At 81 years old, Danny DeVito still establishes himself as a pillar of cinema and television. To celebrate this anniversary, we look back at ten of his most memorable incarnations. From comedic roles to dark characters, DeVito has imposed his unique style, small size, big presence.
Who is Danny DeVito?
Danny DeVito, real name Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.., is an American actor, director and producer. He was born on November 17, 1944 in New Jersey. Of Italian-American and Arbëreshe origin. It is formed atAmerican Academy of Dramatic Arts. Subsequently, Danny DeVito broke through on television with the cult series Taxi (1978-1983), where he played Louie De Palma. From there, his career exploded. DeVito combines cinema, comedies, dramas and dubbing, and also proves to be an inventive director. A product of his own company Jersey Films, he multiplies his projects. Today he is a figure iconic of pop culture : funny, versatile, sometimes dark, always unforgettable.
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1 – Oswald Cobblepot / The Penguin – Batman Returns
In Batman Returns, Danny DeVito plays a deformed Penguin. Abandoned at birth by his aristocratic parents, who grew up in the sewers of Gotham. He hatches a Machiavellian plan to take power, by allying himselft to Max Shreck. Between grotesque and melancholy, his interpretation is at once threatening, disconcerting and profoundly human. Makeup and prosthetics reinforce his transformation into a tragic monster. His Penguin is one of the most memorable antagonists in superhero cinema.
2 – Amos Calloway – Big Fish
In this poetic film by Tim Burton, DeVito plays Amos Calloway. A showman with a big heart, who guides Edward Bloom in his extraordinary stories. Amos has a storytelling side. He shares fantastic stories that oscillate between truth and legend, like the world of the film. He embodies a caring mentorendowed with an almost mythical wisdom. This role highlights DeVito’s ability to mix humor, humanity and mystery.
3 – Vincent Benedict – Jumeaux (Twins)
In this high-concept comedy from Ivan Reitman, DeVito plays Vincent Benedict, the “bad” twin by Arnold Schwarzeneggerborn from a failed genetic experiment. While his brother Julius is raised on a paradise island, Vincent grows up in an orphanage. He becomes a little crook and plays the trickster. Their meeting years later will trigger a series of hilarious misunderstandings, tinged with emotion when the brothers discover the truth about their mother. This role shows his ability to play comedy.buddy” in duet with another cinema giant.
4 – Eddie Gilpin – Jumanji: The Next Level
In Jumanji: The Next LevelDanny DeVito plays Edward “Eddie” Gilpin, Spencer’s grumpy, retired grandfather. When the Jumanji game is relaunched, Eddie is drawn into the virtual universe against his will and finds himself in the avatar of Dr. Smolder Bravestone. He is physically played by Dwayne Johnson. His surprise, awkwardness and gruffness in the face of the perils of the game create moments that are both hilarious and touching. At the same time, his strained relationship with his old friend Milo (Danny Glover) finds ground for reconciliation throughout the adventure.
5 – Jackie – Curmudgeons
In this short film directed by Danny DeVito, Jackie is an elderly man, resentful but tender, who lives in an institution for the elderly. He reunites with his old friend Ralph (David Margulies), and their relationship, tinged with bitterness but full of long-silenced love, takes a moving turning point. Jackie arrives in a wheelchair, after an operation, but organizes a surprise dance with Raff and their families to seal their love.
6 – Martin Weir – Get Shorty
In the dark comedy Get Shorty, Danny DeVito plays Martin Weir, a movie star who is not very big but has an oversized ego. Ex-husband of Karen Flores (Rene Russo), he is being courted to play the main character in a screenplay that Chili Palmer (John Travolta) comes to propose to him. Weir, with his pinched tone and snobbish attitude, comes across as cute as well as arrogant. He becomes enthusiastic about the story when he realizes that it is inspired by Chili’s life.
7 – Philoctetes – Hercules
In the animated version, Danny DeVito lends his voice to the centaur Philoctetes, Hercules’ mentor in the Disney film. DeVito gives Phil a tone that is both fatherly and comical, emphasizing the duality between his harshness and his tenderness. This vocal performance shows his ability to infuse personality even into an animated role. Phil remains one of the characters the most significant aspects of the hero’s apprenticeship.
8 – George Shapiro – Man on the Moon
In this biography of comedian Andy Kaufman, Danny DeVito plays George Shapirothe comic’s agent and loyal friend. He navigates between professional pragmatism and sincere admiration for Kaufman’s disconcerting talent. Shapiro must deal with the eccentricities of his foalwhile supporting him in his improbable artistic choices.
9 – Frank Reynolds – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
In the sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Danny DeVito plays Frank Reynolds, the legal father of Dennis and Deewho joins the “Gang” from season 2. He is an eccentric billionaire with a shady past, willing to finance the group’s absurd and dangerous plans, just to feel alive. Despite his wealth, he chooses to live in a miserable apartment with Charlie, embodying aa joyous and totally unbridled decline.
10 – Sid Hudgens – LA Confidential
In LA Confidential, Danny DeVito plays Sid Hudgensa crooked tabloid journalist at the head of the magazine Hush-Hush “. Hudgens exploits Hollywood scandals, colluding with police officers like Jack Vincennes in order to publish juicy headlines. He also serves as narratorrevealing a cynical and brilliant vision of Los Angeles, between glamor and corruption.
