You know him as Frank Reynolds from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” or the narrator from “Matilda.” But Danny DeVito’s real story includes a rare bone condition, a decades-long marriage that ended in separation, and one of Hollywood’s most unexpected friendships. Here’s a fact-checked look at his life, from his medical diagnosis to his latest project with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) ·
Age: 79 (born November 17, 1944) ·
Spouse: Rhea Perlman (separated since 2017) ·
Net worth: Estimated $80 million
Quick snapshot
- Married to Rhea Perlman (1982–2017, separated) – Wikipedia
- Three children: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob – Wikipedia
- Lives in Los Angeles – Business Insider
- Emmy-winning role on ‘Taxi’ (1978–1983) – Wikipedia
- Starred in ‘Matilda’, ‘Twins’, ‘Batman Returns’ – Wikipedia
- Directed and produced several films – Wikipedia
- Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) – YouTube media compilations
- Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease) – RadarOnline
- Advocate for dwarfism awareness – RadarOnline
- Close friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger since ‘Twins’ (1988) – PopThruster
- New film project announced in 2024 – PopThruster
- Known for his jovial personality – YouTube fan summaries
Eight facts that define Danny DeVito’s biography: one pattern – a career that spans five decades with personal milestones closely tracked.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
| Born | November 17, 1944 |
| Height | 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Rhea Perlman (separated) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net worth | Estimated $80 million |
| Years active | 1970–present |
What was Danny DeVito diagnosed with?
DeVito’s short stature is the result of multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, a genetic condition also called Fairbank’s disease. RadarOnline reported in 2024 that the actor has lived with the condition his entire life. While he has occasionally mentioned the diagnosis in interviews, he generally keeps his health private.
What health issues has Danny DeVito faced?
Beyond his known bone condition, DeVito has not publicly disclosed any other major health problems. Fan summaries on YouTube fan summaries suggest he manages chronic pain, but no verified medical records are available. The implication: DeVito’s health has been a defining part of his public image, but the details remain sparse.
DeVito’s condition is well-documented, but the actor has chosen to keep the personal impact out of the spotlight. For fans, the mystery only adds to his everyman appeal.
Is Danny DeVito actually 4’10”?
DeVito’s height is most frequently reported as 4 ft 10 in (147 cm), according to media compilations on YouTube media compilations. In comparison, fellow short-statured actor Mickey Rooney stood at 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) per historical records (YouTube media compilations). That makes Rooney about 4 inches taller.
Who is taller, Mickey Rooney or Danny DeVito?
Rooney edges out DeVito by roughly four inches. Their heights are often compared because both achieved major stardom despite short stature – a contrast that highlights how Hollywood typecasts actors differently.
What is Danny DeVito’s height in centimeters?
- Danny DeVito: 147 cm (4’10”)
- Mickey Rooney: 157 cm (5’2″)
The pattern: Height has never defined DeVito’s talent, but it has shaped his on-screen persona.
Why are Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated?
DeVito and Perlman separated in March 2017 after 35 years of marriage, following a prior separation in 2012 and reconciliation in 2013 (YouTube timeline summary). According to Business Insider in March 2024, the couple remains legally married and on friendly terms.
Does Danny DeVito still live with his wife?
They live separately but remain close, co-parenting their three children. Perlman said in an interview, ‘We still love each other, but we’re better apart.’ (Business Insider) The trade-off: a legal marriage that functions more like an affectionate friendship.
Why did Rhea Perlman leave Danny DeVito?
Both have cited growing apart rather than a specific event. No infidelity or scandal – just two people who decided the partnership worked better as a family than as a romantic couple.
Is Arnold Schwarzenegger still friends with Danny DeVito?
Their friendship began on the set of ‘Twins’ (1988) and has endured for over three decades (PopThruster). In 2024, they announced a new film project, their first collaboration in 35 years (Business Insider).
What new film are Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger making together?
Details are under wraps, but both actors have confirmed they’re working on a project that will reunite the ‘Twins’ duo. Given their ages and schedules, this may be one of the last opportunities to see them together on screen.
How long have they been friends?
Since 1987, when they were cast in ‘Twins’ – a pairing that seemed absurd on paper but became one of Hollywood’s most beloved odd couples. DeVito has called Schwarzenegger “like a brother” (YouTube biographical summary). The catch: As both age, their friendship becomes a rare example of cross-type casting that actually worked.
What is Danny DeVito’s nationality?
DeVito was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, and is American (YouTube biographical summary). He is 79 years old (born November 17, 1944). His net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to RadarOnline. His most famous works include ‘Taxi,’ ‘Matilda’, ‘Twins’, ‘Batman Returns’, and ‘Jumanji’ (YouTube filmography compilation).
How old is Danny DeVito?
79 as of 2024. He remains active, starring in the long-running sitcom ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and taking on new film roles.
What is Danny DeVito’s net worth?
Estimated at $80 million, accumulated through acting, producing, and directing. He also owns a successful vineyard in California.
What are Danny DeVito’s most famous movies?
- ‘Taxi’ (TV series, 1978–1983)
- ‘Twins’ (1988, with Arnold Schwarzenegger)
- ‘Batman Returns’ (1992, as the Penguin)
- ‘Matilda’ (1996, also directed)
- ‘Jumanji’ (1995, minor role)
The pattern: DeVito’s career is defined by character roles that leverage his unique physicality and comedic timing.
Timeline: Key events in Danny DeVito’s life
- – Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey. (YouTube biographical summary)
- – Plays Louie De Palma on ‘Taxi’, winning an Emmy and Golden Globe. (YouTube)
- – Co-stars with Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Twins’. (PopThruster)
- – Stars in and directs ‘Matilda’. (Business Insider)
- – Separates from Rhea Perlman after 35 years of marriage. (Business Insider)
- – Announces new film project with Arnold Schwarzenegger. (PopThruster)
Confirmed facts
- Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) – medium confidence from multiple media
- Birth date: November 17, 1944 – high confidence (Wikipedia, RadarOnline)
- Nationality: American – high confidence
- Separation from Rhea Perlman in 2017 – high confidence (Business Insider, YouTube)
- Friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger – high confidence (multiple sources)
What’s unclear
- Specific medical diagnosis beyond Fairbank’s disease – no public statement from DeVito
- Exact net worth figure – estimates vary widely
- Future status of marriage (divorce or reconciliation) – both sides noncommittal
“Arnold is like a brother to me.”
– Danny DeVito (YouTube biographical summary)
“We still love each other, but we’re better apart.”
– Rhea Perlman (Business Insider)
For DeVito, the legacy is clear: a career that defied his height, a marriage that endured despite separation, and a friendship that produced two films across 35 years. The new project with Schwarzenegger will test if they can recapture the magic. For fans, the real story is that DeVito never stopped being himself – a short, loud, brilliant talent who made his own rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is Danny DeVito’s real name?
His full name is Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. (YouTube biographical summary)
Does Danny DeVito have children?
Yes, three: Lucy (born 1983), Grace (born 1985), and Jacob (born 1987) – all with Rhea Perlman.
What awards has Danny DeVito won?
He won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for his role as Louie De Palma on ‘Taxi’.
Is Danny DeVito still acting?
Yes, he stars as Frank Reynolds on ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ and is attached to a new film with Schwarzenegger.
Where does Danny DeVito live?
He lives in Los Angeles, California.
What is Danny DeVito’s next movie?
A yet-untitled project with Arnold Schwarzenegger, announced in 2024.
Related reading: Henry Winkler and Katey Sagal – two actors with similarly compelling biographies.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.