Danny DeVito: Height, Age, Nationality, Wife, Diagnosis and More

Danny DeVito’s life is packed with verified facts — from his famously short stature to his decades-long friendship with Arnold Schwarzenegger — but also a few persistent unanswered questions. This article separates what’s confirmed from what’s still being asked, drawing on reliable sources and leaving speculation where it belongs.

Height: 4 ft 10 in (1.47 m) · Age: 79 (born November 17, 1944) · Nationality: American · Spouse: Rhea Perlman (separated) · Children: 3

Seven key biographical facts, one takeaway: the public record is remarkably stable — the only open questions involve health and the final status of his marriage.

What was Danny DeVito diagnosed with?

Health rumors vs. verified conditions

No verified diagnosis exists in public records. Anecdotal claims remain unconfirmed. The most commonly cited explanation for DeVito’s short stature is Fairbank’s disease — also known as multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) — attributed by Biography.com, a biography publisher. However, the actor himself has never publicly confirmed any specific medical condition, and no official statement from his representatives has been issued. Low-credibility sources, such as an unverified Reddit post (social media platform), repeat the claim without adding verification.

The implication: Until DeVito or his family speaks directly, the cause of his height remains an inference, not a confirmed fact.

Public statements on diagnosis

• DeVito has not addressed health rumors in interviews or on social media.
• His Wikipedia entry (the public encyclopedia) does not list any diagnosed condition beyond noting his stature.

Is Danny DeVito actually 4’10”?

Verification of Danny DeVito’s height

Yes. Multiple authoritative sources confirm that Danny DeVito’s height is 4 feet 10 inches (1.47 meters). Wikipedia lists this measurement, as does Biography.com. DeVito himself has referenced it in interviews without contradiction. No credible alternative figure exists in any verifiable publication.

How his height compares to other short actors

• Mickey Rooney (5 ft 2 in) — DeVito is 4 inches shorter.
• Warwick Davis (3 ft 6 in) — DeVito is taller by over a foot.
• Peter Dinklage (4 ft 5 in) — DeVito is 5 inches taller.

What this confirms: The 4’10” figure is one of the most stable facts in the DeVito dossier — no serious source disputes it.

What is Danny DeVito’s nationality?

Birthplace and citizenship

Danny DeVito is American. He was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey, on November 17, 1944, to Italian-American parents (Wikipedia). He holds U.S. citizenship and has never publicly claimed any other nationality. His birthplace is consistently cited across all biographical reference works, including Biography.com.

The pattern: DeVito’s background is straightforward — a New Jersey native with Italian heritage, no dual-citizenship ambiguity.

This reinforces that DeVito’s nationality is one of the most securely documented facts in his biography.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger still friends with Danny DeVito?

History of their friendship

Yes — the two actors remain close friends, a bond that predates their 1988 comedy Twins. In a 2025 People (celebrity news magazine) reunion piece, DeVito said he and Schwarzenegger were “good buddies” before Twins ever began filming. The IMDb News (entertainment news site) reported the same sentiment, quoting DeVito directly.

Public appearances together

• Joint interview in Interview Magazine (culture magazine) in 2023, where they discussed life and death.
• Schwarzenegger’s sweet tribute to DeVito in 2025, described by CinemaBlend (entertainment news site) as “definitely friendship goals.”

Why this matters: In an industry where co‑star friendships often fade after press tours, DeVito and Schwarzenegger’s sustained bond is a genuine outlier.

Is Danny DeVito separated from his wife?

Marriage timeline

DeVito married actress Rhea Perlman in 1982. After 35 years, the couple announced their separation in 2017 (Fox News, a news outlet). However, they have not filed for divorce. Reports from Fox News and Separation.ca (legal information site) indicate the two continue to co‑parent and remain legally married.

Separation details

• DeVito and Perlman live apart but maintain a united family front (Fox News).
• No divorce petition has been filed as of early 2025.

The takeaway: “Separated” is accurate, but “divorced” is not. The marriage remains legally intact, and both parties have publicly emphasized family unity.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

This table clarifies the boundary between verified data and ongoing uncertainty.

Quotes from the subjects

“I’m 4’10”, that’s my height.”

— Danny DeVito, as quoted in biographical profiles (Wikipedia)

“Danny is one of my closest friends.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger, Interview Magazine (culture magazine)

“We live apart but we’re still a united family.”

— Rhea Perlman, quoted in Fox News (news outlet)

The story of Danny DeVito is, in many ways, the story of a career built on talent that overshadows the physical curiosity. For readers searching for a conclusive answer on his health, the honest reply is that the record remains open. For those wondering about his marriage or his friendship with Schwarzenegger, the facts are unusually clear and well‑sourced. For anyone looking at the man behind the roles, the takeaway is that the most interesting thing about Danny DeVito isn’t his height — it’s the durability of his connections and the quiet dignity of his privacy.

For more details about his life and career, you can read this Danny DeVito biography facts article.

Frequently asked questions

These answers cover the most common queries about Danny DeVito’s personal and professional life.

Related reading

• Lord Farquaad: Height, Origin, and Parody — another famously short pop‑culture figure whose stature is central to his character.
• Gene Wilder: Biography and Legacy — a beloved comedic actor with a distinct screen persona, much like DeVito.

For more on similar topics, explore these related articles.