8 Surprising Facts About Danny DeVito’s Age And His Unstoppable Career At 81

The legendary Daniel Michael DeVito Jr., an actor, director, and producer whose career spans over five decades, continues to be one of Hollywood's most enduring and recognizable figures. As of today, December 11, 2025, the star is a vibrant 81 years old, a fact that often shocks fans given his energetic screen presence and relentless work ethic. His remarkable longevity in the entertainment industry, from his breakout role in Taxi to his current cultural icon status on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, is a testament to his unique talent and versatility.

The question of "how old is Danny DeVito" is frequently searched because the actor shows no signs of slowing down, with multiple high-profile projects currently in development. Fans are often surprised to learn he is well into his eighties, as his most recent work, including the 2024 film Poolman and his long-running role as Frank Reynolds, keeps him firmly in the contemporary spotlight. This deep dive explores his complete profile, current age, and the exciting new projects that prove age is truly just a number for the diminutive powerhouse.

Danny DeVito: Complete Biographical Profile

Danny DeVito's life and career are packed with fascinating details, from his New Jersey roots to his status as an Academy Award-nominated producer.

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• Full Name: Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
• Date of Birth: November 17, 1944
• Current Age (as of Dec 11, 2025): 81 years old
• Birthplace: Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S.
• Height: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m or 147 cm)
• Spouse: Rhea Perlman (married 1982; separated 2012)
• Children: Three—Lucy DeVito, Grace DeVito, and Jacob DeVito
• Profession: Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer
• Estimated Net Worth: $80–100 million
• Notable Awards: Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, Academy Award Nomination (as a producer for Erin Brockovich)
• Education: Graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1966.
• Ethnicity: Italian-American heritage.

The Secret to DeVito’s Longevity: From 'Taxi' to The Gang

The key to Danny DeVito's enduring career is his ability to transition seamlessly between diverse roles while maintaining an undeniable charisma. He has achieved success in every facet of the industry: television, film acting, directing, and producing.

The Breakthrough Era: 'Taxi' and Hollywood Stardom

DeVito first gained national recognition in 1978 for his role as the hilariously tyrannical dispatcher, Louie De Palma, on the sitcom Taxi. This role earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award, solidifying his place as a major television star.

His film career exploded with roles in iconic movies like Terms of Endearment (1983) and Romancing the Stone (1984). He further cemented his status as a box-office draw with the buddy comedy Twins (1988), where he starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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The Director and Producer: Behind the Camera

Beyond acting, DeVito proved his acumen behind the camera. He directed critical and commercial successes such as The War of the Roses (1989), Hoffa (1992), and the beloved family film Matilda (1996).

As a producer, his company, Jersey Films, was responsible for major hits, including Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) and Steven Soderbergh's Oscar-winning film Erin Brockovich (2000), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

Frank Reynolds and Modern Relevancy

In 2006, DeVito joined the cast of the cult hit sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as Frank Reynolds. His portrayal of the depraved, wealthy, and often disgusting patriarch has introduced him to a new generation of fans and kept him culturally relevant for nearly two decades. His involvement has been a significant factor in the show’s record-breaking run, making it one of the longest-running live-action comedy series in American television history.

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Upcoming Projects: DeVito’s Unstoppable Future in 2025 and Beyond

Despite celebrating his 81st birthday, Danny DeVito’s project slate is surprisingly full, demonstrating his commitment to fresh, challenging, and comedic roles. These upcoming titles are generating significant buzz among film enthusiasts.

1. Sniff: The All-Star Film Noir

One of DeVito's most anticipated projects is the film noir entitled Sniff. The movie is set in a luxurious, high-end retirement community that harbors a dark, criminal underbelly.

• The Plot: DeVito is set to star as one of two detectives investigating a festering stench of drugs and homicide within the retirement home.
• The Cast: The film boasts an incredible ensemble cast of Hollywood legends, including Morgan Freeman, Al Pacino, and Dame Helen Mirren.
• The Director: It is directed by Taylor Hackford, known for Ray and An Officer and a Gentleman. The combination of acting talent and a seasoned director suggests a major cinematic event.

2. Triplets: The Long-Awaited Sequel

For years, fans have awaited an update on Triplets, the sequel to the 1988 comedy Twins. The original premise involved the unlikely duo of Julius (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Vincent (Danny DeVito) discovering they have a third, long-lost brother.

While the project has faced setbacks, including the passing of original director Ivan Reitman and conflicting reports about its status, DeVito has occasionally provided updates, suggesting the idea is still alive. The sequel was previously set to add comedian Tracy Morgan as the third brother, a casting choice that promised a new level of comedic chaos.

3. Poolman (2024 Release)

DeVito was recently seen in the 2024 mystery-comedy film Poolman, which marked the directorial debut of Chris Pine. DeVito starred alongside Pine and Annette Bening, showing his continued willingness to collaborate with new talent and take on quirky, supporting roles.

The Impact of DeVito's Height and Persona

It is impossible to discuss Danny DeVito without addressing his physical stature, which is often cited as 4 feet 10 inches. His height, combined with his distinctive raspy voice and energetic delivery, has become an integral part of his comedic persona and brand.

Rather than being a limitation, his unique physical presence has allowed him to play a wide range of memorable characters, from the lovable Penguin in Batman Returns to the sinister publisher in L.A. Confidential. This ability to weaponize his distinctiveness is a major reason why he has remained a sought-after talent for so long.

At 81 years old, Danny DeVito is more than just a veteran actor; he is a cultural phenomenon whose work continues to shape television and film. His age is merely a number, overshadowed by his relentless creativity and the excitement surrounding his future projects, ensuring his legacy will thrive for decades to come.