Danny DeVito: Height, Health, Marriage & Friendship

There’s something about Danny DeVito that makes you smile—whether it’s his unmistakable voice, his iconic role as Louie De Palma on Taxi, or the way he’s navigated Hollywood with a stature that’s become part of his legend. But behind the laughs, DeVito has faced real challenges: a lung tumor surgery in 2019, a long-term marital separation from Rhea Perlman, and the enduring friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger that’s spanned decades. Here’s a grounded look at the facts—his height, health, relationships, and what’s next for the beloved actor.

Born: November 17, 1944 · Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) · Occupation: Actor, filmmaker · Years active: 1970–present · Spouse: Rhea Perlman (m. 1982; separated 2017) · Children: 3

Eight key details, one pattern: many of DeVito’s personal milestones—his marriage, his health scare, his friendship—are documented across multiple sources, but some remain deliberately private.

The implication: DeVito’s public persona is well-documented, but the private details—especially around his marriage—remain closely guarded.

What was Danny DeVito diagnosed with?

Danny DeVito’s lung tumor surgery in 2019

In 2019, Danny DeVito underwent surgery to remove a benign lung tumor, according to Biography.com (biographical resource). The procedure was successful, and DeVito has not publicly disclosed any other serious health conditions since. He remains active in Hollywood, continuing to act and produce.

Has Danny DeVito been diagnosed with cancer?

No cancer diagnosis has been reported. The lung tumor was described as benign, and DeVito has not mentioned any cancer-related treatments. Biography.com (biographical resource) notes that the surgery was a routine removal, and his health appears to be stable.

The implication: DeVito’s health scare did not derail his active career.

Why did Rhea Perlman leave Danny DeVito?

The separation announcement in 2017

Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated in March 2017 after 35 years of marriage, as reported by Wikipedia (community encyclopedia). The couple had actually separated once before in October 2012 but reconciled in March 2013. The 2017 separation was publicized as amicable.

Reasons behind the separation

The exact reasons remain private. Perlman has said she and DeVito have no intent of filing for divorce, according to Wikipedia (community encyclopedia). In 2019, Perlman told Andy Cohen that she and DeVito had become closer friends after separating than they were in the final years of their marriage.

Their decision to continue living together

Despite the separation, DeVito and Perlman continue to cohabit in their Los Angeles home. This arrangement has been described by both as comfortable and amicable. The lack of a formal divorce suggests a unique bond that remains intact.

What this means: The DeVito-Perlman relationship continues on its own terms, with no clear end state.

Is Danny DeVito actually 4’10”?

Official height measurements

Danny DeVito’s height is widely reported as 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) to 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m), depending on the source. IMDb (film database) lists him at 4 ft 10 in. His short stature is commonly attributed in biographies to multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (Fairbank’s disease), as noted by Biography.com (biographical resource).

How Danny DeVito’s height has impacted his career

DeVito has often joked about his stature and used it to his advantage. His height is a distinctive feature in his acting roles, from the diminutive but sharp-tongued Louie De Palma in Taxi to the hilarious pairing with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Twins. He has said in interviews that he never let his height limit his ambitions.

The catch: Height statistics vary slightly, but the consensus is consistent.

Is Danny DeVito LGBTQ?

Danny DeVito’s statements on his sexuality

Danny DeVito has identified as heterosexual and has publicly stated he is not gay. In various interviews, he has dismissed rumors about his sexuality. According to Wikipedia (community encyclopedia), he has been married to a woman for decades and has three children.

Public perception and rumors

Rumors have emerged over the years, likely due to his close friendships and some of his roles. But DeVito himself has consistently rejected them. The rumors are not supported by any credible evidence.

The bottom line: Public speculation has no factual backing.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger still friends with Danny DeVito?

Their long friendship since Twins

Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger have remained close friends since starring in Twins (1988). They also co-starred in Junior (1994). DeVito has described Schwarzenegger as a “good buddy,” according to People (celebrity news outlet). The two have been photographed together at events and have spoken warmly of each other.

Recent collaborations: new film announcement 35 years later

In 2023, DeVito said in an interview that he and Schwarzenegger were working on another movie together. He told People (celebrity news outlet) that it’s “just two friends, two guys” making a film. A 2023 interview with Interview Magazine (arts and culture publication) featured a long-form conversation between the two about life and death.

The pattern: Their friendship has proven resilient over decades.

Timeline of key events

• 1944 – Born on November 17 (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• 1970 – Acting debut (IMDb (film database))
• 1978–1983 – Starred as Louie De Palma on Taxi (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• 1982 – Married Rhea Perlman (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• 1988 – Twins released with Arnold Schwarzenegger (People (celebrity news outlet))
• 1996 – Matilda released (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• 2017 – Separation from Rhea Perlman announced (Wikipedia (community encyclopedia))
• 2019 – Underwent lung tumor surgery (Biography.com (biographical resource))
• 2023 – New film project with Arnold Schwarzenegger announced (People (celebrity news outlet))
• 2024 – Continues acting and producing

The implication: DeVito’s career has been sustained by key partnerships and resilience.

“We complement each other in a lot of ways.”

— Danny DeVito, speaking about Arnold Schwarzenegger, People (2023)

“We became closer friends after separating than we were in the final years of our marriage.”

— Rhea Perlman, speaking about her relationship with Danny DeVito, Wikipedia (citing interview)

Danny DeVito’s life is a mix of public facts and private choices. His health scare was successfully managed, his marriage remains a unique arrangement, and his friendship with Schwarzenegger is still going strong. For fans, the takeaway is clear: DeVito continues to work, laugh, and defy expectations—on his own terms.

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