The career of Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. began in the specialized field of morgue cosmetology, where he practiced styling the hair of the deceased before transitioning to acting. Born in 1944 in Neptune Township, New Jersey, he eventually moved from off-Broadway theater in 1969 to become a fixture of American film, television production, and voice acting.
Early Career and Education
Raised in Asbury Park as a Catholic, DeVito attended the Oratory Preparatory School, graduating in 1962. After working as a beautician, he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 1966. His initial stage work included performances at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and with the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective alongside his future wife, Rhea Perlman.
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DeVito gained widespread recognition for his role as the taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma on the series Taxi, which aired from 1978 to 1983. He secured the part by discarding the script during his audition and questioning the writers. This performance resulted in a 1981 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and a Golden Globe Award. Since 2006, he has portrayed Frank Reynolds on the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Film and Production Ventures
His film portfolio includes One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Terms of Endearment, and Romancing the Stone. In 1991, he co-founded the production company Jersey Films, which supported projects such as Pulp Fiction. He also directed and produced the biographical drama Hoffa. DeVito later established a second company, Jersey Films 2nd Avenue, with his children, Lucy and Jake, and operated Jersey Television, which produced Reno 911!.
Stage Performances
In later years, DeVito expanded his stage work, appearing in the 2012-2013 West End revival of The Sunshine Boys as Willie Clark. He made his Broadway debut in 2017 as Gregory Solomon in The Price, receiving a Tony Award nomination. He subsequently returned to Broadway in 2023 for the production I Need That.
Fast facts
- Born: 1944, Neptune Township
- Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts, 1966
- Notable TV Role: Louie De Palma, Taxi
- Production Companies: Jersey Films, Jersey Films 2nd Avenue
- Broadway Debut: The Price, 2017
- New Jersey Hall of Fame: 2010
Questions readers ask
What was Danny DeVito's occupation before acting?
He worked as a beautician at his sister's salon and as a part-time morgue cosmetologist.
Which production company did Danny DeVito found?
He co-founded Jersey Films in 1991 with Michael Shamberg, later joined by Stacey Sher.
Achievements
- New Jersey Hall of Fame — 2010
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series — 1981
- Worked as comedian, television actor and film actor
