Daniel Michael “Danny” DeVito (born November 17, 1944) is an American actor, producer and director. He gained prominence for his portrayal of the taxi dispatcher, Louie De Palma, in Taxi (1978–1983) which won him a Golden Globe and an Emmy. A major film star, he is known for his roles in Tin Men, Throw Momma from the Train, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ruthless People, Man on the Moon, Terms of Endearment, Romancing the Stone, Twins, Batman Returns, Other People’s Money, Get Shorty and L.A. Confidential and for his voiceover in such films as Space Jam, Hercules and The Lorax.
DeVito and Michael Shamberg founded Jersey Films. Soon afterwards, Stacey Sher became an equal partner. The production company is known for films such as Pulp Fiction, Garden State, and Freedom Writers. DeVito also owns Jersey Television, which produced the Comedy Central series Reno 911!. DeVito and wife Rhea Perlman starred together in his 1996 film Matilda, based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel. He currently stars as Frank Reynolds on the FXX sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. He directs, produces and appears in graphic, short, horror films for his Internet venture The Blood Factory. DeVito was also one of the producers nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for Erin Brockovich. DeVito was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, the son of Daniel DeVito, Sr., a small business owner, and Julia DeVito (née Moccello). He grew up in a family of five, with his parents and two older sisters.[6] He is of Italian descent; his family is originally from San Fele. He was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
DeVito was raised Catholic and boarded at Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, graduating in 1962. He went to the boarding school at the age of 14, after he persuaded his father to send him there as it would keep him out of trouble. After leaving the boarding school, he trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, from which he graduated in 1966. In his early theater days, he performed with the Colonnades Theater Lab, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and (along with his future wife, Rhea Perlman) appeared in plays produced by the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective.
