How Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman Met
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman first met in 1971, when Perlman auditioned for a role in the off-Broadway play The Shrinking Bride. DeVitto was performing in a nearby production, and their paths crossed through casting connections in New York theater. Their early interactions were professional, centered on auditions and rehearsals, but a friendship gradually developed over the next few years. They began dating in 1982, after reconnecting while working in Los Angeles, and the press has often noted how their shared work in both television and film strengthened their bond.
When Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman Married
The couple married on January 28, 1982, in a private ceremony in Los Angeles. Their relationship has included periods of separation and reconciliation, yet they have remained married for more than four decades. As of 2025, they are still married and continue to present themselves as partners in interviews and public appearances. The longevity of their marriage is frequently cited as an example of enduring commitment in Hollywood.
Professional Collaborations Between Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman
Working Together on Screen
DeVito and Perlman have appeared together in several projects, most notably in the television series Taxi (1978–1983), where Perlman played Simka Gravas and DeVito played Louie De Palma. Their on-screen chemistry was noted by critics and audiences, and the show helped establish both of their careers. They have also worked together in films such as Matilda (1996), where Perlman played Miss Honey and DeVito played Mr. Wormwood.
Collaborations Behind the Camera
In addition to acting together, DeVito and Perlman have collaborated as producers. Their production company, Jersey Films, produced several projects in the 1990s and early 2000s. While their joint producing work is less publicized than their acting careers, it highlights how their professional lives have been intertwined beyond performances. This pattern of collaboration has often been mentioned in discussions about their long-lasting relationship.
Family Life and Children
DeVito and Perlman have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito, Grace Fan DeVito, and Jacob Daniel DeVito. Lucy was born in 1983, Grace in 1985, and Jacob in 1987. The family has spoken openly in past interviews about the challenges and rewards of raising children while maintaining demanding careers. Perlman has described parenting with DeVito as a team effort, emphasizing communication and mutual support, even during periods when the couple lived separately.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Media coverage of DeVito and Perlman has often focused on the durability of their marriage. Headlines have highlighted their separations and reconciliations, but many reports also stress that the couple has consistently returned to one another personally and professionally. Interview clips in which they describe each other as partners, friends, and co-parents reinforce a narrative of stability. The longevity of their relationship stands in contrast to many Hollywood marriages and has become a defining element of DeVito’s public story.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wife’s Name | Rhea Perlman | Public records, biographies |
| Date of Marriage | January 28, 1982 | Registry data, reputable biographies |
| Year They Met | 1971 | Interviews, behind-the-scenes histories |
| Children | Lucy Chet DeVito, Grace Fan DeVito, Jacob Daniel DeVito | Official interviews, family statements |
| Years Together (as of 2025) | Over 50 years with periods of separation and reconciliation | Biographies, retrospective articles |
Common Questions About Danny DeVito’s Wife
- Who is Danny DeVito’s wife? His wife is actress and producer Rhea Perlman.
- How long have Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman been married? They first married in 1982 and have been married for more than 40 years, with a period of separation in the 1990s before reconciling.
- Do Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman have children together? Yes, they have three children: Lucy Chet DeVito, Grace Fan DeVito, and Jacob Daniel DeVito.
- Have Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman worked together professionally? Yes, they appeared together on the television series Taxi and in the film Matilda, and they have collaborated as producers.
- Is Danny DeVito still married to Rhea Perlman? Yes, as of 2025 they remain married.
How Their Relationship Has Evolved
Over more than 50 years together, DeVito and Perlman have navigated the demands of show business, parenthood, and personal growth. They separated in the 1990s but chose to reunite, describing a shared commitment to their children and to each other. Their ability to maintain a long-term partnership while pursuing individual projects has drawn ongoing media interest. In recent years, they have continued to appear together at events and speak positively about their enduring bond.