The Enduring Legacy: Exploring the Lives of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman’s Talented Children
Few figures in Hollywood possess the unique charm, comedic timing, and versatile acting prowess of Danny DeVito. With a career spanning over five decades, DeVito, now 79, has cemented his status as an industry icon. From his unforgettable role as the ruthless but endearing Louie De Palma in the classic sitcom Taxi, which earned him an Emmy Award, to his dramatic turn in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, his range is truly exceptional. Audiences also recognize him as the iconic Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, the voice of Phil in Disney’s Hercules, and more recently, the outrageously crude Frank Reynolds in the long-running hit series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His contributions to film extend beyond acting, with a Best Picture Oscar nomination as a producer for the critically acclaimed film Erin Brockovich, showcasing his multifaceted talents.
Behind much of Danny DeVito’s personal journey stands his estranged wife, Rhea Perlman, 75, an acclaimed actress in her own right, famously known for her role as Carla Tortelli in Cheers. The couple’s love story began on Broadway in 1971, leading to their marriage in 1982. Over the next decade, they welcomed three children, building a family deeply rooted in the entertainment world. Despite their separation in 2017 after 35 years of marriage, Danny and Rhea have maintained a remarkably amicable relationship, opting not to finalize their divorce. Their enduring friendship was evident at the 2023 Emmy Awards, where Danny presented alongside his It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia castmates, while Rhea graced the stage with her former Cheers co-stars, a testament to their mutual respect and continued bond.
The DeVito-Perlman household fostered a creative environment, and it’s no surprise that their children have followed in their famous parents’ footsteps, carving out their own niches in film, television, and theater. Each of their three children – Lucy, Grace, and Jake – has embraced the arts, contributing to the family’s impressive legacy. In early 2024, exciting news emerged that their eldest, Lucy, is expecting her first child, set to arrive this summer, adding another generation to this storied Hollywood family. Let’s delve deeper into the lives and careers of Danny and Rhea’s beloved children.
Lucy Chet DeVito
Born in March 1983, Lucy Chet DeVito, now 40, is the eldest child of Danny and Rhea, and she has truly inherited her parents’ theatrical flair. With a natural aptitude for acting, Lucy has established a formidable presence across various mediums, from the stage to the big screen and television. She often reflects on her unique upbringing, sharing anecdotes about her famous parents. During an August 2022 appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, she fondly recalled, “They’re amazing parents, and they’re in the spotlight of course, and everyone knows who they are, but they’re very down-to-earth people.” She cherished early memories of fans approaching her parents for autographs and photographs, and the exciting experiences of visiting them on set, which undoubtedly fueled her own passion for performance.
Lucy pursued formal training in theater, graduating from Brown University with a degree in the performing arts. Her dedication to the craft quickly became evident. In 2008, she garnered significant attention for her powerful portrayal of Anne Frank in a theatrical production, as reported by The Seattle Times. Even before completing her degree, Lucy began building her professional resume with several minor acting credits, including a recurring role on her father’s acclaimed comedy series, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, where she appeared in three episodes, according to IMDb. This early exposure to the industry set the stage for a diverse career.
Collaboration with her father has been a recurring theme in Lucy’s career. They shared the screen in the 2016 film The Comedian, where fittingly, she played his character’s daughter. More recently, the duo lent their vocal talents to the 2022 animated comedy series Little Demon, a project that became a true family affair, as her brother Jake was also involved. Danny DeVito openly expresses his joy in working with his daughter. In an August 2022 interview on Today, he affectionately remarked, “I just adore working with Lucy. We’ve been working together since she was this big,” gesturing with a laugh. Lucy reciprocates this sentiment, highlighting that they “have a really fun time”when collaborating, a testament to their strong professional and personal bond. Beyond these family projects, Lucy has cultivated an impressive independent filmography, appearing in notable films such as Leaves of Grass and critically acclaimed television series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, demonstrating her range and commitment to varied roles.
In exciting personal news, Page Six confirmed in February 2024 that Lucy is expecting her first child with her fiancé, with the birth anticipated for sometime this summer. This joyous announcement marks a significant milestone for the DeVito-Perlman family. Interestingly, Rhea Perlman had previously revealed during a 2023 appearance on the Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus podcast that she had welcomed her first grandchild, named Sinclair Lucille DeVito, the previous summer. While she didn’t specify which of her daughters had given birth at that time, she did share that the family chose to keep the DeVito surname for the child, even though the parent was married to someone without that last name. “Everybody said it’ll change your life when you have a grandchild, and it does,” Rhea shared, reflecting on the profound joy of this new chapter for the family. The upcoming arrival of Lucy’s baby will undoubtedly bring another wave of excitement and happiness to the close-knit DeVito clan.
Grace Fan DeVito
In March 1985, Danny and Rhea welcomed their second daughter, Grace Fan DeVito, who is now 38. Of the three siblings, Grace maintains the most private profile, largely staying out of the intense media spotlight that often accompanies her famous family. Despite her inclination for privacy, Grace has also explored avenues within the entertainment industry, albeit in a more behind-the-scenes capacity and with select acting roles. Her professional credits include serving as a producer for the 2006 comedy My Girlfriend’s Abroad, showcasing her interest in the filmmaking process beyond performance. Additionally, she ventured into acting, appearing in the 2015 independent film Amboy and lending her voice to an episode of the 2017 animated series Jeff And Some Aliens, according to her profile on IMDb. These projects demonstrate her artistic inclinations while respecting her desire for a less public career path.
While Grace largely guards her personal life, she does occasionally join her family for high-profile events, offering glimpses into her world. She has been spotted on red carpets alongside her parents and siblings, and family members have shared candid photographs of her on platforms like Instagram, illustrating the strong familial bonds. These rare public appearances highlight her connection to her family’s legacy while steadfastly maintaining her preferred level of privacy, a balance she has clearly mastered.
Jake Daniel DeVito
The youngest of the DeVito-Perlman children and their only son, Jake Daniel DeVito, was born in October 1987, making him 36 years old. Growing up with two highly recognizable parents, Jake shares a unique perspective on navigating fame, emphasizing his parents’ efforts to ensure a grounded upbringing. In a March 2022 interview with The Associated Press, Jake reflected on his childhood, stating, “They were really good about keeping our home really solid and safe. I always feel like we always were more just excited about being at home with our friends and in our community.” This sentiment underscores a deliberate choice by Danny and Rhea to prioritize a normal, stable environment for their children, shielding them from the more intense aspects of celebrity life.
Like his sisters, Jake has found his professional calling within the entertainment industry, though primarily focusing his talents behind the camera. He has established himself as a respected producer, contributing to a diverse array of projects. His producing credits include the critically acclaimed 2014 film The Better Angels, which delves into the early life of Abraham Lincoln, and the eagerly anticipated upcoming thriller St. Sebastian, as detailed on his IMDb page. These endeavors showcase his keen eye for compelling storytelling and his commitment to the craft of filmmaking.
One of Jake’s most notable and heartwarming projects is his executive producer role on the animated series Little Demon. This particular venture brought the entire DeVito family together, with his father Danny and sister Lucy lending their voices to characters in the show. This collaborative effort transformed Little Demon into a true family affair, highlighting the shared creative spirit and strong bonds within the DeVito household. Jake’s work on this series not only demonstrates his producing acumen but also his ability to unite his family’s talents for a shared artistic vision, solidifying the DeVito legacy across generations and varied roles within Hollywood.
The lives of Lucy, Grace, and Jake DeVito stand as a testament to the enduring influence and creative spirit of their parents, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. Each child has found their own path, whether in front of or behind the camera, reflecting the diverse talents that define this remarkable Hollywood family. Their journeys continue to unfold, promising further contributions to the world of entertainment and carrying forward a legacy built on talent, dedication, and a strong familial bond.