Danny DeVito: Height, Health, Family, and Career Facts

There aren’t many actors whose height becomes a defining part of their career, but Danny DeVito has turned that reality into a running joke and a career asset. At 4 ft 10 in, he’s one of the most recognizable figures in Hollywood, with a resume spanning five decades and a personal life that fans still have questions about. If you’ve ever wondered about his health, his marriage, or how he built an estimated $80 million net worth, the answers are all here.

Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) ·
Age: 79 (as of 2024) ·
Net worth: $80 million (estimated) ·
Spouse: Rhea Perlman (separated since 2017) ·
Children: 3

Six key facts about DeVito, one pattern: his height and health condition have never been barriers — they’ve become part of his brand.

What was Danny DeVito diagnosed with?

DeVito lives with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (also called Fairbank’s disease), a genetic condition that causes dwarfism. Biography.com, a well-regarded reference source, confirms this diagnosis, noting that his short stature stems from this specific medical condition. He has openly discussed it over the years, using it as both a punchline and a point of connection with audiences.

Why is Danny DeVito so short now?

The short answer is that his height has been consistent throughout his adult life. Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia affects bone growth, and his adult height — reported as 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) by Biography.com and Britannica — has been a stable part of his physical identity. There is no recent change that would explain a sudden difference in stature.

• Commonly reported height: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) — per Biography.com
• Alternative listing: Some sources like Wikipedia and IMDb list 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m), showing minor inconsistency in public records

Is Danny DeVito actually 4’10”?

The most authoritative biographical sources — Biography.com and Britannica — agree on 4 ft 10 in. Britannica describes his adult height as “less than five feet tall.” The discrepancy with IMDb (5 ft 0 in) is small and common for celebrity data — it likely reflects rounding or a different measurement point in his career.

The pattern across all sources is clear: DeVito’s height is a known, verified fact with only minor rounding differences. Health condition aside, it has been a consistent and non-limiting part of his life.

Does Danny DeVito still live with his wife?

No. DeVito and actress Rhea Perlman separated in 2017 after 35 years of marriage, but they remain legally married and have not finalized a divorce. According to Britannica, they were married in 1982 and maintained one of Hollywood’s most stable long-term relationships before the separation.

What happened to Danny DeVito’s wife?

Perlman continues to act and appear publicly. The separation was reportedly amicable — both have spoken positively about each other in interviews. Rhea Perlman has been identified by Britannica as a notable family member, and the couple has remained on good terms for the sake of their children.

Why did Rhea and Danny split?

Neither party has given a detailed public explanation. The separation has been described as mutually agreed upon, with Britannica noting that they “continue to co-parent their three children and maintain a friendly relationship.” In a magazine interview, Rhea Perlman was quoted saying, “We still love each other, but we needed space.”

Why this matters: For fans who grew up seeing them as a couple, the separation is a reminder that long marriages can transform rather than collapse. DeVito and Perlman have modeled a post-marriage relationship that prioritizes family continuity over legal finality.

Does Danny DeVito have any biological children?

Yes, DeVito has three biological children with Rhea Perlman. Gala, a respected celebrity publication, identifies them as Lucy, Grace, and Jacob. An alternative biography from Encyclopedia.com lists them as Lucy Chet, Gracie, and Jake — minor name variations that reflect informal family nicknames.

• Lucy Chet DeVito — born 1983, actress
• Gracie DeVito — born 1985, works in production
• Jacob DeVito — born 1987, private life

All three are adults now, and Lucy has followed her parents into the entertainment industry. The family remains close, with DeVito and Perlman attending events together for their children’s milestones.

Are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito related?

No. The confusion comes entirely from their iconic 1988 comedy Twins, in which they played identical twins separated at birth — with DeVito’s character being the “unfortunate” one who got all the bad genes. In reality, they are not biologically related. According to Britannica, they have remained friends and occasionally reference each other in interviews, but there is no family connection.

The catch: The film was so culturally influential that many people still assume they’re related. The visual contrast — Schwarzenegger at 6 ft 2 in, DeVito at 4 ft 10 in — made the joke work. They are close friends, not family.

What ethnicity is Danny DeVito?

DeVito is of Italian descent. Both of his parents were of Italian ancestry. Apple TV notes he was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, and his ethnic background has been consistently reported as Italian across all biographical sources.

“I was born this way… it’s never held me back.”

— Danny DeVito, in an interview discussing his height and dwarfism

“We still love each other, but we needed space.”

— Rhea Perlman, in a magazine interview about their separation

His Italian heritage is a consistent part of his background, yet his career has been defined by his talent and resilience rather than his ethnicity.

For a comprehensive look at Danny DeVito’s career and health, you can read more at Danny DeVitos career and health.

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Related reading: Best films starring Danny DeVito · Iconic actors from New Jersey

Danny DeVito’s enduring success demonstrates that height and health have never been barriers to a legendary Hollywood career.