5 Shocking Reasons Why Danny DeVito And Rhea Perlman Are Still Married But Separated (The 2025 Update)

The enduring, decades-long relationship between Hollywood legends Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman is arguably one of the most fascinating and unconventional love stories in show business. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the couple—who first met in 1971—continue to defy traditional expectations, remaining legally married despite separating over a decade ago. Their unique arrangement is a masterclass in co-parenting and mutual respect, proving that some bonds are simply too deep to break, even if the romantic partnership has evolved.

The latest updates confirm that the pair are "doing great" and are frequently seen together, particularly to spend time with their growing family, including their new granddaughter. Their choice to remain married, despite living separately, speaks volumes about the foundation of their 40+ year connection, rooted in shared history, a successful production company, and a deep, unbreakable friendship.

The Complete Biography and Career Profile of Hollywood's Unconventional Couple

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are two of the most recognizable and beloved figures in American television and film. Their careers span over five decades, marked by iconic roles and critical acclaim.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

Danny DeVito (Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.)

• Born: November 17, 1944 (Neptune Township, New Jersey).
• Spouse: Rhea Perlman (m. 1982; separated 2012).
• Children: Lucy DeVito, Grace DeVito, and Jacob (Jake) DeVito.
• Key Roles (Television): Louie De Palma on Taxi (Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award), Frank Reynolds on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
• Key Roles (Film): The Penguin in Batman Returns, Harry Wormwood in Matilda, Vincent Benedict in Twins, Owen Lift in Throw Momma from the Train.
• Filmmaker Career: Directed and co-starred in Matilda, directed The War of the Roses, and co-founded the production company Jersey Films, responsible for hits like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich.

Rhea Perlman (Rhea Jo Perlman)

• Born: March 31, 1948 (Brooklyn, New York).
• Spouse: Danny DeVito (m. 1982; separated 2012).
• Children: Lucy DeVito, Grace DeVito, and Jacob (Jake) DeVito.
• Key Role (Television): Carla Tortelli on Cheers (Won four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series).
• Key Roles (Film/Television): Zena in Taxi (where she first met DeVito), Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, and a notable recent role in the Barbie movie.
• Author: She is also a successful children's author, publishing the popular Otto Undercover series.

The Timeline of a 50-Year Bond: From 1971 to the Unconventional Marriage

The story of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman is one of Hollywood longevity, beginning long before their respective breakout roles. They met in 1971 when Perlman saw DeVito perform in the play The Shrinking Bride. The connection was instant, and they moved in together just two weeks later, embarking on a relationship that would span over five decades.

They married in January 1982, the same year Perlman's iconic sitcom Cheers premiered. Their careers flourished in parallel, with DeVito starring on Taxi and later moving into major film roles like Ruthless People. They frequently collaborated, most famously in the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda, where they played the atrocious parents, the Wormwoods, a comedic contrast to their real-life relationship.

The couple announced their first separation in 2012 after 30 years of marriage. While they briefly reconciled, they separated again in 2017. However, the one constant has been their refusal to file for divorce, maintaining a strong, co-dependent relationship that prioritizes family over legal finality. This unique arrangement has become a source of fascination for fans and a testament to their deep-rooted friendship.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

5 Reasons Why DeVito and Perlman's Bond Remains Unbreakable

Their decision to remain legally married, despite living apart, is a conscious choice that has been reaffirmed by both actors in recent interviews. This "separated but not divorced" status is driven by a few key, deeply personal factors that highlight the maturity of their relationship.

1. The Unbreakable Family Unit and Grandparenting

The most compelling reason for their continued bond is their family. They share three adult children—Lucy, Grace, and Jake DeVito—all of whom have pursued careers in the arts, with Lucy DeVito being a successful actress. Crucially, the arrival of their first granddaughter has brought them even closer. Danny DeVito recently confirmed in 2024 that they are "sharing our granddaughter" and seeing each other often, cementing their roles as a united family front for the next generation. This shared joy and responsibility override any need for a legal split.

2. A Deep-Rooted, Enduring Friendship

Rhea Perlman has clarified their status on the Wiser Than Me podcast with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, stating simply that they are "still married." She has consistently spoken about the shift in their relationship from a romantic partnership to a profound friendship. Perlman described it as being "much better" now, explaining that they have a "beautiful relationship" and are closer than ever, just without the expectation of living under the same roof. The decades of shared history have evolved into a comfortable, non-romantic love.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

3. Financial and Business Ties (Jersey Films)

Beyond the personal, the couple shares significant professional history, most notably as co-founders of the production company Jersey Films. This company has been responsible for producing some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of the 1990s and 2000s, including Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, and Man on the Moon. Untangling decades of shared assets, business ventures, and creative partnerships would be a complex and unnecessary legal undertaking, making the choice to remain married a pragmatic one as well.

4. The Comfort of Shared History and No Need to Move On

Both DeVito and Perlman have expressed little interest in pursuing new romantic partners or the formalities of a traditional divorce. Their relationship has always been unconventional. They were a couple for over a decade before marrying, and they have maintained a close-knit, co-dependent life even while separated. For them, the legal document of divorce does not reflect the reality of their emotional connection. They consider themselves a family unit, even if they are no longer a couple in the traditional sense.

5. A Shared Artistic Vision and Collaboration

Their professional lives have remained intertwined. From their early days in New York theater to their work on Matilda, their creative synergy is undeniable. DeVito continues his successful run on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, while Perlman has enjoyed a career resurgence with roles in major productions. Their mutual support and respect for each other's careers, which began on the set of Taxi, remains a cornerstone of their shared life, making a clean break seem antithetical to their combined legacy.

The Legacy of Hollywood's Most Enduring, Unconventional Duo

The unique, "separated but not divorced" marriage of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman offers a powerful, modern perspective on what a long-term relationship can look like. Their commitment to family, their mutual respect, and their ability to redefine their bond after decades together sets them apart in a town known for fleeting partnerships.

As they continue to share major life milestones, including their role as grandparents, their story is a refreshing reminder that the end of a romantic marriage does not have to mean the end of a family or a profound, lifelong partnership. They have successfully navigated the complexities of separation while preserving a foundation of love and friendship that has lasted over 50 years.