Daniel Michael "Danny" DeVito, Jr. (born November 17, 1944) is an American actor, director and producer, who first gained prominence for his portrayal of "Louie De Palma" on the ABC and NBC TV series Taxi (1978–1983). DeVito and his wife, Rhea Perlman, founded Jersey Films, a production company known for films such as Pulp Fiction, Garden State, and Freedom Writers. He also owns Jersey Television, which produced the Comedy Central series Reno 911!. DeVito currently stars as Frank Reynolds on the FX sitcom It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Early life

DeVito was born in Neptune, New Jersey, the son of Julia, a homemaker, and Daniel Michael DeVito, Sr., who owned several small businesses, including a dry cleaning store, a dairy outlet, a luncheonette, and a pool hall.Danny DeVito Biography - Yahoo! MoviesDanny DeVito Biography (1944-) DeVito is of Italian descent and was raised a Roman Catholic,Reel.com: Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito growing up in Asbury Park.Shaw, David. "DeVito! Although He Has a Penchant for Dark Comedies, Actor-Director Danny DeVito Is Serious About His Craft, His Family and His Cigars", Cigar Aficionado profile, accessed May 2, 2007. "Danny DeVito was born in 1944 in the shore town of Neptune, New Jersey--hence the name of his production company--and raised in neighboring Asbury Park, the youngest of five children (two of whom died before he was born)." He boarded at Oratory Preparatory School, in Summit, New Jersey, graduating in 1961. DeVito trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, California, where he graduated in 1966.