most recognizable and beloved figures in American entertainment history. Standing at 4 feet 10 inches, his massive comedic timing, dramatic range, and distinctive voice have made him an icon across generations—from his breakthrough as Louie De Palma in Taxi to his portrayal of Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Despite his decades in the spotlight, fans often wonder about his personal life—specifically, is Danny DeVito married?
The answer is both simple and surprisingly unique: Yes, Danny DeVito is legally married. He has been married to award-winning actress Rhea Perlman since 1982. While the couple separated amicably in 2017 after over four decades together, they have explicitly chosen never to file for divorce, maintaining one of Hollywood’s most unconventional yet close-knit relationships.
Here is an in-depth breakdown of Danny DeVito’s early life, relationship history, net worth, personal assets, and upcoming projects.
Early Life & Background
Danny DeVito’s journey to stardom started far from the glamor of Hollywood. Born Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. on November 17, 1944, in Neptune City, New Jersey, he was raised in a working-class Italian-American family.
- Family Roots: His father, Daniel DeVito Sr., was a small business owner who ran several enterprises including a dry cleaner, a diner, and a pool hall. His mother, Julia DeVito, managed the household.
- Physical Distinction: DeVito was born with Fairbank’s disease (multiple epiphyseal dysplasia), a rare genetic bone growth disorder that affected his growth and resulted in his 4-foot-10 stature. DeVito frequently credits his height with giving him a distinct edge and character presence in theater and comedy.
- First Profession: Long before acting, DeVito trained at the Wilfred Academy of Hairdressing and worked as a cosmetician at his sister’s beauty salon styling women’s hair.
- Stage Training: Seeking to improve his makeup skills for theater, he applied to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) in New York City. He quickly realized his true calling was acting, graduating from AADA in 1966.
- New York Theater & Roommates: Early in his career, he performed in off-Broadway productions and lived in a Manhattan apartment shared with another rising star, Michael Douglas. The two remained lifelong friends and eventual collaborators.
Is Danny DeVito Married? The Truth About Rhea Perlman
Danny DeVito met actress Rhea Perlman on January 17, 1971, when she went to see an off-Broadway play, The Shrinking Bride, in which DeVito was starring. They hit it off instantly and moved in together just two weeks after meeting.
After 11 years of living together, the couple tied the knot on January 28, 1982. Together, they built a family and raised three children:
- Lucy DeVito (born 1983) – Actress and producer
- Grace Fan DeVito (born 1985) – Actress and producer
- Jacob Daniel DeVito (born 1987) – Actor and sound engineer
The Separation Without Divorce
In October 2012, after 30 years of marriage, DeVito and Perlman announced their separation. However, they reconciled in March 2013 before separating once again in March 2017.
Unlike most Hollywood couples who navigate bitter courtroom battles, DeVito and Perlman made a conscious decision: they will never legally divorce.
As Rhea Perlman explained in public interviews, after 40 years together, their bond transitioned into an enduring family friendship. In a recent update with AARP, DeVito shared that he and Perlman speak daily, frequently share family dinners, and spend regular quality time together with their grandchildren. Much like examining other intriguing celebrity marital statuses, DeVito and Perlman show that commitment doesn’t always adhere to traditional labels.
Relationship Timeline & Dating History
Danny DeVito’s personal life has been remarkably stable compared to typical Hollywood standards. He has only been publicly linked to Rhea Perlman throughout his entire career.
Relationship Timeline
| Year | Event | Details & Context |
| 1971 | First Meeting | Met at an off-Broadway play (The Shrinking Bride) on January 17, 1971. |
| 1971 | Moved In Together | Cohabited just two weeks after their first date. |
| 1982 | Married | Tied the knot on January 28, 1982, in a quiet ceremony. |
| 1983–1987 | Family Expansion | Welcomed three children: Lucy (1983), Grace (1985), and Jacob (1987). |
| 2012 | First Separation | Announced separation in October after 30 years of marriage. |
| 2013 | Reconciliation | Reunited and lived together briefly. |
| 2017 | Amicable Separation | Agreed to separate permanently without legal divorce. |
| Present | Legally Married Friends | Maintain daily contact, co-parent, and share grandchildren duties. |
Dating History Overview
| Partner | Period | Relationship Status | Summary |
| Rhea Perlman | 1971–Present | Legally Married (Separated since 2017) | 50+ year connection, 3 children, shared assets, daily friendship. |
Note: Danny DeVito has no public record of other dating relationships prior to or following his union with Rhea Perlman.
Beyond the Marriage Certificate: Re-evaluating Modern Romance
Redefining Lifetime Partnership Beyond Separation
When looking back at when Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman started dating in the early 1970s Manhattan theater scene, their union was rooted in artistic collaboration, mutual humor, and counterculture independence rather than conventional social expectations. While popular media often views separation as a failure or a stepping stone toward divorce, DeVito and Perlman’s choice offers a completely different perspective. By remaining legally married while maintaining independent households, they have essentially created a new model for long-term partnership—one that prioritizes family unity, deep affection, and emotional freedom over administrative courtroom dissolution. In doing so, they demonstrate that a relationship’s success isn’t measured by cohabitation, but by the enduring respect two people maintain for one another across a lifetime.
Danny DeVito Net Worth Updates & Personal Assets
As of 2026, Danny DeVito’s estimated net worth sits at an impressive $80 million. His wealth stems from over five decades as an actor, director, and co-founder of Jersey Films. Similar to tracking Hollywood net worths across veteran actors, DeVito’s income combines acting salaries, backend syndication profits, and production credits.
Key Income Streams & Assets
- Jersey Films: In 1991, DeVito co-founded Jersey Films, which produced critically acclaimed movies like Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, Get Shorty, Gattaca, and Garden State. These films generated hundreds of millions at the global box office.
- TV Syndication Earnings: Taxi and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia continue to generate millions annually through syndication and streaming licensing.
- Real Estate Portfolio:
- Beverly Hills Estate: Danny and Rhea purchased a 14,579-square-foot compound in Beverly Hills in 1994 and sold it in 2015 for $24 million.
- Point Dume, Malibu: The couple co-owns a oceanfront home in Point Dume, Malibu.
- Mount Washington, LA: In 2022, they listed a scenic property in Mount Washington for $1.55 million.
His wealth status places him among notable figures in media earnings, much like exploring broader trends in A-list Hollywood earnings.
Future Goals and Upcoming Projects
Despite being in his 80s, Danny DeVito shows no signs of retirement. His schedule remains packed across television, blockbuster film franchises, and theatrical stage shows.
- Jumanji 3 (Late 2026 Release): DeVito officially wrapped filming for the third installment of the revived Jumanji franchise alongside Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Nick Jonas. The film is set for release in December 2026.
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Season 18): Production for Season 18 of the record-breaking FXX comedy began in 2026, where DeVito reprises his fan-favorite role as Frank Reynolds.
- Live Stage Performances & Voice Roles: DeVito continues to tour with live orchestral narrations of Matilda and participate in high-profile animated voice acting projects.
Conclusion
So, is Danny DeVito married? Yes. While he and Rhea Perlman have lived separate lives since 2017, they remain legally married, fiercely protective of their family bond, and close daily companions.
With an iconic body of work, a net worth of $80 million, and major upcoming projects like Jumanji 3 and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 18, Danny DeVito remains an absolute powerhouse in modern entertainment.
Sahil Chopra is a digital media specialist and the Managing Editor of Hercules & Love Affair. Backed by a formal diploma in Film & Television Direction from the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) and a degree in Business Management, Sahil combines his artistic vision with over four years of digital publishing expertise. He specializes in tracking the exact intersection where underground club culture meets high-end luxury lifestyle. Having closely followed the global electronic music scene from its early blog-era roots, Sahil now leads the editorial vision for the platform—curating everything from breaking entertainment news and VIP festival guides to exclusive looks inside celebrity culture. When he isn’t steering the newsroom, he is hunting down rare vinyl records and keeping a close eye on global fashion weeks.