Happy 80th Birthday to the incomparable Danny DeVito! Born November 17, 1944, DeVito is one of Hollywood’s most enduring and instantly recognizable talents—a man whose small stature is matched only by his giant presence on screen and behind the camera.

DeVito’s career took flight in the late 1970s when he stole every scene as the gruff yet oddly lovable dispatcher Louie De Palma on the classic sitcom Taxi. That role earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe, and it cemented him as a comedic force with an uncanny ability to make even the most abrasive characters oddly endearing.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, DeVito proved himself an actor of remarkable range and impeccable timing. Whether playing the shady yet hilarious Ralph in Romancing the Stone (1984), the scheming Vincent in Twins (1988) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, or the deliciously vile Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992), DeVito always found the sweet spot between absurdity and real heart.

Beyond acting, DeVito has built an impressive legacy as a director and producer. He brought his sharp, offbeat sensibility to films like Throw Momma from the Train (1987) and Matilda (1996), the latter of which remains a beloved classic for generations of kids who grew up watching his warm yet wicked take on Roald Dahl’s tale. As a producer, he championed bold, unexpected projects through his company Jersey Films, backing hits like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich.

And then there’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia—the show that gave DeVito yet another renaissance. As the outrageous Frank Reynolds, DeVito dove headfirst into TV’s most shameless comedy, cementing his status as a fearless performer who’s always ready to push the limits in the name of laughter.

What makes Danny DeVito so beloved isn’t just his comedic genius—it’s the sense that behind every role is a big-hearted guy who truly loves what he does. Whether he’s making you laugh until you cry or stealing the spotlight in a gritty drama, he’s a testament to staying relevant by staying true to yourself.

At 80, Danny DeVito is more beloved than ever—a living reminder that sometimes the biggest personalities come in the smallest packages, and that joy, mischief, and warmth never go out of style.

WATCH : Celebrate this legend’s milestone birthday by revisiting classics like Matilda, Batman Returns, Twins, and It’s Always Sunny—and remember why Danny DeVito is still Hollywood’s favorite wildcard.