Meet Danny DeVito’s 3 Children, One of Whom Stays out of the Spotlight
From a daughter who followed in their footsteps, another who has avoided the spotlight, and a son thriving behind the scenes, meet Danny DeVito’s “great” family, including his three “beautiful” children.
Danny DeVito has become a household name for his iconic roles in classics like “Taxi,” “Matilda,” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Yet, beyond his career in front of the camera, the actor is also a doting family man.
Danny DeVito filming “Taxi” circa 1978. | Source: Getty Images
Take a closer look at his “rare” relationship with the mother of his children, iconic actress Rhea Perlman, and the beautiful family they’ve created, from their talented actress, Lucy, their gifted painter, Grace, and their passionate director, Jacob.
Danny DeVito at the 2024 Disney Upfront event on May 14, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman – A Love Story That Defies Labels
In 1982, Danny married Rhea, a star in her own right, known for her role on “Cheers.” Together, they built a life centered around their three children, Lucy, Grace, and Jacob. Over the years, their family has grown to include grandchildren, solidifying their bond despite significant changes in their relationship.
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman at the premiere of “Don’t Cry, It’s Only Thunder” on January 14, 1982, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Although Danny and Rhea separated over a decade ago, they never officially divorced. In a 2024 interview, Danny shared how their unique arrangement works, “We’re doing great. We’re sharing our granddaughter, our new granddaughter, and we see each other all the time.”
Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito at the opening night of the play “Let’s Call Her Patty” on July 31, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
The pair first separated in 2012 after 30 years of marriage but reconciled briefly in 2013 before separating again in 2017. Despite living apart, their friendship has remained strong.
Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito at the 6th Annual Los Angeles Benefit on March 12, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rhea admitted, “I’m really, really glad that Danny and I were able to navigate some rough days to be able to have this different kind of relationship. I think it’s pretty rare, but we agree on so many things that it makes sense.”
Danny also reflected on their enduring bond, saying, “We’ve been together for that long, and you grow together. It’s like you really know how each other’s feeling all the time.”
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman with their children and their friends at the Los Angeles premiere of “Batman Returns” on June 16, 1992. | Source: Getty Images
He also spoke warmly about their ongoing connection, adding, “We participate in conversation daily. Lots and lots of talking and [doing] a lot of things together. We have three beautiful children […].”
The actor’s deep affection for fatherhood has remained evident, as he said, “I love being a dad and I love my kids. I loved raising them and then throwing up on me and whatever they do, whatever happens, happens.”
He added, “I have been very fortunate in my life. I have had a lot of happiness. I have a great family and I work a lot, and that’s what I like to do.”
While they no longer share a home, Danny and Rhea continue to share their lives in ways that matter most — through their children, grandchildren, and a bond that defies conventional labels.
Lucy DeVito
Danny and Rhea became parents for the first time on March 11, 1983, when they welcomed their daughter Lucy Chet DeVito. From an early age, Lucy displayed a knack for performing, with Danny fondly recalling her passion for acting.
“Oh, Lucy was always the actress. I mean, even in kindergarten, grade school,” he said. Lucy followed her father’s path into the entertainment world and built a successful acting career. She appeared in projects like “Deadbeat,” “The Comedian,” and “Leaves of Grass.”
In 2023, the actress took to Instagram to share stunning snaps of herself in a striking red dress, and reacting to the pics, one social media user commented, “You are so sweet and smart.”
Another shared, “You look beautiful, like a queen,” and a third typed, “You are stunning Lucy! Xo.” A fourth social media user wrote, “Stunning, Gorgeous Laddy!!!”
Over the years, Lucy has shared the screen with her father in several productions. Speaking about their collaborations, Danny said, “In Lucy’s case, we’ve worked together several times. We’ve always done things. When she does an audition, we’ll talk about it or whatever. And it’s always been that way.”
Danny and Lucy DeVito at the opening night of the play “I Need That” on November 2, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Most recently, Lucy and her father prepared to share the Broadway stage in the play “I Need That,” written by Theresa Rebeck. The comedy, which debuted in the fall of 2023, centered on a widower, played by Danny, grappling with the challenge of letting go of his late wife’s possessions. Lucy played the character’s daughter, alongside Ray Anthony Thomas, who portrayed the widower’s friend.
Danny and Lucy DeVito with Rhea Perlman at the opening night afterparty for the play “I Need That” on November 2, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Offstage, Lucy made headlines in early 2024 when news broke that she and her fiancé were expecting a child, due in the summer. This announcement came shortly after she and Rhea attended the 2024 SAG Awards, where the former debuted her baby bump in a striking red dress.
Lucy DeVito and Rhea Perlman at the 2024 Netflix SAG Celebration on February 24, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The new addition to the family would mark Danny and Rhea’s second grandchild. Danny spoke warmly about his role as a grandfather, contrasting it with parenting responsibilities.
Danny and Lucy DeVito at the screening of “A Walk Among the Tombstones” on September 17, 2014, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
He added that Lucy and her siblings saw their mother “in action firsthand” and thus know “what to do” when it comes to parenting. “They know what the most important thing in the world is right now,” the actor said. “And that’s that little baby. Everything else is just gravy, you know, like, this is the most important. That’s big time.”
Grace DeVito
Danny and Rhea’s second child, Grace “Gracie” Fan DeVito, was born on March 25, 1985. While her parents and older sister pursued careers in the entertainment industry, she chose a quieter path, away from the spotlight. In 2022, Danny shared, “Grace, my middle daughter, is a painter. She’s an artist.”
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman with their family at the backstage of “Fiddler on the Roof” in 2005. | Source: Getty Images
During an interview, Grace revealed that she drew inspiration from her parents’ contrasting artistic styles to cultivate her own unique voice. She described her mother’s as “lunatic, in the best sense of the word,” channeling energy through animated movement and expression.
Rhea Perlman and Grace Fan DeVito at the screening of “CBGB” on October 1, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In contrast, Danny’s approach, according to Grace, embodied a more reflective demeanor, “like this Zen storyteller monk who would make sure you were seeing things from every angle.”
Rhea Perlman and her daughter Grace at the screening of “CBGB” on October 1, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The result of these complementary influences shines through in her artwork, which blends meditative depth with vibrant energy. The creative synergy within the family, however, was never forced. “There was no pressure whatsoever. It was more like they were super excited about whatever we were doing,” Grace admitted.
Over the years, Grace has also become a bridge for her parents into the contemporary art world. While studying at Brown University and later at CalArts, she developed her creative instincts within an art-historical framework and brought that knowledge home.
Grace Fan DeVito and Rhea Perlman at the premiere of Disney’s “Dumbo” on March 11, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Danny credited his daughter for introducing them to the Chelsea art galleries in New York, sparking their appreciation for contemporary art. “Gracie became our art teacher,” Danny remarked, noting how much he and Rhea have learned from her over the years.
Lucy DeVito, Rhea Perlman, and Grace DeVito at the premiere of “Poms” on May 1, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jacob DeVito
Danny and Rhea welcomed their youngest child, Jacob “Jake” Daniel DeVito, on October 10, 1987. Unlike his famous parents and his sister Lucy, Jake chose to work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry as a producer and director.
Jacob DeVito at the press conference for “The Better Angels” during the 64th annual Berlin Film Festival on February 10, 2014, in Germany. | Source: Getty Images
His love for film and music blossomed early on, with his father revealing, “Jake did music, all kinds. Was a movie buff, loved the movies.”
Growing up in a household filled with artistic energy, Jacob described his childhood as an exciting and enriching experience. “It was a great growing up experience for us,” he shared in an interview.
He recalled the unique opportunities of being on set with his parents, traveling, and meeting fascinating people. At the same time, Danny and Rhea made a conscious effort to provide a grounded environment for their children.
“They were really good about keeping our home really solid and safe,” Jacob noted, reflecting on the care they took to shield their family from media intrusion.
Over the years, he has collaborated with his famous father on a few projects, showcasing their strong creative bond. He served as an executive producer on the animated series “Little Demons,” which he worked on alongside Lucy. He also collaborated with his dad on the short film “Curmudgeons.”
Jacob and Danny DeVito at the Tribeca Film Festival Shorts: New York Now on April 15, 2016, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Danny DeVito’s three children have each embraced unique paths, blending their parents’ artistic legacy with their own individuality. Whether in front of the camera, on a canvas, or behind the scenes, the DeVito family showcases a bond built on creativity and love.