Danny DeVito, celebrating his 80th birthday, has become a cherished figure in Hollywood, transitioning from a cosmetician to an acclaimed actor. His career took off after starring in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and gained momentum with roles in ‘Taxi’ and blockbuster films like ‘Romancing the Stone.’ Known for his unique stature, DeVito’s memorable performances include the Penguin in ‘Batman Returns’ and directing successful comedies, solidifying his legacy in the industry.
On the occasion of his 80th birthday, the legendary Danny DeVito stands tall among Hollywood’s most celebrated comedians, a feat not anticipated during the early stages of his extraordinary career. Before his breakthrough performance in 1975’s psychological drama ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ directed by Miloš Forman, DeVito spent several years honing his craft as a cosmetician in his sister’s New Jersey beauty salon.
From Cosmetician to Comedic Sensation
When DeVito relocated to New York in 1966 to pursue training as a makeup artist at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, an acting career seemed far from his mind. Despite his knack for entertaining the salon’s clientele with his quick wit and charm, he had not envisioned taking the stage himself.
However, inspired by the vibrant atmosphere at the academy, DeVito decided to enroll in an acting class. To his surprise, his natural comedic talent garnered applause and laughter, leading him to declare his newfound love for acting and fully commit to his craft.
Fortuitous Connection with Michael Douglas
During his time as a student, DeVito shared an apartment with fellow acting student Michael Douglas, who would play a pivotal role in his career. Years later, Douglas, now a producer, remembered his quirky roommate and cast him as Martini, the childish psychiatric patient, alongside the iconic Jack Nicholson.
This opportunity catapulted DeVito into the limelight. He quickly became a household name with his unforgettable portrayal of Louie De Palma, the cantankerous taxi dispatcher in the cult classic TV series ‘Taxi’ (1978-1983). The early 80s saw him soar to new heights with prominent roles in blockbuster films such as ‘Romancing the Stone’ (1984) and ‘The War of the Roses’ (1989).
Another memorable moment in his career came with the comedy ‘Twins’ (1988), where he played a genetically engineered brother alongside action star Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Defining Character as the Penguin in ‘Batman Returns’
In 1992, acclaimed director Tim Burton cast DeVito as the villainous Penguin in ‘Batman Returns,’ a role that solidified his status as an unforgettable Hollywood figure. The collaboration with Burton continued throughout his career, with DeVito appearing in other iconic films like ‘Mars Attacks!’ (1996), ‘Big Fish’ (2003), and the upcoming ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ (2024).
Alongside his acting success, DeVito also found his footing as a director, achieving box office success with offbeat comedies like ‘Throw Momma from the Train!’ (1987) and ‘The War of the Roses’ (1989). As a producer, he contributed to critically acclaimed projects such as the Oscar-nominated ‘Erin Brockovich’ (2000) and the stoner comedy ‘So High’ (2001).
The Power of Uniqueness
Today, on his 80th birthday, Danny DeVito reflects on a remarkable career that has established him as one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. In a previous interview with ‘Cigar Aficionado,’ he shared how his height of approximately 1.5 meters has only enhanced his distinctive presence in the industry.
“When I began acting, I realized that my stature made me stand out,” he remarked. “In a lineup of six actors, I knew I was the one who would catch the director’s eye, and perhaps that was precisely what they were looking for.”