History of Danny DeVito in Timeline

Danny DeVito is an American actor and filmmaker known for his roles in television and film. He rose to fame as Louie De Palma in the TV series *Taxi*, earning a Golden Globe and an Emmy. Currently, he stars as Frank Reynolds in the FXX sitcom *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. DeVito's career spans several decades, marked by his comedic timing and memorable character portrayals.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 17, 1971: Met Rhea Perlman

On January 17, 1971, Danny DeVito met Rhea Perlman after she went to see a friend in the single performance of the play "The Shrinking Bride", which featured DeVito.

January 28, 1982: Married Rhea Perlman

On January 28, 1982, Danny DeVito married Rhea Perlman, after moving in together two weeks after they met in 1971.

March 11, 1983: Birth of Lucy Chet DeVito

On March 11, 1983, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman's first child, Lucy Chet DeVito, was born.

1984: Directorial Debut with "The Ratings Game"

In 1984, Danny DeVito made his directorial debut with the movie "The Ratings Game", marking a new chapter in his career.

March 1985: Birth of Grace Fan DeVito

In March 1985, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman's second child, Grace Fan DeVito, was born.

1986: Directed "The Wedding Ring" episode

In 1986, Danny DeVito directed and starred in "The Wedding Ring", a dark comedy episode of Steven Spielberg's Amazing Stories, co-starring his wife Rhea Perlman.

October 1987: Birth of Jacob Daniel DeVito

In October 1987, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman's third child, Jacob Daniel DeVito, was born.

1987: Feature Directing Debut with "Throw Momma from the Train"

In 1987, Danny DeVito made his feature directing debut with the dark comedy "Throw Momma from the Train", also starring in it with Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey, earning him a Golden Globe nomination.

1989: Directed and starred in "The War of the Roses"

In 1989, Danny DeVito directed and starred in "The War of the Roses" alongside Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, reuniting with his Jewel of the Nile co-stars.

1991: Founded Jersey Films

In 1991, Danny DeVito founded Jersey Films, a production company responsible for several notable films.

1994: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home

In 1994, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman purchased a 14,579-square-foot house in Beverly Hills, California.

1994: Production of "Pulp Fiction"

In 1994, Danny DeVito's Jersey Films produced the critically acclaimed film "Pulp Fiction".

1995: Production of "Get Shorty"

In 1995, Jersey Films, founded by Danny DeVito, produced the film "Get Shorty".

1996: Directed "Matilda"

In 1996, Danny DeVito directed "Matilda", a film adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel, also narrating and playing Harry Wormwood alongside his wife, Rhea Perlman.

1997: Production of "Gattaca"

In 1997, Jersey Films, under Danny DeVito, produced the science fiction film "Gattaca".

1998: Committed to star in and direct films

In 1998, Danny DeVito committed to star in and direct both the sci-fi film "Barthe" and a remake of "The Man Who Came to Dinner".

1999: Attached to direct and produce "Sugar's Sweet Science of Bruising"

In 1999, Danny DeVito was set to star, direct, and produce "Sugar's Sweet Science of Bruising", a spec script by Jason Keller.

2000: Academy Award Nomination for "Erin Brockovich"

In 2000, Danny DeVito received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture as a producer of "Erin Brockovich".

2002: Release of "Death to Smoochy"

In 2002, Danny DeVito resurfaced with the movie "Death to Smoochy", marking another performance in his career.

2003: Release of "Duplex"

In 2003, Danny DeVito released the film "Duplex", adding to his filmography as a director and actor.

2004: Production of "Garden State"

In 2004, Danny DeVito's Jersey Films produced the film "Garden State".

2005: Directed "Queen B" pilot

In 2005, Danny DeVito directed the pilot episode for the sitcom "Queen B", which was not picked up for a full series.

2005: Discovered Mike Patton's music

In 2005, Danny DeVito discovered the music of Mike Patton, thanks to his son Jacob, and became a big fan of Patton's various musical projects.

2008: Attached to direct "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle"

In 2008, Danny DeVito was attached to direct "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle", but production was halted due to an injury.

2009: Plans for "Crazy Eddie" Biopic

In 2009, Danny DeVito planned to direct and produce the biopic "Crazy Eddie", but the film could not be made due to rights issues.

October 2012: Separation from Rhea Perlman

In October 2012, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated after 30 years of marriage and over 40 years together.

2012: Post-production of "St. Sebastian"

In 2012, Danny DeVito's film "St. Sebastian" completed post-production but has not yet been released.

February 2013: Resuming "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle" project

In February 2013, Danny DeVito returned to the project "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle", looking for a new actress and scouting locations.

March 2013: Reconciliation with Rhea Perlman

In March 2013, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman reconciled after their separation in October 2012.

July 2014: Expected restart of production for "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle"

In July 2014, production was expected to restart for Danny DeVito's film "The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle", but its release status is still unknown.

April 2015: Sale of Beverly Hills Home

In April 2015, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman sold their Beverly Hills home for US$24 million.

2016: Included Faith No More music in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

In 2016, Danny DeVito included music from Mike Patton's band Faith No More in an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia".

March 2017: Second Separation from Rhea Perlman

In March 2017, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated for a second time, remaining on amicable terms.

2019: Jersey Films Options "Toms River"

In 2019, Danny DeVito's company, Jersey Films, optioned the screen rights to make a film of "Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation".

2019: Closer Friends with Rhea Perlman after separation

In 2019, Rhea Perlman mentioned that she and Danny DeVito have become closer friends after their separation than they were in their final years as a couple.