Danny DeVito: From Young Star To Hollywood Icon - See The Photos!

Meredith Farrell DDS 29 May 2025

Did you ever wonder how a young, scrappy kid from Neptune, New Jersey, transformed into one of Hollywood's most enduring and beloved figures? Danny DeVito's journey is not just a tale of talent, but a testament to resilience, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to his craft.DeVito's story is a masterclass in making the most of every opportunity. From his early days on stage to his breakout role in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in 1975, DeVito consistently defied expectations. His comedic timing, distinctive voice, and ability to inhabit a wide range of characters have solidified his place as a true icon. But it's not just his acting that defines him; his work as a producer and director has further cemented his legacy in the entertainment industry. He's a man who understands the power of storytelling and isn't afraid to take risks.

Danny DeVito: Biographical and Career Highlights
Full Name	Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
Date of Birth	November 17, 1944
Place of Birth	Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA
Parents	Julia (Moccello) DeVito (Homemaker), Daniel DeVito Sr. (Small Business Owner)
Siblings	Theresa Scialla, Angela Lucia (Elder Sisters)
Occupation	Actor, Producer, Director
Early Career	Started with stage performances; gained recognition in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975)
Breakthrough Role	Martini in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975)
Notable Roles	"Taxi" (as Louie De Palma) "Twins" "Batman Returns" (as The Penguin) "Matilda" "L.A. Confidential" "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" (as Frank Reynolds)
Producing & Directing	Has produced and directed numerous films and television shows through Jersey Films, co-founded with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher.
Awards & Recognition	Won a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for "Taxi." Received numerous other nominations and accolades throughout his career.
Marriage	Married to Rhea Perlman on January 28, 1982 (though they separated, they never officially divorced). Met Perlman on January 17, 1971.
Children	Three children.
Website	Danny DeVito on IMDb

The seeds of DeVito's success were sown in his childhood home. Born to Julia (Moccello), a homemaker, and Daniel DeVito Sr., a resourceful small business owner, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, on November 17, 1944, he was the youngest of three children, with two older sisters, Theresa Scialla and Angela Lucia. His father's entrepreneurial spirit, evident in his various ventures like dry cleaning and a luncheonette, likely instilled in DeVito a strong work ethic and a willingness to take chances. While his mother provided a stable home environment, fostering his early development. A young Danny DeVito and his mother Julia, were a familiar face around the set of "Taxi," where Julia often visited her son. This familial support system undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the man he would become.DeVito's personal life has also been a subject of public interest, particularly his relationship with actress Rhea Perlman. Their meeting on January 17, 1971, after Perlman went to see a friend in the single performance of the play "The Shrinking Bride," which also featured DeVito, marked the beginning of a unique and enduring love story. Reportedly, they moved in together just two weeks after they met and were married on January 28, 1982. While they separated after many years of marriage, they never officially divorced, remaining close and committed to their family. Their relationship, spanning decades, stands as a testament to their deep connection and mutual respect. Together, they have three children, who have undoubtedly witnessed firsthand the dedication and passion that both their parents bring to their respective careers.DeVito's career trajectory has been marked by both memorable collaborations and a willingness to embrace diverse roles. His appearance alongside Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was a pivotal moment, showcasing his talent to a wider audience. It was here he showcased the role of Martini which was a minor role that show cased his major talent. Years later, on March 6, 1997, DeVito, along with Mara Wilson, graced the stage of the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, as presenters at the Showest Awards, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in the industry. Wilson, who has written a book about her experience navigating fame at a young age, with her mother's encouragement that she should audition for the part in the original novel had and believed she would be perfect, also attended the award.More recently, on January 15, 2024, DeVito, accompanied by Rhea Perlman and their daughter Lucy DeVito, attended the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The event was a reminder of DeVito's continued relevance and enduring appeal within the entertainment world. Seeing Perlman and DeVito together, even after their separation, reinforces the narrative of a family bond that transcends conventional relationship structures. The 2006 Perlman and Danny DeVito shows how they have stayed together and raised their three children in a loving environment, even after their separation.The impact of Danny DeVito extends far beyond his individual performances. He has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless actors and filmmakers. Images of a young Danny DeVito are often shared by fans and used in retrospectives about his career, becoming iconic symbols of his early days and the journey that led him to Hollywood stardom. These images resonate with audiences because they capture the essence of his authenticity and unwavering dedication to his craft.He is a man of great ambition. Along with his partner Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito), Rudy sets out to try and prove to the world that the insurance company is nothing more than a big time scam artist. Rudy sets out to help the young man and his family, in what turns out to be one of the biggest cases Tennessee has ever seen.His character Martini in the play was also a pivotal point. Wilson/getty images looking incredibly young, danny devito plays martini, a relatively minor role by someone who'd prove himself to be a major talent.His work ethic is also clear. Danny DeVito is an American actor and filmmaker who has been active in film since the 1970s. Danny Devito's early years are as fascinating as his iconic roles on screen. But before he became the beloved actor we know today, Danny DeVito's journey began in the bustling streets of Neptune, New Jersey.One cannot discuss Danny DeVito without acknowledging his role as Frank Reynolds in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." The show, known for its dark humor and outrageous characters, has provided DeVito with a platform to showcase his comedic brilliance and push boundaries. Frank Reynolds is a character that defies categorization, embodying both the absurd and the endearing. DeVito's portrayal has earned him widespread acclaim and further cemented his status as a comedic icon.Danny DeVito's versatility extends to his work behind the camera as well. As a producer and director, he has been instrumental in bringing a diverse range of stories to the screen. His production company, Jersey Films, has been involved in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful projects, showcasing his keen eye for talent and his commitment to supporting independent filmmakers.Devito's mother, julia devito, joined her son on the set of taxi to film the. Abc photo archives/disney general entertainment content via getty danny devito 's mom, julia devito, joined her son on the set of taxi to film the.His family's roots are di famiglia italoamericana, originaria di san fele (provincia di potenza), [1] danny de vito nasce da daniel michael devito sr.[20] on metacritic , the film has a score of 72 out of 100 based on reviews from 21 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. The website's critical consensus reads:Danny devito, one of hollywoods most beloved actors, has been a staple in the entertainment industry for decades. Known for his distinctive voice, comediLearn about the life and career of american actor and filmmaker danny devito, who starred in taxi, it's always sunny in philadelphia, and many movies. See his early photos, awards, and family background.The impact of danny devito young photos on pop culture. Danny devito's young photos have had a lasting impact on pop culture. They are often shared by fans and used in retrospectives about his career. These images have become iconic, symbolizing the early days of a man who would go on to become a hollywood legend.Danny devito (young) cardboard cutout our lifesize standees are produced at the celebrity's height where possible. Maximum height of 193cm x 70cm wide (6' 3 x 2' 4)* is as large as we can produce.Learn about the life and career of danny devito, a versatile actor, producer and director who has starred in movies like one flew over the cuckoo's nest, batman returns and matilda. See his photos, videos, credits and trivia on imdb.Danny devito was born on november 17, 1944, in neptune township, new jersey, usa, to julia and daniel devito. His father was a small business owner whose various ventures included dry cleaners and luncheonette, while his mother was a homemaker. He had two elder sisters, namely theresa scialla and angela lucia.