Danny DeVito’s Net Worth: A Look at the Career and Fortune of the Beloved Actor

Danny DeVito, a name synonymous with comedic brilliance and versatile acting, has carved a remarkable career in Hollywood. From his memorable role as Louie De Palma in “Taxi” to his diverse filmography, DeVito has entertained audiences for decades. But beyond his acting prowess, many are curious about Danny DeVito’s net worth and the financial success he has achieved throughout his career. This article delves into the life, career, and financial standing of Danny DeVito.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey. His early life was marked by a unique physical characteristic; he has multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease), a rare genetic disorder affecting bone growth, which resulted in his short stature of 4 feet, 10 inches. Despite this, DeVito’s childhood was filled with the typical experiences of growing up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he was raised in a Catholic household with his two older sisters.

DeVito’s acting journey began during his school years. He attended boarding school and graduated from Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, in 1962, where he first showcased his acting talents in school productions. However, his path to professional acting took an unexpected turn. Initially, after high school, he worked at his sister’s salon, a decision influenced by the social opportunities it presented. Subsequently, he transitioned to the cosmetics profession, drawn by its financial prospects. His search for a professional makeup instructor led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was here, during his audition, that his talent truly shone. The positive feedback he received for his monologue convinced him to pursue acting wholeheartedly. He graduated from the academy in 1966.

In his early acting days, DeVito gained experience by performing with the Colonnades Theater Lab at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut. He also contributed to plays produced by the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective, honing his skills and laying the groundwork for his future success.

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The Rise to Stardom: DeVito’s Acting Career

DeVito’s transition to the big screen came in 1975 with “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Having starred in an off-Broadway production of the novel in 1971, he was well-prepared for the film role. The movie’s success, including its sweep of the five major Academy Awards in 1976 (Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, and Screenplay), catapulted DeVito into the limelight. His role in the television series “Taxi” (1978–1983), where he played the iconic taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma, further solidified his fame. His performance in “Taxi” earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1981.

Following “Taxi,” DeVito’s film career flourished. He starred in a string of successful movies, including:

• “Terms of Endearment” (1983)
• “Romancing the Stone” (1984)
• “Ruthless People” (1986)
• “Twins” (1988), alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger
• “Other People’s Money” (1991)
• Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” (1992)

In 2006, DeVito returned to television, joining the cast of the FX sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” a role that has brought him continued success and a new generation of fans. His film work in the later part of his career includes:

• “Solitary Man” (2009) with Susan Sarandon and Michael Douglas
• “When in Rome” (2010) with Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel
• Tim Burton’s 2019 live-action adaptation of “Dumbo.”

While widely recognized for his comedic roles, DeVito has also taken on several dramatic parts throughout his career, showcasing his versatility. These include roles in “The Rainmaker” (1997), “Jack the Bear” (1993), “L.A. Confidential” (1997), “The Big Kahuna” (1999), and “Heist” (2001). Additionally, he has an impressive list of voiceover credits, from “My Little Pony: The Movie” (1986) and “Hercules” (1997) to “Space Jam” (1996), “The Lorax” (2012), and multiple appearances on “The Simpsons” as Herb Powell.

His contributions extend beyond acting; he has appeared in television ads for QuickBooks and M&M’s and played a fictionalized version of himself in the “Steal My Girl” music video for One Direction.

In 2017, DeVito received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in the Broadway revival of “The Price.” Further adding to his diverse portfolio, he voiced Dorgle in “Smallfoot” in 2018. Recent roles include Eddie Gilpin in “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019) and Bruce in 2023’s “Haunted Mansion.” In 2023, he also voiced Merv Stampington in the “Big City Greens” episode “Long Goodbye.”

In recognition of his television work, DeVito was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, a testament to his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

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Venturing Behind the Camera: Directing and Production

DeVito’s creative endeavors extend beyond acting; he has also made significant contributions as a director and producer. He made his directorial debut in 1984 with the film “The Ratings Game.” His directorial portfolio includes:

• “Throw Momma from the Train” (1987)
• “The War of the Roses” (1989)
• “Hoffa” (1992)
• “Death to Smoochy” (2002)
• “Duplex” (2003)

Additionally, he directed eight short films between 1973 and 2016.

In 1991, DeVito co-founded the production company Jersey Films with Michael Shamberg. Stacey Sher later joined as an equal partner. Jersey Films has been behind numerous successful films, including:

• “Man on the Moon” (1999)
• “Pulp Fiction” (1994)
• “Garden State” (2004)
• “Freedom Writers” (2007)

The company also produced the Comedy Central series “Reno 911!” (2003-2009). Other notable films produced by DeVito include “Matilda” (1996), where he co-produced, directed, and starred, and “Erin Brockovich” (2000), which earned DeVito, Shamberg, and Sher an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Personal Life and Real Estate

Danny DeVito’s personal life is as intriguing as his professional one. His height, a distinctive characteristic, is a result of Fairbank’s disease (multiple epiphyseal dysplasia), a rare genetic disorder that impacts bone growth. On a more personal note, DeVito met actress Rhea Perlman on January 17, 1971. They were married on January 28, 1982, and share three children. After 30 years of marriage, they separated in October 2012, reconciled in March 2013, and separated again in March 2017, though they have stated they do not intend to divorce.

DeVito and Perlman have frequently collaborated on various projects, including the TV show “Taxi” and the feature film “Matilda,” showcasing their close professional and personal relationship.

In 2023, DeVito demonstrated his generosity by donating $500,000 to the Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, revisiting his roots.

Regarding real estate, Danny and Rhea resided in a 14,579-square-foot house in Beverly Hills, California, which they purchased in 1994 and sold in April 2015 for $24 million. They continue to co-own a home in Malibu’s Point Dume neighborhood and, in 2022, listed their Mt. Washington property in Los Angeles for $1.55 million.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Danny DeVito

Danny DeVito’s career, marked by versatility, humor, and significant contributions to the entertainment industry, has earned him a well-deserved place among Hollywood’s elite. His success as an actor, director, and producer underscores his multifaceted talents and his ability to connect with audiences across genres. As his net worth reflects, DeVito’s financial success is a testament to his hard work and enduring appeal. He remains a beloved figure, continuing to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide. His contributions to film and television, combined with his philanthropic efforts, solidify Danny DeVito’s legacy as a true icon in the world of entertainment.