Acting legend Danny DiVito has turned 81 and has been a fixture on TV and movies for more than 50 years – here are his most iconic roles.
Danny DiVito is one of the most recognisable actors in the US. Famously short of stature – due to a genetic condition – and usually with wild hair, he has been in some of the biggest shows and movies of the past 50 years.
While Danny isn’t often a leading man, he his character acting skills are second to none, and he often steals the scenes he is in.
But it isn’t just for his acting that Danny is loved. His social media feeds are often full of wit, and he is known for being big-hearted and encouraging to younger actors. Indeed, when filming Matilda (see below) he and wife Rhea Perlman even took in young co-star Mara Wilson while her mother had cancer treatment.
Here are his most iconic roles:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
While this film is renowned as a classic, especially for Jack Nicholson’s performance as McMurphy, it also gave an early glimpse of Danny’s talents. He plays Martini, a patient in the mental institution. He was a pilot, but his plane was shot down in the Vietnam War, and he now has a delusional, child-like manner. A friendly character, he becomes a loyal follower of McMurphy, but also has some of the films comic moments.
Taxi
This sitcom, which ran from 1978-83, catapulted Danny to international fame. The show revolved around the lives of a group of New York City taxi drivers, and their grumpy dispatcher, Louie De Palma (Danny). The show is still regarded as one of the greatest of all time and won 18 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run. Louie was known for his abusive behaviour to and contempt for the cabbies but was loved by audiences – in 1999 TV Guide rated Louie as the greatest TV character of all time.
Twins
In further proof that the 80s were wild, this movie teamed up Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny as the titular twins. The product of a genetic experiment and separated at birth, Vincent (Danny) and Julius go on to lead very different lives. At the age of 35, Julius goes to find Vincent – who is a petty crook in Los Angeles. Together, the pair look to track down their mother, while Vincent takes on a dangerous mission to pay off his debts. Can they get their happy ending and find out the truth about themselves?
Batman Returns
Before Colin Farrell, there was Danny DiVito. While Colin has recently won rave reviews for his dark interpretation of Batman baddie The Penguin/Oz Cobb/Oswald Cobblepott, one of the most popular versions of the character was Danny’s version in the 1992 film Batman Returns. The Tim Burton-directed movie, a bridge between the camp 1960s version and the dark knight of more recent movies, had a cartoon look, and Danny looked striking made up as The Penguin – oozing menace, but also conveying pathos, making him a compelling antagonist.
Matilda
The 1996 movie adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved book about a girl with psychokinetic powers has become a classic. Mara Wilson starred as Matilda Wormwood with Danny and real-life wife Rhea Perlman playing her awful parents. Danny’s portrayal of the disreputable Harry Wormwood stayed true to his awfulness in the book, and was widely praised. Danny also narrated the movie and directed and produced it.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
For the past 18 years, Danny has been known to millions as Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Frank is the father of regular characters Dennis and Dee, and Charlie’s roommate. He is the majority owner of Paddy’s Pub and a multi-millionaire – although you’d never know it by the state of his apartment. It is Frank that often funds the schemes that the gang get involved in, and also the one that bails them out of trouble when necessary.
