Danny DeVito
Actor and director Daniel Michael DeVito Jr., better known as Danny DeVito, was born in 1944 and recently turned 80 years old on November 17th. DeVito is an iconic figure in the film industry, best known for his role as Louie De Palma in the TV series Taxi. This role earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy.
In this slideshow, we dive into DeVito’s memorable career and key moments.
Acting career off-Broadway
DeVito began his acting career off-Broadway in 1969 with the plays Shoot Anything With Hair That Moves and The Man with the Flower in His Mouth.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
He gained recognition for his role as Martini in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
His feature film debut
His feature film debut was in the drama Dreams of Glass (1970), followed by early roles in Lady Liberty (1971) and Deadly Hero (1975).
Terms of Endearment
After Taxi, he starred in Terms of Endearment (1983), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. He appeared in the crime comedies Johnny Dangerously (1984) and Romancing the Stone (1984).
Ruthless People
DeVito starred in Ruthless People (1986) and voiced Grundle King in My Little Pony: The Movie (1986). He portrayed the villain Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin in Batman Returns (1992).
Tony Award nomination
In 2006, DeVito joined the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006) as Frank Reynolds. He made his Broadway debut in a revival of Arthur Miller’s The Price (2017), earning a Tony Award nomination.
Beyond acting
Beyond acting, DeVito made his directorial debut in 1984 with The Ratings Game and directed the black comedy episode “The Wedding Ring” for Amazing Stories in 1986.
Directed his first feature film
In 1987, he directed his first feature film, Throw Momma from the Train, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
He has also voiced characters
Many Americans remember DeVito for his performances in the movies Twins and Matilda. He has also voiced characters in animated films like Hercules and The Lorax.
Jersey Films
DeVito also co-founded the production company Jersey Films, known for producing iconic filmes like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich.