What Movies Does Danny DeVito Play In? A Look At An Unforgettable Career
There's just something about Danny DeVito, isn't there? His presence, you know, it's pretty much unmistakable on screen, and his voice, well, that's something you remember, too. So, if you've ever found yourself wondering, "what movies does Danny DeVito play in?", you're certainly not alone. People often get curious about the work of someone who has, in a way, made such a big mark in Hollywood for decades. It's really quite something, his range.
This actor, who is also a director and producer, has brought so many different characters to life. From truly hilarious comedic roles that, you know, make you laugh out loud, to characters that are a bit more serious and, frankly, show a different side of his acting abilities. He has this way of, well, making every part his own, adding a unique touch that only he can give.
Today, we're going to take a closer look at his impressive list of films. We'll explore some of his most famous roles, some hidden gems, and, you know, pretty much everything in between. So, get ready to rediscover the movies that feature this incredible talent, and maybe even find a new favorite to watch, perhaps at a Regal movie theatre near you, like the Regal Salmon Run in Watertown, NY, or the Regal Westfork in Pembroke Pines, FL, where you can, you know, get showtimes and buy tickets.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Danny DeVito
- Key Roles and Genres
- Why Danny DeVito Endures
- Frequently Asked Questions About Danny DeVito Movies
Biography of Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito's story, you know, it's a pretty interesting one, actually. Born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, he grew up in a working-class family. His early life, in a way, wasn't necessarily about Hollywood lights right away. He, like, had other plans first, initially thinking about a career in cosmetology. Can you believe that? It's kind of funny to think about, considering where he ended up.
He, you know, went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, which is where he started to really get into acting. This was a pretty important step for him, as it set him on the path to becoming the recognizable figure we know today. He, arguably, honed his craft there, learning the tools that would make him such a versatile performer. His early days in theater, in fact, helped him build a strong foundation for his later film and television roles, giving him a lot of practice, you know, on stage.
Over the years, Danny DeVito has, quite honestly, become a household name. His distinctive look and, you know, that really unique voice have made him stand out in a crowd of actors. He's not just an actor, though; he's also made a name for himself behind the camera, directing and producing a good number of successful projects. So, in some respects, he's really a multi-talented force in the entertainment business, and that, is that, pretty much why he's so respected.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
| Born | November 17, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA |
| Height | 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) |
| Spouse | Rhea Perlman (married 1982, separated) |
| Children | Lucy DeVito, Grace Fan DeVito, Jacob Daniel DeVito |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer |
| Active Years | 1970–present |
Key Roles and Genres
When people ask "what movies does Danny DeVito play in?", they're usually thinking about a truly wide array of films. His career, you know, spans several decades, and he's been in everything from big blockbuster comedies to really serious dramas, and even, like, some beloved animated features. He has, arguably, a knack for picking roles that let him show off different parts of his acting skill set, which is pretty cool.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Danny DeVito first gained widespread notice for his role as Louie De Palma in the television series *Taxi*, which ran from 1978 to 1983. This part, honestly, really put him on the map. He played a truly mean-spirited, but sometimes, you know, a bit soft-hearted, taxi dispatcher. His performance earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award, which, for an actor, is a pretty big deal. It showed everyone that he had a special kind of energy and comedic timing.
His success on *Taxi* then, you know, opened doors for him in movies. One of his truly early, very memorable film roles was in *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975). This movie, as a matter of fact, came out before *Taxi* but showed his dramatic abilities early on. He played Martini, one of the patients in the mental institution. It was, arguably, a powerful role in a truly classic film, and it hinted at the depth he could bring to characters, even those that seemed, you know, a little quirky. So, he wasn't just a funny guy, even then.
Then came films like *Romancing the Stone* (1984) and its sequel, *The Jewel of the Nile* (1985), where he played the somewhat bumbling, yet ultimately helpful, character of Ralph. These adventure-comedies, frankly, really cemented his place as a reliable and entertaining presence in Hollywood. He had this way of, you know, stealing scenes, even when he wasn't the main star. His chemistry with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner was, like, pretty undeniable, too.
Iconic Comedies
Danny DeVito is, basically, synonymous with comedy for a lot of people. He has a truly unique style that, you know, blends physical humor with sharp wit. One of his most well-known comedic roles is in *Twins* (1988), where he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The idea of them being, like, long-lost twin brothers was, frankly, hilarious, and the movie was a huge hit. It really showcased his ability to play off another actor, creating, you know, some truly funny moments.
Then there's *Throw Momma from the Train* (1987), which he also directed. In this film, he played Owen Lift, a man who, you know, wants to get rid of his truly awful mother. It's a dark comedy, but his performance is, honestly, just perfect for the tone. He manages to be both sympathetic and, you know, a little bit unsettling at the same time. It's a pretty clever movie, and his direction really shines through, too.
*Matilda* (1996), which he again directed and also starred in as the truly awful father, Harry Wormwood, is another comedy that, in a way, has become a classic. This movie, honestly, is beloved by so many, especially kids who grew up watching it. He and Rhea Perlman, his real-life wife at the time, played the truly terrible parents to the brilliant Matilda. Their performances, you know, were just spot-on, making the characters both despicable and, arguably, very memorable. It's a film that, you know, really holds up, even today.
More recently, he's gained a whole new generation of fans for his role as Frank Reynolds in the truly long-running television series *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*. This show, you know, is known for its dark and outrageous humor, and DeVito's character, well, he fits right in. He's, like, completely unhinged and, frankly, provides some of the show's most shocking and funny moments. It's, you know, pretty wild, what he does on that show, and people love it.
Dramatic Turns
While he's famous for making people laugh, Danny DeVito has also, you know, shown his serious side in several dramatic roles. These performances, arguably, remind us that he's a truly versatile actor, capable of more than just comedy. One really notable dramatic role was as The Penguin in Tim Burton's *Batman Returns* (1992). He transformed himself completely for this part, playing a truly grotesque and, frankly, quite tragic villain. It was a pretty dark portrayal, and he, you know, really made the character his own, which is impressive.
Another powerful dramatic performance came in *L.A. Confidential* (1997). In this critically praised film, he played Sid Hudgens, a sleazy tabloid editor. It was a smaller role, but, you know, he really made an impact. His character, in a way, was key to the story, and he brought a certain grittiness and, honestly, a bit of menace to the part. It showed that he could hold his own in a truly intense ensemble cast, which is, like, a testament to his skill.
He also appeared in *The Rainmaker* (1997), another legal drama, where he played Deck Shifflet, a paralegal. This role, in some respects, allowed him to combine a bit of his comedic timing with a more serious, grounded character. He was, frankly, a great foil for Matt Damon's character, adding a lot of personality to the film. It's a good example of how he can, you know, adapt to different types of stories, which is pretty cool.
Voice Acting and Animation
Danny DeVito's distinctive voice, well, it's pretty much perfect for animated characters, too. He's lent his voice to a good number of popular films, bringing, you know, a lot of personality to these roles. One of his most recognizable voice roles is as Philoctetes, or Phil, in Disney's *Hercules* (1997). Phil, the grumpy trainer of heroes, is, honestly, a character that really suits DeVito's style. He brought a lot of humor and, you know, a bit of heart to the role, making Phil a fan favorite.
He also voiced the Lorax in the animated film *The Lorax* (2012), based on the Dr. Seuss book. This character, in a way, is a protector of nature, and DeVito's voice gave him a certain wisdom and, frankly, a bit of an old-soul quality. It was a pretty good fit for the message of the story, too. So, he's, like, able to do a lot with just his voice, which is a pretty special skill for an actor.
More recently, he's been in *Smallfoot* (2018), where he voiced Dorgle, the Yeti elder. This role, in some respects, showed his continued ability to bring warmth and, you know, a bit of a gruff charm to animated characters. He also had a part in the live-action/animated film *Space Jam: A New Legacy* (2021) as the voice of Swackhammer, a character he had, you know, voiced before in the original *Space Jam*. It's clear that his voice, you know, really resonates with audiences of all ages, which is pretty neat.
Directorial Work
Beyond his acting, Danny DeVito has, frankly, also made a significant impact as a director. He has a keen eye for storytelling and, you know, a very distinct directorial style. We already mentioned *Throw Momma from the Train* and *Matilda*, both of which he directed and starred in. These films, in a way, show his comedic sensibilities and his ability to, you know, manage both sides of the camera.
Another truly notable film he directed is *The War of the Roses* (1989). This dark comedy, starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, is about a truly bitter divorce. It's, arguably, a very sharp and, frankly, quite funny look at the breakdown of a marriage. DeVito also had a small role in it, too, as the lawyer, which is, like, a pretty clever touch. The film, you know, really highlights his ability to blend humor with a bit of a serious edge.
He also directed *Death to Smoochy* (2002), a satire about children's television starring Robin Williams and Edward Norton. This movie, in some respects, was a bit darker and, frankly, more cynical, but it showed his willingness to take on different kinds of projects. His work as a director, you know, really shows another layer to his artistic talent, proving he's not just a performer but a true filmmaker, too.
Recent Appearances
Even after decades in the business, Danny DeVito, you know, continues to be very active. He's still a main part of *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, which, frankly, keeps him in the public eye consistently. His role there is, arguably, one of his most beloved and, like, pretty iconic for a whole new generation of fans. He just keeps going, which is, honestly, pretty amazing to see.
He recently appeared in *Jumanji: The Next Level* (2019), playing the grandfather of one of the main characters. His brief but memorable appearance, you know, added a lot of laughs to the film. He also had a role in Tim Burton's live-action *Dumbo* (2019), reuniting with the director who, you know, gave him the role of The Penguin. He played Max Medici, the circus owner, bringing a lot of heart to the character, which is, like, pretty nice.
As of late 2023 and into 2024, Danny DeVito is still, you know, very much around, with various projects in development or, frankly, just recently released. His enduring presence in Hollywood, in a way, speaks volumes about his talent and his ability to connect with audiences. You can, you know, pretty much always count on him to bring something special to whatever he's working on, which is, honestly, a true gift.
Why Danny DeVito Endures
So, why does Danny DeVito remain such a beloved figure in entertainment? It's, honestly, a combination of things. His unique physical presence, you know, immediately makes him stand out. But it's more than just that. He has a truly remarkable ability to, like, fully commit to every role, whether it's a completely over-the-top comedic character or a more subdued, serious one. He, in a way, just throws himself into it, which is pretty cool.
His voice, too, is almost as famous as his face. That distinctive, gravelly tone, you know, it's instantly recognizable and adds so much character to his performances, both live-action and animated. He also has, frankly, a certain charm, even when playing truly awful characters. There's often a glimmer of humanity or, you know, a hint of vulnerability that makes you, like, root for him, or at least understand him, even a little bit.
Moreover, his work as a director and producer shows that he's not just an actor for hire. He's a storyteller, someone who, you know, really understands how to craft a narrative and bring a vision to life. This versatility, frankly, has allowed him to stay relevant across different eras of filmmaking. He's, arguably, a true Hollywood veteran who continues to, you know, surprise and entertain us, which is pretty great. To see more about his filmography, you could, you know, check out his IMDb page, which lists pretty much all his work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Danny DeVito Movies
People often have questions about Danny DeVito's extensive career, so, you know, here are a few common ones, pretty much what you'd find in the "People Also Ask" section of a search engine.
What is Danny DeVito's most famous movie?
While it's tough to pick just one, many people would, you know, probably point to *Twins* (1988) as one of his most famous movies due to its huge box office success and his truly memorable pairing with Arnold Schwarzenegger. His role as Louie De Palma in the TV show *Taxi* also, frankly, made him a household name, and for a newer generation, *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* is, like, pretty iconic.
Did Danny DeVito play The Penguin in a Batman movie?
Yes, he absolutely did! Danny DeVito played the truly grotesque and, frankly, quite tragic villain The Penguin in Tim Burton's *Batman Returns* (1992). He, you know, really transformed for the role, delivering a performance that many people still remember, which is, like, pretty intense.
Has Danny DeVito directed any movies?
He has, in fact, directed several movies! Some of his most well-known directorial efforts include *Throw Momma from the Train* (1987), *The War of the Roses* (1989), and *Matilda* (1996). He, you know, often also appeared in the films he directed, too, which is a pretty common thing for directors to do, actually. You can learn more about his directing style on our site, or even check out this page about The War of the Roses for more details.
So, as you can see, Danny DeVito's filmography is, you know, truly rich and varied, full of roles that have left a lasting impression on audiences. Whether you're in the mood for a laugh, a good cry,
12 Best Danny DeVito Movies & TV Shows, Ranked
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Ranking The 6 Movies Directed By Danny DeVito
Danny DeVito’s 10 Best Movies | Rotten Tomatoes
