Danny DeVito, the beloved actor and filmmaker, recently celebrated his 80th birthday.

While many know him for his iconic roles and infectious humor, few are aware of the profound hardships and painful secrets that have shaped his life and career.

From a tumultuous childhood marked by family violence and rejection to a rare genetic condition causing chronic pain, DeVito’s journey is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and determination.

 

Born in Neptune, New Jersey, in 1944, Danny DeVito’s early years were far from easy.

His mother, Julia, already in her 40s and having raised several children, openly admitted she never wanted him.

This painful confession could have shattered anyone’s spirit, but for DeVito, it became a driving force.

He carried the shadow of rejection throughout his childhood and used it as motivation to prove his worth.

 

Life at home was unpredictable and often frightening.

His father, Daniel Senior, owned a candy shop and was kind by day, but after drinking, he became violent and angry.

Police were called to the family home at least 17 times before Danny turned 15.

These traumatic experiences left deep emotional scars but also ignited a desire in DeVito to break free from his environment.

 

By the age of 14, with heroin addiction and death rampant in his neighborhood, DeVito made a plan to escape.

He saved money from small jobs, convinced his parish priest to intervene, and enrolled in an oratory prep school.

This decision likely saved his life, as many of his childhood friends did not survive their troubled surroundings.

 

DeVito’s challenges extended beyond his family.

He was diagnosed with Fairbanks disease, a rare genetic bone disorder that stunted his growth to just 4’10” and caused constant, often debilitating pain in his hips, knees, and back.

Despite the agony, DeVito refused to let his condition define him or derail his ambitions.

Hollywood, however, was less forgiving.

Producers and agents pressured him to undergo surgery to alter his appearance, even offering him millions to change his face or lengthen his legs.

DeVito famously burned such a contract in a beach bonfire, choosing authenticity over conformity.

His stance was clear: “I’d rather be a first-rate version of myself than a second-rate version of someone else.”

 

Throughout his career, DeVito endured significant physical pain, often collapsing on set but never succumbing to pain medication addiction.

Quietly, he donated millions to fund treatments for others suffering from similar bone conditions, preferring to keep his philanthropy private.

 

Before acting became his calling, DeVito trained as a beautician, spending 1,500 hours learning the craft and working in his sister’s salon.

His skill earned him awards and a loyal clientele, but his passion shifted when a chance encounter with a theater producer inspired him to audition for a play.

Initially applying to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for makeup training, DeVito’s unexpected monologue performance landed him a spot as an acting student.

Despite initial hesitation, he accepted a partial scholarship and began pursuing acting seriously.

 

In New York, DeVito shared a tiny, cockroach-infested apartment with Michael Douglas, who kept his famous lineage secret.

The two struggled financially, often eating canned beans and stale bread.

While Douglas found some roles, DeVito faced relentless rejection, auditioning 248 times between 1967 and 1970 but landing only three small gigs.

 

To survive, he took odd jobs—parking cars, posing as a mannequin, cleaning zoo cages, and reading lines to chimpanzees.

At one point, he lived in his Volkswagen Beetle, showering at the YMCA and eating at soup kitchens.

Yet, he persevered, holding on to hope.

 

DeVito’s big break came with *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest* in 1975, where he played Martini.

Though his screen time was brief, his performance left a lasting impression.

The film won five Oscars and put DeVito on Hollywood’s radar.

 

In 1978, DeVito made a bold move by choosing to audition for the TV sitcom *Taxi*, despite warnings that television was career suicide.

His portrayal of Louie De Palma, a rude and unapologetically awful dispatcher, became iconic.

Creator James L. Brooks threatened to quit if DeVito wasn’t cast, and the gamble paid off.

Despite earning less than other actors, DeVito’s performance captivated audiences, earning him a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

His character broke new ground, proving that audiences could love flawed, even villainous, personalities.

 

Following *Taxi*, DeVito transitioned successfully into film.

He appeared in hits like *Romancing the Stone*, *The Jewel of the Nile*, and *Ruthless People*, earning critical acclaim and box office success.

His directorial debut, *Throw Mama from the Train*, showcased his unique blend of humor and heart.

 

In 1988, DeVito starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in *Twins*, a surprising hit that grossed over $200 million worldwide.

This cemented his status as a leading man capable of carrying major films.

 

DeVito also co-founded Jersey Films, a production company responsible for cult classics like *Pulp Fiction* and *Man on the Moon*.

His keen eye for bold, unconventional stories helped shape 1990s independent cinema.

 

DeVito met his wife, Rhea Perlman, in a serendipitous encounter.

They married in 1982 and maintained a unique partnership, working together on numerous projects and founding Jersey Films.

Though they separated in 2012 and again in 2017, they never divorced and remain close, regularly communicating and collaborating.

 

Known for his generosity, DeVito donated half a million dollars to his hometown hospital in 2023, supporting urgent patient needs without seeking publicity.

His commitment to healthcare and children’s causes reflects a deep compassion born from his own struggles.

 

In recent years, DeVito has been open about his ongoing battle with Fairbanks disease, advocating for better treatment and awareness.

Despite chronic pain and physical limitations, he continues to work, notably on *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, where his character Frank Reynolds has become a fan favorite.

A viral incident on *Jimmy Kimmel Live* in 2025 revealed DeVito’s fiery spirit and refusal to conform to Hollywood’s expectations.

While some criticized him, many applauded his honesty and authenticity.

 

At 80, Danny DeVito remains a beloved figure in entertainment—a symbol of perseverance, talent, and staying true to oneself.

His life story is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by appearance or ease but by courage, resilience, and heart.

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