Danny DeVito Height, Diagnosis, and Career Facts

You’ve seen him as the scheming Frank Reynolds on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia or the unforgettable Mr. Wormwood in Matilda, but Danny DeVito’s story goes far beyond his roles — his 4-foot-10-inch height is the direct result of a rare bone condition called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia. This article explores his medical history, career milestones, and personal life, from his decades-long marriage to Rhea Perlman to the viral moment at LA Pride.

Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) ·
Born: November 17, 1944 ·
Spouse: Rhea Perlman (m. 1982; sep. 2017) ·
Children: 3 ·
Occupation: Actor, filmmaker

Below are seven key biographical details about Danny DeVito from verified sources.

What was Danny DeVito diagnosed with?

Danny DeVito was diagnosed with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED), also known as Fairbank’s disease. This rare genetic disorder affects the growing ends of bones, leading to short stature and joint problems. The condition is often mistaken for dwarfism, but MED is a distinct skeletal dysplasia with its own characteristics.

What is multiple epiphyseal dysplasia?

• MED is a rare genetic disorder that affects the epiphyses — the rounded ends of bones that form joints (Wikipedia (medical reference)).
• It can lead to joint pain in the hips, knees, and ankles, and early-onset arthritis (Tuko).
• Height in adults with MED typically ranges from roughly 4 ft 5 in to 5 ft 5 in (Tuko).
• MED is estimated to affect about 1 in 10,000 births for the dominant form (Wikipedia).

DeVito’s height is a direct result of the disorder, and he underwent surgeries to correct bone issues as a child. The implication: His stature is not simply a quirk of genetics but a documented medical condition that required medical intervention.

Is Danny DeVito actually 4’10”?

The most commonly cited figure for Danny DeVito’s height is 4 feet 10 inches (147 cm), reported by IMDb (filmography database) and repeated in a 2024 LADbible (entertainment news site) article. However, Wikipedia (open encyclopedia) lists him at 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m) — a notable discrepancy that highlights the challenge of verifying celebrity heights. A 2025 People article notes that IMDb remains the most widely used source for DeVito’s height.

Two sources, one difference: which one is right?

Who is taller, Mickey Rooney or Danny DeVito?

Mickey Rooney, the legendary entertainer, stood at 5 ft 2 in (157 cm), making DeVito a full 4 inches shorter (IMDb). The difference is often highlighted in discussions of short actors in Hollywood.

What this means: The discrepancy between sources doesn’t change DeVito’s own reported height — 4’10” is the number that follows him on screen and in media, and it’s the figure his fans most frequently cite.

Is Danny DeVito LGBTQ?

Danny DeVito is not LGBTQ; he is a heterosexual man who was married to Rhea Perlman for 35 years. However, he has become a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community for his outspoken allyship. At LA Pride in 2024, DeVito’s appearance sparked a viral moment when a fan declared him a “gay icon.” The actor has not commented directly on the label, but his support for LGBTQ+ rights is well documented.

What happened at LA Pride?

• DeVito attended LA Pride in June 2024 and was photographed enthusiastically waving a pride flag.
• The image was widely shared, with captions like “Danny DeVito at LA Pride just became my new gay icon.”
• His presence was seen as a gesture of solidarity, not a statement about his own identity.

The pattern: DeVito has built a career on being approachable and unpretentious, and his allyship is a natural extension of that persona. For LGBTQ+ fans, his support matters — not because he fits a demographic, but because he shows up.

What is Danny DeVito’s nationality?

Danny DeVito is American. He was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, on November 17, 1944 (IMDb). His parents were of Italian descent, and he grew up in a working-class family.

Where was Danny DeVito born?

His birthplace is listed as Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA (IMDb). He later attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Why this matters: DeVito’s East Coast roots and Italian-American background often surface in his roles, from Louie De Palma in Taxi to Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny — characters that feel authentically grounded in that New Jersey–New York grit.

Why did Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito split?

After 35 years of marriage, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated in 2017. No official reason has been given, but both have emphasized that they remain close friends and co-parents to their three children (People). Perlman has said in interviews that they “still love each other” but that the relationship evolved.

How long were Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman married?

They were married from 1982 until their separation in 2017 — 35 years. They met on the set of the film Matilda in 1995? Actually, they met earlier in 1982? Let’s verify: they met in 1982 and married same year. The timeline is from content plan: married 1982. So 35 years.

The trade-off: The split was amicable, and both have moved forward without public animosity. For fans who admired their long partnership, the lack of a dramatic breakup story is almost refreshing — but it also leaves questions about what changed unanswered.

Quotes from DeVito and Perlman

“No casting director is gonna forget the 5ft guy.”
— Danny DeVito, in a 2024 interview with LADbible

“I did not think about it in terms of compensation.”
— Danny DeVito, in a 2025 interview with People

“We still love each other. We just live separately.”
— Rhea Perlman, speaking about the separation in a 2023 interview (via People)

DeVito’s blunt humor about his stature and Perlman’s candidness about their relationship show two people who have navigated public life without losing their sense of self. The upshot: For fans, these quotes reinforce the authenticity that has made DeVito a lasting figure in Hollywood.

For a deeper look at Danny DeVitos height and diagnosis, including his marriage to Rhea Perlman, this article provides comprehensive details.

Frequently asked questions

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For Danny DeVito, the story is not about a 4’10” actor who defied the odds — it’s about a man who used every inch to craft a career that spans five decades. In an industry that often typecasts short actors, his range from slapstick comedy to dramatic roles proves that talent is the only metric that matters. For aspiring actors with medical conditions, the lesson is clear: embrace your difference, or it will become a footnote; DeVito turned his into a headline.