Danny DeVito

Early Life

Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He grew up in a family of five, with his parents, Daniel DeVito Sr. and Julia, and two older sisters. Of Southern Italian descent, his family hails from San Fele, Basilicata, and the Italo-Albanian community of Calabria. Raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey, DeVito was educated at Oratory Preparatory School and later graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1966.

Career

DeVito's career began in the late 1960s with off-Broadway performances, including roles in plays like "Shoot Anything With Hair That Moves". He gained significant recognition for his role as Louie De Palma in the television series "Taxi" (1978-1983), which earned him both a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. His film career took off with notable roles in classics such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and later, he became a household name through his portrayal of Frank Reynolds in the long-running sitcom "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".

Personal Life

DeVito stands at 5 feet tall, a result of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder. He met actress Rhea Perlman in 1971, and they married in 1982, having three children together. Despite their separation in 2012, they have maintained a close friendship and have reconciled multiple times. DeVito's love for music is evident, as he has expressed admiration for various artists and even became the first celebrity spokesman for Jersey Mike's subs in 2022, a nod to his local roots.