Daniel Michael DeVito Jr., widely recognized as Danny DeVito, is a name synonymous with versatile talent and enduring charm in the entertainment industry. Best known for his roles as both a celebrated actor and accomplished director and producer, DeVito has captivated audiences across stage, television, and film for decades. But for those new to his work or simply curious, one question often arises: How Old Is Danny Devito?
Born on November 17, 1944, Danny DeVito is currently 79 years old as of late 2023. This remarkable age is a testament to his long and vibrant career, which began in the late 1960s and continues to flourish today. Understanding his age provides context to the impressive breadth of his work and the evolution of his career across different eras of Hollywood.
Danny DeVito’s journey began in Neptune, New Jersey. He was born to Italian-American parents, Julia (Moccello), a homemaker, and Daniel DeVito Sr., a resourceful small business owner with interests spanning from a dry cleaning shop to a diner. Growing up in Asbury Park, DeVito’s parents opted for private education, enrolling him in Our Lady of Mount Carmel grammar school and later Oratory Prep School. After graduating in 1962, he initially stepped into the world of cosmetology, working at his sister’s beauty salon.
However, the allure of the dramatic arts soon beckoned. In 1963, DeVito enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, initially intending to enhance his cosmetology skills. It was during this period that he discovered a profound passion for acting, shifting his career aspirations entirely. This pivotal decision led him to connect with fellow aspiring actor Michael Douglas at the National Playwrights Conference, marking the beginning of a long-lasting professional relationship. Shortly after, he met actress Rhea Perlman, a relationship that blossomed into marriage in 1982 and brought them three children.
DeVito’s official foray into film began in 1968 with a minor role as a thug in Dreams of Glass (1970). Despite this initial step, the early film industry left him somewhat disillusioned, prompting a temporary shift towards stage productions. He made his Off-Broadway debut in 1969 in “The Man With the Flower in His Mouth,” followed by roles in “The Shrinking Bride” and “Lady Liberty.” His career trajectory took a significant turn in 1975 when he was invited by director Milos Forman and Michael Douglas to join the film adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), starring Jack Nicholson.
Although One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest achieved immense critical and commercial success, its immediate impact on DeVito’s career was surprisingly limited. He spent subsequent years in smaller film roles and television guest spots. His breakthrough moment arrived in 1978 with an audition for the ABC sitcom pilot Taxi (1978). Initially aiming for the role of dispatcher Louie DePalma, DeVito famously secured the part by displaying the very attitude producers sought, solidifying his place in television history. Taxi became a phenomenal success, airing from 1978 to 1983, and Louie DePalma, brought to life by DeVito, became an iconic, albeit comically abrasive, television character. This role earned him an Emmy Award and multiple nominations, cementing his status as a celebrated character actor.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Danny DeVito solidified his reputation as a remarkable character actor, delivering memorable performances in films like Romancing the Stone (1984), Ruthless People (1986), Throw Momma from the Train (1987), and Twins (1988). Concurrently, he expanded his influence behind the camera, directing acclaimed movies such as The War of the Roses (1989) and Hoffa (1992).
In 1992, DeVito captivated a new generation when he portrayed The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992). This role earned him a nomination for Best Villain at the MTV Movie Awards and remains one of his most recognizable performances. That same year, he co-founded Jersey Films with his wife Rhea Perlman, a production company responsible for critically acclaimed and popular films and TV shows like Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995), Man on the Moon (1999), and Erin Brockovich (2000).
In 2006, DeVito made a successful return to series television with the FX comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005). Joining the show in its second season, DeVito’s comedic genius resonated with a new generation of viewers, further extending his broad appeal. In 2012, he lent his voice to the title character in The Lorax (2012), adding voice acting to his diverse repertoire.
Even now, in his late 70s, Danny DeVito remains actively involved in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, and producer, collaborating with contemporary talents and continuing to enrich the world of film and television. His age is not just a number, but a symbol of his enduring career, his adaptability across decades, and his lasting impact on Hollywood. So, how old is Danny DeVito? He is 79 years young and still going strong, a true testament to his passion and talent.
