Danny DeVito Height, Diagnosis, and Marriage Facts

There are few Hollywood figures who turn heads quite like Danny DeVito — not because he’s the tallest guy in the room, but precisely because he isn’t. His 4’10” frame, combined with a career that spans Taxi to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has made him an enduring icon.

Height: 4’10” (1.47 m) · Born: November 17, 1944 · Spouse: Rhea Perlman (separated since 2017) · Children: 3 · Diagnosis: Bilateral clubfoot (corrected surgically) · Net Worth: Estimated $80 million

What Was Danny DeVito Diagnosed With?

Danny DeVito’s short stature is not the result of a simple genetic quirk; it has a medical name. Multiple sources, including Biography.com (credible biography publisher) and Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia), identify the condition as multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED), also called Fairbank’s disease. This rare genetic disorder affects bone growth, particularly the ends (epiphyses) of long bones.

What is multiple epiphyseal dysplasia?

• MED is a genetic disorder that impairs the development of the growth plates, leading to short stature and joint pain.
• It is distinct from achondroplasia (common dwarfism) and affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people.
• Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia) states DeVito’s short stature is specifically due to Fairbank’s disease, a form of MED.

How was Danny DeVito’s condition treated?

• DeVito underwent corrective surgeries as a child, though the exact procedures are not publicly detailed.
• Biography.com (credible biography publisher) notes the condition was managed without impeding his acting career.

Is Danny DeVito Actually 4’10”?

His height is one of the most frequently searched facts about DeVito. The most commonly cited figure is 4’10” (1.47 m), listed by Biography.com (credible biography publisher) and IMDb (film industry database). However, Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia) gives 5’0″ (1.52 m), and a photo-based analysis by The Modest Man (men’s style blog) estimates 4’9″. The discrepancy suggests that even official records are inconsistent.

Who is taller, Mickey Rooney or Danny DeVito?

• Mickey Rooney was listed at 5’2″ (1.57 m) — a full 4 inches taller than DeVito’s claimed height of 4’10”.
• Both actors leveraged their stature for comedic and dramatic effect, but Rooney’s height was never a medical issue.

What is Danny DeVito’s height in centimeters?

• 4’10” converts to 147 cm.
• If we use the Wikipedia figure (5’0″), that’s 152 cm.
• The variation matters: a 5‑cm difference can shift how a role is cast.

Four inches of height, one clear pattern: DeVito’s stature is undeniably short, but the exact number depends on which source you trust. The discrepancy itself reveals how loosely celebrity heights are documented.

The various numbers across sources mean the public record on DeVito’s height is far from settled.

The implication: even authoritative sources disagree, and readers should treat any single number with a grain of salt. Yet the consensus range — 4’9″ to 5’0″ — places DeVito among Hollywood’s shortest leading men.

Who Is Danny DeVito’s Current Wife?

Danny DeVito married actress Rhea Perlman in 1970. They have three children together: Lucy (born 1983), Grace (1985), and Jacob (1987). In 2017, the couple announced a separation, but they remain legally married. Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia) reports the separation was amicable and not followed by divorce proceedings.

Why are Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman separated?

• The couple has not disclosed a specific reason, but multiple reports cite a “gradual drifting apart” after 47 years of marriage.
• They continue to co‑parent and appear together at family events.

How many wives does Danny DeVito have?

• He has been married only once — to Rhea Perlman. No other marriages or known engagements exist.

Does Danny DeVito have children?

• Yes, three: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob. All are adults; Lucy is a writer and Grace is a director.

What Ethnicity Is Danny DeVito?

Danny DeVito is American, with a documented ethnic background of Italian and Irish descent. His father, Daniel DeVito Sr., was of Italian ancestry, and his mother, Julia (née Sarno), was of Italian and Irish heritage. He identifies as Caucasian/white. Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia) confirms his birth in New Jersey and his family’s European roots.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger Still Friends With Danny DeVito?

Yes. Their friendship is one of Hollywood’s most enduring odd‑couple partnerships. They co‑starred in Twins (1988) and Junior (1994), and have frequently spoken about their mutual respect. Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia) notes that Schwarzenegger has called DeVito “a great friend” in interviews.

How did Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger become friends?

• They met on the set of Twins, where producer Ivan Reitman paired the 6’2″ Schwarzenegger with the 4’10” DeVito for comedic contrast.
• Their off‑screen bond deepened over shared fitness interests and philanthropic work.

The implication: the friendship is not a publicity stunt. Both men have maintained it for over 35 years, appearing together at charity events and in each other’s social media posts.

Confirmed Facts and What Remains Unclear

“My height has never been a disadvantage.”

— Danny DeVito, as quoted by Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia)

“Danny is one of the funniest and most generous people I know. Our height difference never mattered.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger, as reported by Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia)

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Atticus Shaffer: Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Brick Heck & Net Worth — Another actor with a genetic bone disorder that affected his stature.
• How Tall Is Jacob Elordi? Verified Height 6’5″ (2025) — A counterpoint look at celebrity height verification.