Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Danny DeVito Biography

Birth Name:Daniel Michael DeVito

Birth Place:Asbury Park, New Jersey, United States

Profession Actor, Producer, Director, Soundtrack, Writer

Fast Facts

A member of the OneVoice movement which advocates for moderate conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians
Supports the Apollo Theatre in Oberlin, Ohio, which became the center of his own cinema studies and education project in 2012
After enrolling in New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts to learn more about cosmetology, he decided to pursue a career in acting
Quote: "It's fun to be on the edge․ I think you do your best work when you take chances, when you're not safe, when you're not in the middle of the road, at least for me, anyway․"
Known for portraying cynical characters in iconic projects such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Taxi," "Twins," "Batman Returns," etc
Despite his short stature, often portrays larger-than-life personalities as a character actor
Co-founded Jersey Films which has produced critically acclaimed films such as "Pulp Fiction," "Man on the Moon," "Erin Brockovich," etc
Was a former roommate of famed actor Michael Douglas when the pair were starting out in show business
Lost out to Arnold Schwarzenegger on the main role in "Kindergarten Cop" due to his small size
Married actress Rhea Perlman in 1982, whom he has partnered with in many project such as "Matilda" and "Taxi․"

Awards

1979Golden Globe-Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Television Series: nominated
1979Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Comedy-Variety or Music Series: nominated
1980Golden Globe-Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Television Series: winner
1981Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1981Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series: winner
1981Stinker Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
1982Golden Globe-Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1982Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Variety or Music Series: nominated
1982Razzie Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
1983Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy, Variety or Music Series: nominated
1985ACE-Actor in a Movie or Miniseries: nominated
1987American Comedy Award-Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): nominated
1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1988American Comedy Award-Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): nominated
1988Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1990Golden Berlin Bear-: nominated
1993Saturn Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
1993Golden Berlin Bear-: nominated
1993MTV Movie Award-Best Villain: nominated
1993Razzie Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
1993Razzie Award-Worst Director: nominated
1996Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast: nominated
1996Audience Award-: winner
1996Best Film-: nominated
1997Starboy Award-: winner
1997Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: nominated
1998Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Cast: nominated
1998Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Supporting Actor - Drama: nominated
1998OFTA Film Award-Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Picture: nominated
1998OFTA Film Award-Best Comedy/Musical Picture: nominated
1998OFTA Film Award-Best Voice-Over Performance: nominated
1998Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, Drama: nominated
1999Chlotrudis Award-Best Actor: nominated
2001Oscar-Best Picture: nominated
2001BAFTA Film Award-Best Film: nominated
2001OFTA Film Award-Best Picture: nominated
2001PGA Award-Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures: nominated
2004Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Guest Actor: nominated
2004Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
2004TV Land Award-Bossiest Boss: winner
2006Stinker Award-Worst On-Screen Couple: nominated
2007Razzie Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
2007Medallion Award-: winner
2008Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
2016IFJA Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2019IGN Award-Best TV Ensemble: nominated
2019The BAM Award-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2022Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Television Movie: nominated
2023CinEuphoria-Best Supporting Actor - International Competition: nominated
2025CinEuphoria-Best Ensemble - International Competition: nominated
2025Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Guest Actor: winner