Danny DeVito is a Hollywood icon known for his legendary acting career, comedic genius, and unique stature. Despite standing at 4ft 10ins, his larger-than-life personality has made him one of the most beloved actors in the industry. But why is Danny DeVito shorter than average? How has his height influenced his career and personal life?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Danny DeVito’s height, age, career, genetic condition, and Hollywood legacy. We’ll also compare his height to other celebrities, discuss how he’s embraced his stature, and reveal little-known facts about his life.
Danny DeVito’s Official Height
Danny DeVito is 4ft 10ins (1.47 meters) tall, making him one of the shortest actors in Hollywood.
How Does Danny DeVito’s Height Compare?
Person | Height |
Danny DeVito | 4ft 10ins (1.47m) |
Average American Male | 5ft 9ins (1.75m) |
Arnold Schwarzenegger | 6ft 2ins (1.88m) |
Peter Dinklage | 4ft 5ins (1.35m) |
Joe Pesci | 5ft 3ins (1.60m) |
Why Is Danny DeVito Short?
Danny DeVito’s short stature is due to Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED), also known as Fairbank’s Disease. This is a rare genetic disorder that affects bone growth and cartilage development, often leading to short stature, joint pain, and early-onset arthritis.
Lucy DeVito’s Height (Danny DeVito’s Daughter)
Danny DeVito’s daughter, Lucy DeVito, is an actress following in her father’s footsteps. Unlike her dad, she stands at 5ft (1.52m), slightly taller than him.
How Does Lucy Compare to Danny?
Name | Height |
Danny DeVito | 4ft 10ins (1.47m) |
Lucy DeVito | 5ft (1.52m) |
Despite her height difference, Lucy DeVito inherited her father’s humor and talent, starring in films like Leaves of Grass and TV shows like Deadbeat.
Danny DeVito’s Wife & Her Height
Danny DeVito was married to Rhea Perlman, a talented actress known for her role in Cheers. She stands at 5ft (1.52m)—two inches taller than Danny.
Height Comparison
Name | Height |
Danny DeVito | 4ft 10ins (1.47m) |
Rhea Perlman | 5ft (1.52m) |
Despite their height difference, they were together for over 30 years before separating in 2017. However, they have remained close friends and continue to co-parent their children.
Danny DeVito’s Age & Date of Birth
Danny DeVito was born on November 17, 1944, making him 80 years old in 2024.
Key Facts About His Early Life
- Born in Neptune Township, New Jersey.
- Grew up in a working-class Italian-American family.
- Attended Oratory Preparatory School before enrolling at American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
- Initially trained as a hairdresser before switching to acting.
Danny DeVito’s Weight & Body Type
Danny DeVito weighs around 165 lbs (75 kg), giving him a stocky and compact build.
Medical Insights on His Condition
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, individuals with Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED) often have:
✔️ Shorter-than-average height (typically 57 to 67 inches)
✔️ Skeletal Dysplasia, leading to joint pain and mobility issues
✔️ Increased risk of premature arthritis
Despite these challenges, Danny DeVito has never let his condition define him.
Danny DeVito’s Net Worth & Career Success
Danny DeVito’s estimated net worth is $80 million, thanks to his acting, directing, and producing career.
Major Sources of Income
✔️ Acting – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Batman Returns, Matilda
✔️ Directing – Matilda, The War of the Roses, Hoffa
✔️ Producing – Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, Man on the Moon
Fun Fact: DeVito co-founded Jersey Films, which produced some of Hollywood’s biggest hits.
Danny DeVito’s Most Iconic Movies & TV Shows
Top Danny DeVito Movies
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
- Twins (1988)
- Ruthless People (1986)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Matilda (1996)
- Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
TV Shows
- It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006–present)
- Taxi (1978–1983)
Danny DeVito When He Was Young
Danny DeVito in his early days was ambitious, bold, and ready to break stereotypes.
✔️ Faced bullying due to his short stature
✔️ Developed a sharp wit and strong personality to stand out
✔️ Used humor and confidence to land major acting roles
Famous Actors with Similar Heights
Actor | Height |
Peter Dinklage | 4ft 5ins (1.35m) |
Joe Pesci | 5ft 3ins (1.60m) |
Danny DeVito | 4ft 10ins (1.47m) |
Arnold Schwarzenegger | 6ft 2ins (1.88m) |
His height difference with Arnold Schwarzenegger became a running joke in Twins.
1.47m in Feet: Converting Danny DeVito’s Height
1.47m = 4 feet 10 inches
This makes Danny DeVito shorter than the average American male, but his impact on Hollywood is anything but small.
Is Danny DeVito Still Alive?
Yes! Danny DeVito is alive and thriving at 80 years old.
✔️ Active in Hollywood with upcoming roles
✔️ Regularly appears on talk shows & interviews (CBS News)
✔️ Popular on social media, often called the “King of Short Kings”
Conclusion
Danny DeVito’s height may be 4ft 10ins, but his influence in Hollywood is immeasurable. From breaking stereotypes to starring in some of the biggest films and TV shows, he has built a legendary career.
Despite having Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia (MED), he never let his condition stop him. Instead, he used his humor, confidence, and talent to become one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
🔹 Danny DeVito’s height didn’t hold him back—his personality made him larger than life.