Danny DeVito: Height, Health, and Friendship with Schwarzenegger

There are few actors quite like Danny DeVito — a man who turned his 4-foot-10 frame into a career-defining asset and became one of Hollywood’s most beloved characters. Whether you remember him as the scheming Louie De Palma on Taxi, the warm-hearted father in Matilda, or the unhinged Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, DeVito’s career spans five decades of unforgettable roles.

Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) · Age: 79 (born November 17, 1944) · Net worth: $80 million (estimated) · Spouse: Rhea Perlman (separated, cohabiting) · Upcoming film: Drag (2027)

Ten key facts about Danny DeVito, one pattern: his career and personal life have been remarkably stable — even his 2012 separation ended in reconciliation. The data below maps the contours of a Hollywood icon who turned physical difference into enduring commercial appeal.

What was Danny DeVito diagnosed with?

Danny DeVito has multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, also known as Fairbank’s disease — a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth. Celebrity Net Worth reports this condition as the cause of his short stature, which stands at 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm). The condition has been part of his life since childhood, but DeVito has never let it define him — he’s spoken openly in interviews about living with it and turning it into a career asset.

What is multiple epiphyseal dysplasia?

• Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the ends of long bones, leading to joint pain and short stature.
• It’s sometimes called Fairbank’s disease, named after the doctor who first described it.
• The condition typically becomes apparent in childhood and does not worsen with age.

The implication: DeVito’s stature is not caused by growth hormone deficiency or any treatable condition — it’s a lifelong skeletal disorder he’s adapted to professionally and personally.

How does his condition affect his life?

“I’ve always been short, and I’ve always been the same person. It’s never been a problem for me.”

— Danny DeVito (from interviews cited by Wikipedia)

DeVito’s condition has influenced his career more than it has hindered it. His height became a defining physical trait that directors and producers leaned into — from his comedic roles as a sarcastic cab dispatcher on Taxi to the over-the-top villain in Matilda. IMDb shows his height is often referenced in film synopses and character descriptions, but DeVito himself has maintained that it’s never held him back.

Why are Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated?

In 2012, after 30 years of marriage, Danny DeVito and actress Rhea Perlman separated. But here’s the twist — they never divorced, and they’re now living together again. Newsweek reported in January 2025 that the couple remains legally married, and they reconciled and resumed cohabitation in 2017. It’s an arrangement that’s puzzled fans for years, but both have described it as amicable.

When did they separate?

The separation was announced in October 2012. Newsweek notes that DeVito and Perlman had been married since January 1982, making the split a major Hollywood headline at the time. They have three children together: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob. By early 2025, DeVito had become a grandfather to two grandchildren, according to the same report.

Are they divorced?

No. Despite being separated for over a decade, the couple has never filed for divorce. Newsweek confirms they remain legally married. This is unusual in Hollywood, where most high-profile separations end in divorce within a few years.

Do they still live together?

Yes, but it took time. After separating in 2012, DeVito and Perlman lived apart for about five years. In 2017, they reconciled and began living together again in the same home. Newsweek describes this as a “reconciliation” but not a formalization of their marriage — they simply share a household again without legal ceremony.

The pattern: DeVito’s personal life, like his career, resists conventional Hollywood narratives. A 2012 separation that became a permanent reconciliation is rare among celebrity couples.

Is Danny DeVito actually 4’10”?

Yes — and it’s not just a trivia fact. Danny DeVito’s height is 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm), according to Wikipedia. This places him among the shortest male actors in mainstream Hollywood history. Interestingly, IMDb lists his height at a slightly taller 5 feet (1.52 meters), though the consensus among most sources settles on the 4’10” figure.

What is his exact height?

The most commonly cited figure is 4 ft 10 in (147 cm). Wikipedia, Celebrity Net Worth, and Parade all agree on this measurement. The discrepancy with IMDb (which says 5 feet) may stem from outdated data or confusion with his early career roles.

Why is he short?

As covered above, the cause is multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease), a rare genetic disorder that stunts the growth of long bones. Celebrity Net Worth specifically attributes his short stature to this condition. It’s not a growth hormone deficiency — it’s a skeletal disorder present from childhood.

How does he compare to other actors?

• Arnold Schwarzenegger, his longtime friend and co-star, stands at 6’2″ — a full 16 inches taller.
• Michael J. Fox (5’4″) is taller, as is Tom Cruise (5’7″).
• Among short male actors, only a handful are below 5 feet: DeVito is in rare company.

DeVito’s height has become a signature rather than a limitation. Directors have repeatedly cast him for roles where physical contrast drives comedy — pairing him with Schwarzenegger in Twins is the most obvious example.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger still friends with Danny DeVito?

Yes, and the friendship is one of Hollywood’s most enduring cross-type bonds. The two became friends after filming Twins in 1988, a comedy that leaned on their extreme height difference (Schwarzenegger at 6’2″, DeVito at 4’10”). Wikipedia notes that they’ve remained close friends for decades, collaborating again in Junior (1994) and now reuniting for a new film titled Drag, scheduled for 2027.

How did they become friends?

The partnership began when director Ivan Reitman cast the unlikely duo in Twins. Wikipedia describes the film as a deliberate buddy comedy built around their physical contrast. On set, however, the friendship went beyond the script. Schwarzenegger has often joked in interviews that DeVito is his favorite co-star, praising his comedic timing and professionalism.

Do they still work together?

Yes — and their next collaboration is generating buzz. Wikipedia lists Drag as a 2026-2027 thriller-comedy starring both actors. While plot details are scarce, the project marks their third film together after Twins and Junior.

“Danny is one of the funniest people I’ve ever worked with. We’ve been friends for 35 years, and we’re not done yet.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger (from interviews cited by Wikipedia)

What is the new film ‘Drag’?

Few concrete details about Drag have been released. Wikipedia lists it in DeVito’s filmography as a thriller-comedy in pre-production, with DeVito’s production company involved. The film is expected to be directed by someone with ties to both actors, though no director has been officially announced. For fans of the Twins chemistry, this reunion is the biggest news of the decade.

What is Danny DeVito’s net worth?

Estimates place Danny DeVito’s net worth around $80 million. Celebrity Net Worth and Parade both report this figure for 2025. However, TheRichest offers a lower estimate of $70 million, showing the range of disagreement among celebrity wealth trackers. Either way, DeVito’s financial success reflects five decades of steady work in Hollywood.

How did he earn his wealth?

DeVito’s income streams are diverse:

• Acting: Major roles in Taxi (1978-1983), Matilda (1996), and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006-present) — each with ongoing residuals.
• Directing: He directed Matilda and several TV episodes, earning upfront fees and backend points.
• Producing: His production company (Jersey Films) produced hit films like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Get Shorty (1995), generating substantial income.

Celebrity Net Worth notes that his real estate holdings also contribute, including a New York City apartment and a Los Angeles home.

What are his most profitable projects?

• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006-2025): As a main cast member for 19 seasons, DeVito earns significant per-episode fees.
• Matilda (1996): He directed and starred, earning both salary and producing credits.
• Twins (1988): The film grossed over $216 million worldwide against a $15 million budget, giving DeVito a share of box office.

Does he have other business ventures?

Beyond acting and producing, DeVito has invested in real estate and his production company, Jersey Films. Wikipedia notes that the company has been active since the 1990s, producing both his own films and others’ projects. In 2023, he demonstrated financial generosity: Asbury Park Press reported that DeVito donated $500,000 to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, the hospital where he was born.

Danny DeVito: Career and personal timeline

A chronological look at the signals that shaped his arc — from a Neptune Township birth in 1944 to a 2027 reunion with Schwarzenegger. The pattern below reveals a career with unusual longevity and a personal life that defied Hollywood norms.

DeVito’s career shows remarkable longevity — 47 years since Taxi and still landing new roles. His personal life, despite a decade-long separation, has settled into stability. The 2023 hospital donation ties back to his roots, completing a full circle.

Frequently asked questions

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For Danny DeVito fans and Hollywood trivia enthusiasts, the clear takeaway is this: his career shows that a 4’10” frame, a rare genetic condition, and a run-in with Arnold Schwarzenegger can add up to a $80 million fortune and five decades of commercial relevance. DeVito chose to lean into what made him different and found a partner whose height created a perfect punchline.