DeVito, Danny (1944- )

US actor. He became a popular comic star in such films as The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Ruthless People (1986), Twins (1988), and Batman Returns (1992). He has also directed films, including Throw Momma from the Train (1987), The War of the Roses (1989) and Hoffa (1992). His company, Jersey Films, has been behind such productions as Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995), and Matilda (1996), which he also directed.

DeVito has also starred in LA Confidential (1997), The Big Kahuna (2000), Heist (2001), and Big Fish (2003).

Born in Asbury Park, New Jersey, he worked as a hairdresser in his sister's beauty parlour before enrolling at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Off-Broadway appearances preceded his film debut in Lady Liberty (1971). He played small roles in such films as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) before starring as a petty tyrant in the television show Taxi (1978-83). He made a return to film as a character actor in Terms of Endearment (1983) and Romancing the Stone (1984). He is married to actor Rhea Perlman (1949- ).