Perlman, separation acknowledged. | Ethnicity: Italian descent but exact mix not publicly detailed. |
| Role in Matilda as both actor and director. |
What is the broader context of Danny DeVito’s career?
Danny DeVito’s career spans over five decades with a rare combination of acting, directing, and producing. His physical stature became both a trademark and a tool for comedy, yet he has avoided being typecast. The public’s fascination with his height, net worth, and family reflects a broader celebrity curiosity. As of 2025, he remains active on social media and in new projects, maintaining relevance in an ever-changing industry.
His production company Jersey Films, co-founded in 1992, produced notable films like Get Shorty, Man on the Moon, and Erin Brockovich, demonstrating his influence behind the camera as well.
Sources and key references for Danny DeVito
The information in this article draws from several authoritative sources:
- Wikipedia – Danny DeVito
- IMDb – Danny DeVito Filmography
- Bored Panda – Danny DeVito Bio & Career Highlights
- Biography.com – Danny DeVito
- X (Twitter) – Danny DeVito Official
- Rotten Tomatoes – Danny DeVito
- Letterboxd – Danny DeVito Films
Summary: Danny DeVito at a glance
Danny DeVito is an 81-year-old American actor, director, and producer of Italian American ethnicity, standing 4 ft 10 in tall with an estimated net worth of $80 million. He is best known for his roles in Taxi, Matilda, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and for co-producing Pulp Fiction. He remains a beloved figure in entertainment, with a career that continues to evolve. For a deeper dive, read the Danny DeVito Bio & Career Highlights.
Frequently asked questions about Danny DeVito
What is Danny DeVito’s ethnicity?
Danny DeVito is of Italian descent. His grandparents emigrated from Italy to the United States.
What did Danny DeVito look like when he was young?
Early in his career, DeVito had a fuller face and darker hair. Photos from his Taxi era are widely available.
Did Danny DeVito star in Matilda?
Yes, he played Harry Wormwood and also directed the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
Does Danny DeVito have children?
Yes, three children: Jake DeVito (son), Lucy DeVito (daughter), and Grace DeVito (daughter).
How tall is Danny DeVito exactly?
His official height is 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm).
What is Danny DeVito’s net worth?
He is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $80 million, earned from acting, directing, and producing.
Is Danny DeVito still married?
He is legally married to Rhea Perlman but they have been separated since 2017 (or 2012 per some reports).
What condition does Danny DeVito have?
He has Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED), a rare genetic disorder affecting bone growth.
What is Danny DeVito’s most famous TV role?
He is best known for playing Louie De Palma on Taxi (1978–1983) and Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
What movies did Danny DeVito produce?
Through his company Jersey Films, he produced Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, Man on the Moon, and Erin Brockovich.
Jack Thomas Clarke Thompson is a staff writer for PopCultureDaily.co.uk, covering entertainment news, film, television, streaming and celebrity culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Harriet Winslow and Managing Editor Lucas Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.