What Is Danny DeVito’s Net Worth?
Danny DeVito, a multifaceted American actor, comedian, film director, and producer, has amassed a substantial net worth of $80 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his extensive and diverse career spanning several decades, encompassing acting roles in television and film, directing ventures, and production company endeavors. Danny DeVito’s net worth reflects his success in the entertainment industry.
Career Highlights and Earnings
DeVito’s career took off with his role as Louie De Palma in the TV series “Taxi” (1978-1983). While specific salary figures for his work on “Taxi” are not publicly available, the show’s success undoubtedly contributed significantly to his early earnings. His performance earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, enhancing his reputation and market value in Hollywood.
The 1980s and 1990s saw DeVito establish himself as a prominent figure in both acting and directing. He starred in numerous successful films, including “Terms of Endearment” (1983) and “Romancing the Stone” (1984). Again, precise salary details for these films are not public knowledge. One of his most iconic roles came as the Penguin in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” (1992), where he left an indelible mark on the character, adding considerably to his renown and likely commanding a substantial salary. He continued to showcase his versatility in films like “L.A. Confidential” (1997) and “Big Fish” (2003).
In 2006, DeVito joined the cast of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” as Frank Reynolds. While specific salary details are not available, the show’s enduring popularity suggests that DeVito’s compensation has been significant and sustained over many seasons. Danny DeVito’s net worth has definitely benefitted from this long-running show.
Beyond acting, DeVito has been active as a producer through his company, Jersey Films. The company has been behind successful projects like “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Erin Brockovich” (2000), and “Garden State” (2004). While the exact financial gains from these productions are not public, they would have contributed substantially to his overall wealth.
Throughout his career, DeVito has also lent his distinctive voice to animated works, such as “Hercules” (1997) and “The Lorax” (2012). While voice acting roles may not command the same level of compensation as live-action roles, they still contribute to his income stream. His role in the 2019’s “Jumanji: The Next Level” and 2023’s “Haunted Mansion” added more acting credits and income to his portfolio.
In 2017, DeVito earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in the Broadway revival of “The Price.” The financial benefits of this production also contributed to Danny DeVito’s net worth, even though exact figures are unavailable.
Real Estate Holdings
For many years, Danny and Rhea lived in a 14,579-square-foot house in Beverly Hills, California. They purchased the property in 1994 and sold it in April 2015 for $24 million after listing it a few years earlier off-market for more than $30 million. This sale contributed significantly to Danny DeVito’s net worth. The exact address of the property is not specified in the public domain.
They continue to co-own a home in Malibu’s Point Dume neighborhood. While the precise address and current market value are not disclosed, property in this area is generally very expensive, indicating a considerable asset. In 2022, the couple listed their Mt. Washington perch in Los Angeles for $1.55 million. This indicates another substantial real estate holding contributing to Danny DeVito’s net worth. The sale price and exact profit from this property are not specified.
Production Ventures and Directing Contributions
DeVito founded the production company Jersey Films with partner Michael Shamberg in 1991. The company has produced numerous successful films, including “Man on the Moon” (1999), “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “Garden State” (2004) and “Freedom Writers” (2007). DeVito founded Jersey Films in 1991.
Other notable films produced by DeVito include “Matilda” (1996), which he co-produced, directed, and starred in, and “Erin Brockovich” (2000), for which DeVito, Shamberg, and Sher received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Picture. His involvement in these films, particularly “Matilda,” where he held multiple roles, indicates a significant financial stake and contribution to his overall income.
DeVito made his directorial debut in 1984 with the film “The Ratings Game.” He went on to direct numerous films, such as “Throw Momma from the Train” (1987), “The War of the Roses” (1989), “Hoffa” (1992), “Death to Smoochy” (2002) and “Duplex” (2003). Additionally, he also directed eight different short films between 1973 and 2016. The income from his directing work has undoubtedly boosted Danny DeVito’s net worth, though specific figures are not publicly available.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He has multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease), a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth, which accounts for his short stature (he is 4 feet, 10 inches tall). He has two older sisters and was raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Danny attended boarding school, graduating from Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, New Jersey, in 1962. His early exposure to acting, appearing in school productions, laid the foundation for his future career. After graduating from high school, he began working at his sister’s salon, which he thought was a good way to meet girls. After working there for 18 months, he decided to switch to the cosmetics profession, which was more lucrative. While searching for a professional makeup instructor, DeVito discovered the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He ended up applying to the school, and he was required to perform a monologue as part of his application. Following the positive feedback he received for his monologue, Danny quickly switched to studying acting at the school instead and graduated from the academy in 1966.
Acting Career Evolution
From theater, DeVito transitioned to working on screen with the 1975 film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” He had initially starred in an off-Broadway production of the novel in 1971, which helped him land the film role. The 1975 film version was highly successful, winning the five major Academy Awards in 1976 (Best Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, and Screenplay). His early roles in the theater world significantly shaped his talent and led to his breakthrough in film.
Following the end of “Taxi,” DeVito returned to film, appearing in movies such as “Terms of Endearment” (1983), “Romancing the Stone” (1984), “Ruthless People” (1986), “Twins” (1988) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Other People’s Money” (1991) and Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” (1992). Danny returned to television in 2006 when he joined the cast of the popular FX sitcom “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”
Films he has worked on during the latter part of his career include “Solitary Man” (2009) with Susan Sarandon and long-time friend Michael Douglas, “When in Rome” (2010) with Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel, and Tim Burton’s 2019 live-action adaptation of “Dumbo.”
Generally speaking, DeVito is widely considered to be a comic actor. However, he has also appeared in several dramatic roles over the years, including in “The Rainmaker” (1997), “Jack the Bear” (1993), “L.A. Confidential” (1997), “The Big Kahuna” (1999), and “Heist” (2001). His versatility has allowed him to command diverse roles and maintain a steady income stream over the years, contributing positively to Danny DeVito’s net worth.
He also has an impressive list of voiceover projects under his belt. He has voiced characters in everything from “My Little Pony: The Movie” (1986), “Hercules” (1997), “Space Jam” (1996), and “The Lorax” (2012) to multiple episodes of the television show “The Simpsons” as the character Herb Powell. Additionally, he has appeared in television ads for QuickBooks and m&m’s and also played a fictionalized version of himself in the “Steal My Girl” music video for British boy band One Direction.