Danny DeVito is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and beloved stars, known for his unique screen presence, sharp comedic timing, and decades-long career as an actor, director, and producer.
From his breakthrough role in the hit TV series Taxi to modern success in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, DeVito has built an impressive career that spans film, television, and behind-the-scenes production.
With such a long run in the entertainment industry, many fans are curious about Danny DeVito’s net worth and how he has managed to build and maintain his fortune over the years.
His income doesn’t only come from acting, but also from directing, producing, real estate, and royalties from long-running shows.
In this article, we take a closer look at Danny DeVito’s financial journey, career earnings, assets, lifestyle, and the smart moves that helped him become one of Hollywood’s most enduring and financially successful entertainers.
What is Danny DeVito’s Net Worth?
Danny DeVito’s net worth is widely estimated to be around $80–90 million, based on publicly available financial data and industry reports. While the exact figure can vary depending on the source, there is no doubt that DeVito has built a substantial fortune through decades of consistent work in Hollywood. His income doesn’t just come from acting roles a significant portion of his wealth has been generated from producing, directing, syndication royalties, and long-term business ventures within the entertainment world.
DeVito first began earning major Hollywood paychecks during his role in the hit sitcom Taxi, but his financial growth accelerated as he went on to star in blockbuster films, voice major animated characters, and later join the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In addition, his work as a producer on successful films has provided ongoing residual income.
Combined with smart investments and real estate holdings, Danny DeVito has maintained strong financial stability over the years, making him one of the wealthiest and most enduring comedic actors in the industry.
Early Life and Background
Danny DeVito was born on November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, into a working-class Italian-American family. He grew up in a close household with his parents and two sisters, experiencing a modest upbringing that helped shape his grounded personality. Standing at just under five feet tall due to a rare genetic condition, DeVito often felt different growing up, but he later turned this unique trait into one of his greatest strengths in Hollywood.
Before entering the entertainment industry, DeVito worked briefly at his sister’s beauty salon, but he soon discovered a passion for performing. Determined to pursue acting, he enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, where he began developing his craft and confidence on stage. His early years were filled with small theatre roles and odd jobs, but DeVito remained persistent and focused on building a career in acting. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for his incredible journey from New Jersey to international fame and financial success.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Danny DeVito’s acting journey began on stage, where he performed in several off-Broadway productions while slowly building his résumé. His big break came when he landed the role of Martini in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, a critically acclaimed movie that helped introduce him to a wider audience. However, the true turning point in DeVito’s career arrived when he was cast as Louie De Palma in the hit television sitcom Taxi, which ran from 1978 to 1983.
His portrayal of the tough, sarcastic dispatcher earned him widespread recognition, along with a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. This role not only made him a household name but also significantly increased his earning power in Hollywood. As Taxi gained popularity and later went into syndication, DeVito continued to benefit financially through residual income. The success of the show opened doors to major film opportunities, eventually allowing him to expand into directing and producing. This early breakthrough laid the groundwork for both his long-term career success and the impressive net worth he enjoys today.
Major Career Highlights and Income Growth
After establishing himself through Taxi, Danny DeVito successfully transitioned into major film roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He starred in hit movies such as Romancing the Stone, Twins, Batman Returns, and Get Shorty, which not only boosted his popularity but also positioned him among Hollywood’s highest-paid comedic actors of the time. These box office successes significantly increased his earnings and strengthened his financial base.
Beyond acting, DeVito also found success behind the camera. He directed and produced several notable films, and his production company helped create hits like Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, and Garden State. These projects earned strong critical and commercial success, providing DeVito with long-term profit participation and royalties.
In the 2000s, he gained a new wave of fans when he joined the cast of the long-running comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His role not only revived his on-screen presence but also created another steady income stream through salary and syndication. Altogether, these career milestones — acting, producing, directing, and royalties — have played a major role in building Danny DeVito’s impressive net worth over the decades.
Directing and Producing Career
While Danny DeVito is best known for his on-screen performances, a large part of his wealth also comes from his success as a director and producer. In the late 1980s, he began stepping behind the camera, directing films such as Throw Momma from the Train, The War of the Roses, Hoffa, and Matilda. These films performed well and proved that DeVito was more than just a comedy actor — he was a skilled storyteller with strong commercial instincts.
DeVito also co-founded the production company Jersey Films, which went on to produce several iconic movies including Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, and Reno 911!: Miami. Many of these films became huge box-office and award-winning successes, earning profits long after their theatrical release. As a producer, DeVito benefits not just from upfront payments but also from backend participation, royalties, and residual income, which continue to contribute to his net worth today.
His work behind the scenes allowed him to diversify his income sources while maintaining strong creative control. This move into production and directing was a major financial turning point, helping solidify Danny DeVito’s long-term financial security and status as a powerful figure in Hollywood.
Business Ventures and Other Income Sources
Danny DeVito has never relied on acting alone to build his wealth. Over the years, he has strategically diversified his income through smart business ventures within the entertainment industry and beyond. His role as co-founder of Jersey Films is one of the biggest contributors, as the company has been involved in highly profitable and critically acclaimed productions. These projects often provide long-term financial returns through royalties, licensing, and distribution deals.
In addition to film and television production, DeVito has earned income through brand partnerships, guest appearances, and occasional endorsement work. He has also lent his distinctive voice to animated films and commercials, which has become another steady revenue stream thanks to his instantly recognizable tone.
Residuals from past shows and movies continue to generate income as well. Long-running syndication deals, particularly from Taxi and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, ensure that DeVito earns money even when he is not actively working on screen. Combined with financial investments and careful wealth management over the decades, these business ventures have played a key role in sustaining and growing Danny DeVito’s impressive net worth.
Real Estate, Assets, and Lifestyle
Danny DeVito’s wealth is not just in cash and investments — he has also built a substantial portfolio of real estate and other valuable assets. Over the years, he has purchased several properties, including luxurious homes in Los Angeles and New Jersey. These residences reflect his success and provide long-term financial value, as real estate in these areas has historically appreciated significantly. While he maintains a comfortable and stylish lifestyle, DeVito is known for being relatively private about his personal spending habits compared to other Hollywood stars.
Beyond real estate, DeVito has invested in collectibles, vehicles, and other assets that complement his lifestyle. His love for the arts and entertainment also influences some of his purchases, with investments that may have both personal and financial significance.
Despite his wealth, DeVito has remained grounded and avoids excessive flamboyance, focusing instead on work, family, and philanthropy. This balanced approach to money management, combining valuable assets with ongoing income streams, has helped him maintain financial stability for decades and ensured that his net worth continues to grow steadily over time.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Danny DeVito has balanced his successful Hollywood career with a fulfilling personal life. He has been married to actress Rhea Perlman since 1982, and together they have three children. Despite periods of separation, the couple has maintained a strong bond over the decades, highlighting DeVito’s commitment to family. His personal life is often described as grounded and private, allowing him to focus on both his career and his loved ones without excessive public scrutiny.
Beyond his family, DeVito is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported various charitable causes, including initiatives for children, education, and social justice. His contributions often reflect his personal values and desire to give back to the community that shaped him.
DeVito’s combination of professional success, family stability, and philanthropic engagement illustrates a holistic approach to life and wealth. He uses his influence not just for financial gain but also to make a positive impact. This balance between career, personal life, and giving back has contributed to his respected reputation in Hollywood and further emphasizes that his net worth extends beyond monetary achievements to include his enduring legacy as both an entertainer and a humanitarian.
Income Breakdown and Financial Strategies
Danny DeVito’s impressive net worth is the result of multiple income streams and smart financial management. The primary source of his wealth comes from acting, with salaries from hit TV shows like Taxi and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, as well as high-profile film roles in blockbusters such as Twins and Batman Returns. Beyond upfront payments, DeVito earns substantial residuals from syndication and reruns, providing a steady stream of passive income over the years.
In addition to acting, his directing and producing work has significantly boosted his earnings. Through his production company, Jersey Films, DeVito has been involved in highly profitable projects, earning backend participation and royalties that continue to contribute to his financial stability. Voice acting, guest appearances, and endorsements have also added to his diversified portfolio.
Financially, DeVito is known for balancing long-term investments, real estate, and business ventures with ongoing income from entertainment projects. This diversified approach minimizes risk and ensures consistent growth of his net worth. By combining multiple revenue streams, careful planning, and strategic investments, Danny DeVito has not only built wealth but has also secured long-term financial security, making him one of Hollywood’s most financially savvy actors.
Net Worth Growth Over Time
Danny DeVito’s financial journey reflects decades of consistent work, smart choices, and career diversification. In the early years of his career during the 1970s, his earnings were modest, mainly coming from small theater roles and minor film appearances. The breakthrough with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and especially Taxi marked the start of significant financial growth, as his salary increased and syndication residuals began to accumulate.
During the 1980s and 1990s, DeVito’s net worth experienced a major boost thanks to successful film roles in blockbusters like Twins, Batman Returns, and Get Shorty. At the same time, he ventured into directing and producing, with films like Throw Momma from the Train and the founding of Jersey Films, which produced hits such as Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich. These ventures added substantial backend profits and royalties, further growing his wealth.
In the 2000s and beyond, participation in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia provided both steady income and long-term residuals, while continued producing, voice acting, and smart investments helped maintain financial stability. Over the decades, Danny DeVito has steadily built and protected his fortune, transforming him from a struggling actor into one of Hollywood’s most financially secure and respected entertainers.
Comparison with Other Stars and Financial Lessons
Danny DeVito’s net worth stands out when compared to many of his Hollywood peers. While actors like Michael Douglas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Rob McElhenney have amassed significant fortunes, DeVito’s wealth reflects a unique combination of longevity, diversification, and steady work. Unlike some stars who rely solely on blockbuster films, DeVito has consistently balanced acting, producing, directing, and syndication royalties, which has created a more stable and long-term financial foundation.
From his early days on Taxi to modern television and film projects, DeVito demonstrates that career longevity is a key factor in wealth accumulation. His strategic move into producing and co-founding Jersey Films illustrates the value of diversifying income sources beyond acting. Additionally, his investments in real estate and participation in profitable film ventures highlight the importance of smart financial planning and asset management.
The key lesson from DeVito’s financial journey is clear: success in entertainment is not just about big paychecks from high-profile roles. Instead, it is about consistent work, diversifying income streams, protecting assets, and making intelligent investments. By following this approach, Danny DeVito has maintained a strong net worth and remains one of Hollywood’s most financially savvy and enduring stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is Danny DeVito’s net worth?
Danny DeVito’s net worth is estimated to be around $80–90 million, accumulated through acting, producing, directing, and smart investments over several decades.
2. How did Danny DeVito make his money?
His wealth comes from multiple sources, including salaries from TV shows like Taxi and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, blockbuster films, directing and producing credits, syndication royalties, voice acting, endorsements, and business ventures such as his production company, Jersey Films.
3. How much does he earn per episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?
While exact figures are private, it’s reported that veteran cast members, including DeVito, earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per episode, plus residuals from reruns and streaming deals.
4. What businesses does Danny DeVito own?
DeVito co-founded Jersey Films, responsible for producing major hits like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich, which generates significant backend profits and royalties.
5. Is Danny DeVito still acting?
Yes, he continues to act in television, film, and voice projects, maintaining both his public profile and consistent income streams.
These FAQs highlight the diverse ways Danny DeVito has built and maintained his impressive net worth, reflecting a career that combines talent, smart financial decisions, and long-term planning.
Conclusion
Danny DeVito’s journey from a modest upbringing in New Jersey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected and financially successful actors is truly remarkable.
Over more than five decades, he has built an impressive net worth of $80–90 million through a combination of acting, directing, producing, and smart business ventures.
His career highlights, from the iconic role of Louie De Palma in Taxi to memorable film performances and long-running television projects like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, have provided both critical acclaim and consistent financial rewards.
Beyond his on-screen work, DeVito’s ventures behind the camera — including his production company Jersey Films have added substantial long-term income through royalties, backend profits, and syndication deals. His investments in real estate and other assets further demonstrate a strategic approach to wealth management.
Danny DeVito’s story offers valuable financial lessons: diversify income sources, invest wisely, and maintain consistency in your craft.
His success is a testament not just to talent, but also to discipline, strategic planning, and perseverance. Today, he remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, respected for both his career achievements and the legacy of financial wisdom that has made him one of the industry’s wealthiest and most enduring entertainers.
