Ask anyone who grew up watching Taxi or Twins, and they’ll remember Danny DeVito’s unmistakable presence — the laugh, the wit, and that famously compact 4’10” frame. But behind the comedy lies a story that goes deeper than Hollywood hearsay: a rare congenital condition, a marriage that defied easy labels, and a friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger that’s lasted longer than most movie co-stars.
Height (self-reported): 4’10” ·
Age (born November 17, 1944): 79 (as of 2024) ·
Marriage duration to Rhea Perlman: 41 years (1982–2024, separated 2017) ·
Notable friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger: 36+ years ·
Medical diagnosis: Fibular hemimelia (congenital condition)
Quick snapshot
- Height is 4’10” (Tuko (entertainment news))
- Diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease) (Express (UK lifestyle & health))
- Married Rhea Perlman in 1982 (One Take Media (fan site))
- Longtime friend of Arnold Schwarzenegger since Twins (1988) (Tuko (entertainment news))
- Exact legal status of separation (whether divorce will be finalized) (Tuko (entertainment news))
- Whether future projects will reunite him with Schwarzenegger (Tuko (entertainment news))
- Whether the condition is fibular hemimelia or multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Express (UK lifestyle & health))
- 1944: Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey (One Take Media (fan site))
- 2017: Separated from Rhea Perlman but remain close (One Take Media (fan site))
- 2024: Continues acting in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (One Take Media (fan site))
- No announced retirement — likely more seasons of It’s Always Sunny
- Potential reunion with Schwarzenegger? (no confirmed project)
The following table summarizes key biographical details for Danny DeVito.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 4’10” (147 cm) |
| Diagnosed condition | Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease) |
| Marital status | Married to Rhea Perlman (separated 2017, not divorced) |
| Years married | 41 years (1982–2023) |
| Net worth (estimated) | $80 million |
| Best friend (publicly mentioned) | Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rhea Perlman |
| Comparison with Mickey Rooney height | Mickey Rooney was 5’2″ (taller) |
What Was Danny DeVito Diagnosed With?
Danny DeVito was born with a rare congenital bone condition called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease). According to Express (UK lifestyle & health), the disorder affects cartilage and bone development, leading to short stature and premature arthritis. DeVito’s legs are disproportionately shorter than his torso, a hallmark of the condition.
Medical details of the condition
- Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia causes abnormal growth at the ends of bones (epiphyses).
- It can lead to joint pain and limited mobility — Express (UK lifestyle & health) notes that DeVito’s ankles sometimes roll inward.
- Treatment options include realignment surgery and joint replacements for severe pain.
Effect on his height and mobility
While DeVito has never let the condition define his career, it directly explains his 4’10” stature. In interviews he has joked about his height, but the underlying medical reality is a lifelong condition that requires management. Tuko (entertainment news) reports that the condition was present at birth and influenced his casting opportunities, often typecasting him in comedic roles.
Bottom line: DeVito’s short stature is not a punchline — it’s the result of a legitimate medical diagnosis that has been with him since birth.
Is Danny DeVito Actually 4’10″ ?
Yes, according to multiple sources. Tuko (entertainment news) lists his height at 4’10” (147 cm), and DeVito himself has confirmed this figure in interviews. It’s one of the most consistently reported biographical facts about him.
Official height measurement from Hollywood records
- IMDb and Wikipedia both record 4’10”.
- DeVito once joked on The Tonight Show that he’s “4’10” and three-quarters” but the official number stands.
Comparison to other short actors like Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney was 5’2″ — four inches taller than DeVito. Rooney’s career also often played off his stature, but DeVito is the shorter of the two by a clear margin. The difference is notable in Hollywood history, where both actors leaned into their height as a comedic asset.
At 4’10”, DeVito is one of the shortest leading men in Hollywood history — a fact that both limited and defined his unique screen presence.
The pattern: DeVito’s height remains one of the most stable biographical markers in his career, referenced consistently across decades.
Is Arnold Schwarzenegger Still Friends with Danny DeVito?
A resounding yes. The two co-starred in the 1988 comedy Twins and have remained close ever since. Tuko (entertainment news) describes their bond as one of the longest-lasting celebrity friendships.
History of their friendship since ‘Twins’ (1988)
- After Twins, they reunited for Junior (1994) and Triplets (announced, but still in development).
- Schwarzenegger has called DeVito “the most talented little man I know.”
- DeVito has said, “We’re like brothers, we have a great time together.”
Public statements and joint appearances
In 2023, Schwarzenegger posted a throwback photo of the two on Instagram, captioning it “Twins forever.” The mutual admiration is genuine and well-documented. One Take Media (fan site) notes that DeVito regularly attends Schwarzenegger’s charity events.
“We’re like brothers.” — Danny DeVito on Arnold Schwarzenegger
Public interview, cited by multiple outlets
The implication: This friendship is not just a publicity stunt — it has endured across decades and life changes.
Is Danny DeVito Still Married?
Technically, yes. Danny DeVito married actress Rhea Perlman in 1982. They separated in 2017, but a divorce was never finalized. Tuko (entertainment news) reports that they remain friends and still live together part of the time.
Marriage to Rhea Perlman (1982–present)
- Three children: Lucy, Grace, and Jake.
- Perlman has said, “We are still best friends and see each other all the time.”
Separation in 2017 but living together
The couple announced their separation in 2017, citing no animosity. They never filed for divorce, making the legal status ambiguous. In a 2020 interview, Perlman confirmed they were “still married” and comfortable with the arrangement.
DeVito and Perlman have redefined marriage on their own terms — legally still husband and wife, but living independently. The separation appears amicable and permanent in practice.
The catch: The legal status remains ambiguous, but both parties seem content with the arrangement.
Who Is Danny DeVito’s Best Friend?
Depending on who you ask, it’s either Arnold Schwarzenegger or Rhea Perlman. DeVito has publicly called Perlman his “best of friends” even after separation, and his bond with Schwarzenegger is equally deep. Tuko (entertainment news) covers both relationships extensively.
Michael Douglas
DeVito co-starred with Douglas in The Jewel of the Nile and The War of the Roses. They remain friendly but not at the same intensity as Schwarzenegger or Perlman.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
As noted, the Twins bond is legendary. Schwarzenegger even nominated DeVito for an honorary Governor’s Award in California.
Rhea Perlman
Perlman is perhaps the most important person in his life. Despite the separation, they co-parent and support each other publicly.
Who Is Taller, Mickey Rooney or Danny DeVito?
Mickey Rooney was 5’2″ — four inches taller than DeVito’s 4’10”. This makes Rooney the taller actor by a clear margin. Both built careers around their height, but Rooney’s advantage of a few inches gave him wider leading-man opportunities.
| Attribute | Mickey Rooney | Danny DeVito |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5’2″ (157 cm) | 4’10” (147 cm) |
| Birth year | 1920 | 1944 |
| Known for short stature roles | Yes | Yes |
| Oscar nominations | 4 | 0 (won Emmy for Taxi) |
Five inches may not sound like much, but in Hollywood casting, that difference separates the “short” from the “very short.” DeVito’s 4’10” put him in a category almost alone.
Both actors turned height into a signature, but Rooney’s slightly taller frame let him play romantic leads while DeVito leaned into eccentric sidekicks.
The implication: Rooney’s extra inches gave him more versatility, but DeVito’s niche became iconic in its own right.
Timeline
- 1944 — Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey (One Take Media (fan site))
- 1975 — Breakout film role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
- 1978–1983 — Portrays Louie De Palma on Taxi; wins Emmy
- 1982 — Marries actress Rhea Perlman (Tuko (entertainment news))
- 1988 — Stars alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in Twins (Tuko (entertainment news))
- 1996 — Directs Matilda
- 2017 — Separates from Rhea Perlman but remains close
- 2024 — Continues acting in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The pattern: DeVito’s timeline shows remarkable stability — few dramatic breaks, many enduring relationships.
What’s confirmed and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Danny DeVito’s height is 4’10” (Tuko (entertainment news))
- He has multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Express (UK lifestyle & health))
- He married Rhea Perlman in 1982 (Tuko (entertainment news))
- He and Arnold Schwarzenegger are long-time friends (One Take Media (fan site))
What’s unclear
- Exact legal status of separation (whether divorce will be finalized) (Tuko (entertainment news))
- Exact net worth figures beyond widely reported estimates
- Whether future projects will reunite him with Schwarzenegger
What this means: The record is clear on major facts, but ambiguities remain around legal status and future projects.
Quotes from the people who know him
“He is the most talented little man I know.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter
“We are still best friends and see each other all the time.”
Rhea Perlman, speaking to People magazine in 2020
For someone who has spent decades in the spotlight, Danny DeVito’s life is surprisingly grounded. The facts, when separated from rumor, tell a story of resilience, loyalty, and a career built on pure talent despite physical limitations.
So what does this mean for fans? If you’ve ever wondered how tall Danny DeVito really is, or whether his marriage is still on — the answer is clear. For anyone looking to understand the man behind the characters, the evidence points to a person who turned his diagnosis into an asset, kept his closest bonds intact, and continues to work on his own terms.
Related reading: Danny DeVito’s height and Fairbank’s disease · Danny DeVito’s health and Fairbank’s disease symptoms
For a deeper dive into the medical condition behind his stature, check out facts about Danny DeVitos height and diagnosis on Canadian Insider.
Frequently asked questions
What medical condition did Danny DeVito have at birth?
He was diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease), a congenital bone disorder that affects growth and leads to short stature.
How old is Danny DeVito now?
Born November 17, 1944, he turned 79 in 2024.
Did Danny DeVito divorce Rhea Perlman?
No. They separated in 2017 but never finalized a divorce and remain legally married.
Are Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger still friends today?
Yes. They have been close friends since starring together in Twins (1988) and regularly express mutual admiration.
What is Danny DeVito’s most famous movie role?
He is best known for playing Louie De Palma on Taxi and for his roles in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Twins, and Matilda.
How tall is Mickey Rooney compared to Danny DeVito?
Mickey Rooney was 5’2″ — four inches taller than DeVito’s 4’10”.
Does Danny DeVito have children?
Yes, three children with Rhea Perlman: Lucy, Grace, and Jake.
What is Danny DeVito’s net worth?
Estimated at $80 million, according to multiple celebrity net worth trackers.
Ethan Morrison is Senior Reporter at Southern Pulse, covering breaking stories and explainers.