The Unconventional Love Story Of Danny DeVito And Rhea Perlman: 5 Reasons They’ll Never Divorce (Even After Separating)

The relationship between Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman is arguably one of the most enduring, yet unconventional, love stories in Hollywood history, a narrative that continues to evolve even into 2025. After over 50 years together and a marriage that lasted three decades, the legendary couple separated, but they made a surprising and definitive choice: they would never officially divorce. This decision has cemented their bond as a "tight family" despite living separately, a modern and mature approach to a partnership that began in 1971. This enduring connection was on public display as recently as the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Danny DeVito gave a sweet shoutout to his estranged wife, a testament to the deep, familial love that transcends the traditional definition of marriage. Their story offers a unique perspective on partnership, co-parenting, and friendship, proving that a legal document doesn't define the strength of a lifelong commitment.

The Complete Biography and Unconventional Timeline of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman

The lives of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are inextricably linked, not just by their marriage but by their parallel rise as two of the most recognizable and beloved comedic actors of their generation. Their journey is a masterclass in Hollywood longevity.

Danny DeVito Profile (Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.)

• Born: November 17, 1944, Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S.
• Age: 81 (as of late 2025)
• Notable Roles: Louie De Palma (Taxi), The Penguin (Batman Returns), Frank Reynolds (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), The Lorax (Voice).
• Awards: Golden Globe Award, Primetime Emmy Award.
• Production Company: Jersey Films (Co-founder, produced films like Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, and Matilda).

Rhea Perlman Profile (Rhea Jo Perlman)

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• Born: March 31, 1948, Coney Island, New York, U.S.
• Age: 77 (as of late 2025)
• Notable Roles: Carla Tortelli (Cheers), Zinnia Wormwood (Matilda), Gloria (Poms).
• Awards: Four-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (for Cheers).
• Other Work: Author of the six-book children’s series Otto Undercover.

Relationship Timeline: A Half-Century of Partnership

• 1971: The Meeting. They met after Perlman attended the only performance of a play DeVito was in, titled The Shrinking Wife. They moved in together just two weeks later.
• 1982: Marriage. After 11 years of dating, they married on January 28, 1982.
• 1983–1987: Children. They welcomed their three children: Lucy DeVito (b. 1983), Grace Fan DeVito (b. 1985), and Jacob Daniel DeVito (b. 1987).
• 1996: Collaboration. They famously co-starred as the hilariously terrible parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, in the classic film Matilda, which DeVito also directed and produced through Jersey Films.
• October 2012: First Separation. After 30 years of marriage, they announced their separation.
• March 2013: Reconciliation. They briefly reconciled, appearing together at events.
• 2017: Final Separation. They separated again, choosing to live apart permanently.
• 2025: Current Status. They remain legally married and are a close-knit family unit.

5 Reasons Danny and Rhea Will Never Officially Divorce

Despite living separately for nearly a decade, both Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman have been vocal in recent interviews about their mutual decision to remain legally married. This unique arrangement is rooted in a deep, unbreakable connection that they both value more than formal separation.

1. The Unbreakable Family Unit

The single most powerful reason for their decision is their three children—Lucy, Grace, and Jake—and their commitment to remaining a "tight family." Both actors have repeatedly emphasized that while their romantic partnership shifted, their familial bond never did. They attend events together, support each other’s careers, and prioritize their children and, now, their grandchildren. DeVito, in a recent update, stressed that they are "very much still a family" and that their unconventional marriage "works" for them.

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2. A Deep-Rooted Friendship and Mutual Respect

Their relationship started with a powerful connection that quickly moved them to live together after just two weeks. Decades of marriage, collaboration (notably on Matilda), and shared experiences have forged a friendship that is stronger than any marital status. Perlman has stated that they still speak frequently and that there is "a lot of love" between them. This foundational respect allows them to navigate their separation without the acrimony often associated with divorce proceedings, making the formal split unnecessary.

3. The Absence of Acrimony and New Partners

One common driver for divorce is the desire to remarry or the introduction of new romantic partners. Neither Danny DeVito nor Rhea Perlman has publicly pursued a new long-term relationship since their separation, a factor that removes much of the urgency for a legal divorce. Perlman has openly discussed being single, noting that she is "much happier" living alone. Their contentment with their current, separate lives means there is no legal or emotional pressure to finalize the paperwork.

4. Shared History and Professional Collaboration

Their careers are deeply intertwined. DeVito’s production company, Jersey Films, produced many of the projects they worked on together, including Matilda. Perlman was a huge star in her own right as Carla Tortelli on Cheers, while DeVito became an icon as Louie De Palma on Taxi and later as Frank Reynolds on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Their shared professional journey and mutual support for each other's work—such as DeVito’s recent film Poolman—make them more than just ex-spouses; they are lifelong colleagues and creative partners.

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5. A Philosophical Stance on Marriage

Rhea Perlman has been quoted as saying she will "never divorce" him, clarifying her status during an interview on the Wiser Than Me podcast. This suggests a philosophical rejection of the finality of divorce. For them, the legal status of marriage is secondary to the enduring bond they share. They see themselves as married in spirit and family, even if they are no longer married in practice. This unconventional approach defies Hollywood norms and offers a refreshing take on what a long-term partnership can look like in the modern era.

The Legacy of Their On-Screen and Off-Screen Partnership

The cultural impact of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman extends far beyond their individual iconic roles. Their collaboration on the 1996 adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda remains a cornerstone of their shared legacy. As the ridiculously neglectful and selfish parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood, they played a perfect, hilarious foil to the brilliant and kind-hearted Matilda. This film not only showcased their acting chemistry but also their creative synergy, with DeVito directing and producing.

Their children are now extending that legacy. Their eldest daughter, Lucy DeVito, is an accomplished actress who has worked alongside her father on projects like the stage production of The Subject Was Roses and the FX series Little Demon. Their son, Jake DeVito, is a producer, and their daughter Grace Fan DeVito has also pursued work in the arts, cementing the family's place in the entertainment industry.

Ultimately, the story of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman is a testament to the idea that love and partnership can take many forms. They have redefined what it means to be a separated couple in Hollywood, choosing a path of continued legal marriage, deep friendship, and unwavering family unity. Their decision to stay legally bound, even as they live separate lives, is a powerful, enduring statement on the nature of their half-century-long commitment.