Biography
Who is Danny DeVito?
Early life and education
Danny DeVito was born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. On November 17, 1944, at Raleigh Fitkin-Paul Morgan Memorial Hospital in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, in a family of five with his parents, Daniel DeVito Sr. And Julia Moccello, and two older sisters. He is of Southern Italian descent with roots in San Fele, Basilicata, and the Italo-Albanian community of Calabria.
He was raised as a Catholic and attended Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, graduating in 1962. Before pursuing acting professionally, he worked as a beautician at his sister's salon and even spent time as a part-time morgue cosmetologist. His search for a makeup instructor eventually led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he graduated in 1966.
Television and film career
Danny started his career acting off-Broadway before landing his breakout television role as taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma in the hit series Taxi in 1978. His memorable audition involved throwing the script on the table after asking who wrote it, earning him the part and later a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Since 2006, he has portrayed Frank Reynolds on the sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
His extensive filmography includes appearances in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in 1975, Terms of Endearment in 1983, and Romancing the Stone in 1984. He also played the villain Penguin in Tim Burton's Batman Returns in 1992 and voiced the title character in The Lorax in 2012. Also, he has directed films such as Hoffa in 1992 and appeared in numerous other comedies and dramas.
Production companies and stage work
In 1991, Danny co-founded the production company Jersey Films with Michael Shamberg, which later produced films like Pulp Fiction. He also created a second production company named Jersey Films 2nd Avenue alongside his children, Lucy and Jake, and owned Jersey Television, which produced Reno 911!.
He expanded his career to the stage, performing in the West End revival of The Sunshine Boys between 2012 and 2013. He made his Broadway debut in a revival of Arthur Miller's The Price in 2017, earning a Tony Award nomination, and later returned to Broadway in the play I Need That in 2023.
Family and personal life
Danny was married to actress Rhea Perlman, and the couple starred together in the 1996 film Matilda. They share three children named Lucy, Gracie, and Jake. His family members have frequently collaborated with him on various creative projects and production ventures throughout his career.
Birthday and age
Danny DeVito was born on November 17, 1944, which makes Danny 81 years old today. That birthday falls under the Scorpio sign. Danny shares the date with 27 other famous people.
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