Italian-American actor Danny DeVito was born on November 17, 1944 in Neptune, New Jersey. After stints in theater, he made his first film appearance in 1973. His first major role, however, was in the 1975 film based on Ken Kesey’s novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, where he played the role of Martini, the same role he played in the 1971 off-Broadway production. He rose to prominence, however, in 1978, when he played taxi company dispatcher Louie de Palma in the sitcom Taxi. His character—amoral to the point of positively reveling in his misdeeds—introduced audiences to his bizarre brand of humor, and started a successful movie career. It also earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 1980, and an Emmy in the same capacity in 1981.
He started with a walk-on role in 1983’s Terms of Endearment, and later appeared in films such as Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, and Ruthless People. He made his directorial debut in the 1987 dark comedy Throw Momma from the Train, where he also starred alongside Billy Crystal and Anne Ramsey. He also appeared in films such as The War of the Roses, which he directed; Other People’s Money; Tin Men; Twins; and as the Penguin in Tim Burton’s 1992 film Batman Returns.
DeVito has also dabbled in drama, appearing in films such as Renaissance Man, The Rainmaker, Hoffa, L.A. Confidential and Heist. At this time, DeVito also ventured in producing films and television programs, having worked for movies such as Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, Gattaca, Garden State, Man on the Moon, and the Oscar-winning Erin Brockovich. He was also producer of the comedy series Reno 911!
DeVito further developed his career when he worked on an episode of The Simpsons, and got more acclaim for his Emmy-nominated guest role in Friends. He later landed a part in the FX comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, where he plays businessman Frank Reynolds. In 2008, he signed on to portray characters in House Broken, When in Rome, and Solitary Man.
-In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.
-There are two dilemmas that rattle the human skull; How do you hang on to someone who won't stay? and how do you get rid of someone who won't go?
-Of course I've got lawyers. They are like nuclear weapons; I've got em coz everyone else has, but as soon as you use them they screw everything up.
