Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a famous actor?
Some people are naturally attractive, and they never fail to turn heads when they enter a room. However, there are other people who are so charismatic that they draw people to them without the need for good looks.
There is no doubt that Danny DeVito falls into the second category. Although not classically handsome, this charming man never fails to steal the show.
So, let’s find out about Danny DeVito net worth and how this talented actor rose to fame.
Contents
About Danny DeVito
Danny was born on the 17th of November, 1944, in Neptune Township in the state of New Jersey. He was born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. and is named after his father. He is currently 78 years old and is famously four feet ten inches (147 centimeters) tall.
Some may not know…
His height is the result of a rare genetic disorder called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. Also known as Fairbank’s disease, this disorder affects bone growth. However, this has never stopped Danny DeVito from reaching for the stars in his career.
DeVito went to boarding school and played roles in several plays. After graduating from boarding school, the actor attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He received glowing reports from his teachers and graduated from the academy in 1966.
Theater Career
DeVito’s career began at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, which was located in Waterford, Connecticut. He starred in an off-Broadway production of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The play was a direct adaptation of the book and ran in 1971. He also played roles in a number of plays that were produced by the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective.
Despite his origins in the theater, the actor didn’t make his West End acting debut until 2012. He starred as Willie Clark in the Neil Simon play The Sunshine Boys alongside Richard Griffiths. The play previewed at London’s Savoy Theatre and ran for twelve weeks.
Later nominated for an award…
The actor made his Broadway debut in 2017 at the American Airlines Theatre. He starred in a Roundabout Theatre Company revival of The Price as Gregory Solomon by Arthur Miller. He proved that he was still able to hold his own on the stage and was even nominated for a Tony Award.
TV Career
Danny DeVito shot to fame in 1978 when he played the part of Louie De Palma in the series Taxi. His role as an endearingly domineering cab dispatcher immediately captured the hearts of NBC audiences. He played the role for five years until 1983 and won two awards.
But perhaps one of the most pleasant surprises for fans was when…
In 2004 he played a surprise role as a stripper called Roy in the hit TV show Friends. This role allowed DeVito to use his talent for physical comedy to the full. The short but sweet role clearly proved that he can still steal any scene he’s in.
In 2006 he joined the cast of the hit TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. DeVito plays the role of Frank Reynolds and is still starring in the show to this day. To date, he has appeared in more than 150 episodes of the popular series.
Movies
The actor has also enjoyed a long career on the big screen. He is perhaps best known for his comedic roles, many of which play on his short stature. However, he has also played a number of roles where he played menacing characters that were larger than life.
What was his first-ever movie role?
DeVito’s first movie was One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, where he starred alongside Jack Nicholson. His work in the theater production helped him prepare for the role. Rumor has it that he was invited to audition after the casting director saw his role in the play.
He is also known for his role in Twins alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The movie was released in 1986 and perfectly showcased his comedic talents. This helped him secure a number of other comedic roles, including Space Jam and Mars Attacks! He has also appeared in a number of dramatic roles over the years.
Other movies of note include:
- Terms of Endearment – 1983
- Romancing the Stone – 1984
- The Jewel of the Nile – 1985
- The War of the Roses – 1989
- Batman Returns – 1992
- Reality Bites – 1994
- Junior – 1994
- Renaissance Man – 1994
- Get Shorty – 1995
- Sunset Park – 1996
- The Rainmaker – 1997
- L.A. Confidential – 1997
- Gattaca – 1997
- Out of Sight – 1998
- Living Out Loud – 1998
- Man on the Moon – 1999
- The Virgin Suicides – 1999
- Drowning Mona – 2000
- Erin Brockovich – 2000
- How High – 2001
- Big Fish – 2003
- Be Cool – 2005
- Deck the Halls – 2006
- Solitary Man – 2009
- Dumbo – 2019
- Jumanji: The Next Level – 2019
Voiceover Work and Commercials
The actor’s voice is instantly recognizable, and his New Jersey drawl makes him stand out from the crowd. However, he is also a talented voiceover artist and has lent his talent to numerous characters. Perhaps his most famous voiceover role is in the Disney movie Hercules.
And did you know…
The actor also played the character of Herb Powell in multiple episodes of The Simpsons. Like most actors who play roles, his character was a version of himself, complete with inside jokes. He also lent his voice to the main character in Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax in 2012.
Never one to shy away from an opportunity, he has appeared in numerous commercials. These include ads for M&Ms, QuickBooks, and the Angry Birds Friends Champions for Earth tournament advertisement. Plus, he secured the adoration of a new generation by appearing in the One Direction music video for Steal My Girl.
Directing Work
DeVito made his directorial debut in the movie The Ratings Game in 1984. Three years later, he directed the movie Throw Momma from the Train. In addition to directing this dark comedy, he also played one of the lead roles alongside Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner. The movie was inspired by Strangers on a Train by Alfred Hitchcock, and it proved to be a cult classic.
Like many actors who turn their attention to directing, he has played roles in most of his movies. This includes the eight short films that he directed between 1973 and 2016. While most of his roles in these movies have been minor, they have never failed to make an impact.
Other directorial contributions of note include:
- The War of the Roses – 1989
- Hoffa – 1992
- Death to Smoochy – 2002
- Duplex – 2003
Production Company
In 1991, DeVito founded the Jersey Films production company with partner Michael Shamberg. Stacey Sher decided to join the pair as an equal partner soon afterward. The celebrities used their combined knowledge and connections to make the production company a success. This can best be seen in an Academy Award for Best Picture nomination for Erin Brockovich.
Other notable movies produced by Jersey Films include:
- Pulp Fiction – 1994
- Matilda – 1994
- Man on the Moon – 1999
- Garden State – 2004
- Freedom Writers – 2007
Awards and Achievements
Danny DeVito has won numerous awards during his long and diverse career. This shows that his hard work and talent have not gone unnoticed by the entertainment industry. Particularly of note are his two Golden Globe Awards for his performances in Taxi and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Jack.
The actor and director was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011. He has also been recognized for his numerous contributions to various organizations. These include the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the American Film Institute.
Notable awards include:
- 1980 – Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film
- 1980 – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
- 1989 – ShoWest Convention Award for Male Star of the Year
- 1996 – Cinekid Audience Award for Matilda
- 1997 – Oulu International Children’s Film Festival Starboy Award
- 2004 – TV Land Award for Bossiest Boss for Taxi
- 2007 – Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Special Prize for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema
- 2007 – TV Land Medallion Award for Taxi
- 2010 – Golden Camera Award for Lifetime Achievement – International
- 2011 – Critics Choice Television Icon Award
- 2018 – San Sebastián International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award
Real Estate
The actor has bought and sold several luxurious properties with his former wife and long-term partner, Rhea Pearlman, over the years. The couple purchased a 14,579-square-foot home in Beverly Hills in 1994. They sold this property for a cool $24 million in 2015.
In 1993, the couple purchased a charming Malibu beach house for a reported $3 million. They sold this property in 2017 for an impressive $23.5 million. This profit has helped to swell the actor’s net worth considerably.
But it didn’t stop there!
The couple has bought and sold several other properties and currently co-owns a palatial home in Malibu. The actor also purchased a mansion in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles in 2015. He purchased the property for a reported $18 million, and it is now believed to be worth considerably more than this.
In 2022, the couple listed their cozy two-bedroom Los Angeles retreat for sale. They reportedly purchased the 1,864-square-foot home back in 2018 for $1.3 million. The loft-style house was built in 1985 and is listed for $1.55 million. It is located conveniently close to downtown Los Angeles and sits on nearly half an acre of land.
Danny DeVito Net Worth and Earnings
Dani DeVito currently has a reported net worth of $80 million. This figure has risen considerably over the years due to his constant hard work and dedication. To illustrate, back in 2013, he was reported to be worth $46 million.
This means that he has almost doubled his wealth in the last decade. According to reports, he earns around $13 million each year. The majority of this annual salary comes from acting and directing, in addition to some smart business deals.
Love Danny DeVito?
So do we! He’s an absolutely iconic character that has worked his way into the heart of millions.
However, there are also a couple of other celebrities who owe a lot to DeVito. If you’d like to discover more, don’t miss our latest guides to Judd Hirsch Net Worth, Catherine Zeta-Jones Net Worth, and of course, Rhea Perlman Net Worth and Salary.
But as you can see, one key to Devito’s net worth is his savvy real estate investment over the years. If you find this inspiring, then why not take a look at What Percentage of Americans Are Millionaires, and browse the Richest Neighborhoods in America? Then find out just How Big is a Mansion, and continue your tour through Danny Devito’s hometown, in our guide to the Richest Towns In New Jersey!
And if celeb spotting is your thing…
We’ve got you covered! Check out the 15 Biggest Celebrities Who Live in NYC, the Biggest Celebrities Who Live in Miami, Celebrities That Live in the Hamptons, and Celebrities Who Live in Beverly Hills. And for music lovers, don’t miss our latest guide to the Celebrities That Live in Nashville, or find out exactly Who Lives on Star Island Miami in 2023?
We can also tell you all about what a Malibu Rocky Oaks Wedding Costs, what a Calamigos Ranch Wedding Costs, and the Top 10 Most Expensive Autographs Ever Sold to date!
Simply search our site with whatever you’re curious about!
Ok, back to…
Final Thoughts
There is no denying the fact that Danny DeVito is one of the biggest names in Hollywood. He is instantly recognizable for his New Jersey accent and short stature. He also boasts impressive comic timing and the ability to effortlessly take on new projects and challenges.
This ability has helped the celebrity enjoy a career that has spanned more than four decades. Although he started off in the theater, he has played numerous roles on the big and small screen. This has helped Danny Devito amass a net worth of around $80 million over the years, which will likely only continue to increase.
We love you, DeVito!
FAQs
1. What is the secret to Danny DeVito’s success?
Danny DeVito’s success can be attributed to his natural talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. He has always been passionate about acting and filmmaking, and he has put in the effort to establish himself in the industry. DeVito’s unique style and comedic timing have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his work has left a lasting impact on the film and television industry.
2. What is the most iconic role Danny DeVito has played?
Danny DeVito has played several iconic roles throughout his career, but his most memorable role is as Louie De Palma in the television show Taxi. DeVito’s portrayal of the sarcastic, tyrannical dispatcher won him an Emmy Award and established him as a prominent actor.
3. What are Danny DeVito’s favorite movies?
Danny DeVito’s favorite movies include Some Like It Hot, Raging Bull, and The Godfather.
4. How did Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman meet?
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman met in 1971 at a performance of The Shrinking Bride. Perlman was one of the cast members, and DeVito was in the audience. They started dating soon after and got married in 1982.
5. What is Danny DeVito’s favorite TV show?
Danny DeVito’s favorite television show is The Sopranos.
6. What is Danny DeVito’s favorite book?
Danny DeVito’s favorite book is The Godfather by Mario Puzo.
7. How did Danny DeVito become a successful director and producer?
Danny DeVito became a successful director and producer by working hard and continuing to hone his craft. He started directing in the early 1980s and produced his first film, Big Business, in 1988. DeVito’s unique vision and style have made him successful in both roles, and he continues to work on films and shows to this day.
8. What advice does Danny DeVito have for aspiring actors?
Danny DeVito’s advice for aspiring actors is to work hard and never give up. He believes that success comes from perseverance and dedication, and that actors should continue to hone their craft and take every opportunity they can.
9. Where does Danny DeVito live?
Danny DeVito has owned several properties over the years, but he currently lives in a mansion in Beverly Hills that he bought for $18 million in 2015.
10. What is Danny DeVito’s favorite cuisine?
Danny DeVito’s favorite cuisine is Italian food.
11. What is Danny DeVito’s political affiliation?
Danny DeVito is a known supporter of the Democratic Party and has endorsed several Democratic candidates over the years.
12. What is Danny DeVito’s favorite hobby?
Danny DeVito’s favorite hobby is playing basketball.
13. What is Danny DeVito working on now?
Danny DeVito is currently working on a television show called It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which he has been a part of since 2005.
14. What is Danny DeVito’s favorite thing about acting?
Danny DeVito’s favorite thing about acting is the process of becoming someone else. He enjoys the challenge of immersing himself in a character and bringing them to life on screen.
15. Does Danny DeVito have any upcoming projects?
Danny DeVito is set to star in several upcoming projects, including a movie called The Survivor and a television show called The Style Guild.
Conclusion
Danny DeVito’s success story is one of hard work, talent, and dedication. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey, he has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His contributions to the film and television industry have left a lasting impact, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers. With several upcoming projects in the works, Danny DeVito’s fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.