Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito were once one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples, married for over 30 years and adored by fans for their chemistry both on and off screen.

However, after decades together, the couple announced their separation, sparking curiosity and speculation about what really went wrong.

Now, at 77, Rhea Perlman has finally opened up about their complicated relationship, the reasons behind their separation, and why they chose not to divorce despite living apart.

Their story is one of love, challenges, and a unique bond that defies traditional labels.

 

Rhea Perlman was born on March 31, 1948, in Coney Island, Brooklyn, to a hardworking Jewish family with roots in Poland and Russia.

Her father, Philip Pearlman, managed a doll parts factory, while her mother, Adele, worked as a bookkeeper.

Rhea grew up in a close-knit family and developed a passion for acting early on.

She studied drama at Hunter College in New York City, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968.

Her sister Haida also pursued a career in television as a writer and producer.

 

Rhea’s acting career began modestly, with roles in off-off Broadway plays and small film parts in the early 1970s.

She landed a recurring role on the TV show *Taxi* in 1978 as Zena, the girlfriend of Louis de Palma, a character played by Danny DeVito.

This connection would later blossom into a lifelong partnership.

Her breakout role came in 1982 when she was cast as Carla Tortelli on the long-running sitcom *Cheers*.

Carla was tough, witty, and unforgettable, earning Rhea four Emmy Awards and six Golden Globe nominations throughout the show’s 11-season run.

 

Danny DeVito, born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, in 1944, grew up in a lively Italian and Albanian family.

Initially working in a beauty salon, he discovered acting through classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, graduating in 1966.

His early career involved off-Broadway plays and small film roles before landing the role of Louie De Palma on *Taxi* in 1978.

This role made him a star, earning him an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Over the years, Danny expanded his career to directing, producing, and acting in a variety of films, including *Ruthless People*, *Twins*, and *Batman Returns*.

Rhea and Danny’s romantic story began in 1971 when Rhea attended an off-Broadway play called *The Shrinking Bride*.

She was there to support a friend but quickly noticed Danny on stage.

Intrigued, she wasted no time making her interest known.

Their connection was instant, and within weeks, Rhea had moved into Danny’s Manhattan apartment.

They dated for over a decade before marrying on January 28, 1982—just as *Taxi* was ending and *Cheers* was beginning.

 

Together, they built a family, welcoming three children: Lucy (born 1983), Grace (1985), and Jake (1987).

Despite their different religious backgrounds—Rhea being Jewish and Danny raised Catholic—they chose to raise their children without strict adherence to any one faith, celebrating multiple traditions instead.

Their children grew up surrounded by creativity and encouragement, with Lucy following in her parents’ footsteps as an actress.

Rhea and Danny’s professional lives often intertwined.

They appeared together on *Taxi*, where Danny played the loud dispatcher Louie De Palma and Rhea portrayed his kind-hearted girlfriend Zena.

Their natural chemistry translated seamlessly from real life to the screen, captivating audiences.

Later, they co-starred in the beloved 1996 film *Matilda*, based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book.

Danny directed the movie and played Matilda’s father, while Rhea played her flashy mother.

Behind the scenes, they were supportive and nurturing, especially toward the young cast members.

 

Despite their strong bond and decades together, by 2012, signs of trouble in their marriage became public.

That October, after 30 years of marriage, they announced their separation.

Fans were surprised, given their reputation as one of Hollywood’s longest-lasting couples.

Though they separated, they remained close, leading to a brief reconciliation in 2013.

However, by 2017, they separated again, this time more definitively, though they never officially divorced.

 

Rhea has been candid about the difficulties they faced.

Speaking on a podcast, she admitted the separation was “very difficult at first,” citing many reasons she chose not to disclose publicly.

Despite the challenges, they worked hard to maintain a respectful and honest relationship, prioritizing their family above all else.

 

After their second separation, Rhea and Danny chose to live apart but remained deeply connected.

They sold their Beverly Hills mansion in 2015 but maintained other properties, including a bungalow near Rodeo Drive and a Malibu compound.

They continued to support one another and co-parent their children with mutual respect.

 

Rhea joked that her dog is now her “partner in life,” embracing the quieter lifestyle of living alone while staying surrounded by family and friends.

Their grown children visit often, and in 2023, they celebrated becoming grandparents for the first time with the birth of their granddaughter, Sinclair Lucille Devito.

 

Throughout their separation, rumors circulated about Danny’s behavior, including allegations of flirting with younger women and skipping date nights.

Some sources claimed these issues contributed to the couple’s split.

Despite the gossip, Danny managed to reconcile with Rhea for a time, and their friendship endured.

 

The couple’s decision not to divorce surprised many.

When asked why, Rhea simply replied, “What for?” She explained that although they live separate lives, they see each other frequently and share a bond rooted in love, respect, and family.

Danny echoed this sentiment, describing their relationship as one of friendship and happiness.

 

Rhea and Danny’s story challenges traditional notions of marriage and relationships.

While they no longer live as husband and wife, their connection remains strong and meaningful.

They have transitioned from a romantic partnership to a deep friendship centered on family and mutual support.

 

Rhea has expressed contentment with this new chapter, joking about the idea of dating again but emphasizing her happiness with her current life.

Danny continues to publicly praise Rhea’s talent and their enduring bond, highlighting the respect and admiration they share.

The journey of Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito is a testament to the complexities of love and commitment.

Their story spans young love, marriage, parenthood, separation, and a redefined relationship that prioritizes friendship and family above all else.

Despite the pain and challenges, they have built a unique bond that many find inspiring—a reminder that love can evolve and endure in unexpected ways.

 

As Rhea herself said, their family remains the most important thing, and their understanding has grown into something beautiful.

Their story shows that relationships don’t have to follow a conventional path to be meaningful, lasting, and full of love.

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