Danny DeVito’s Net Worth: Hollywood Icon, Producer, and Investor
When you explore Danny DeVito’s net worth, you’re diving into the story of a multi-talented entertainer whose career spans more than five decades. From sitcom stardom in the late 1970s to iconic movie roles, acclaimed directing credits, and successful producing ventures, DeVito has built a fortune that reflects his enduring impact on Hollywood. His estimated wealth is the result of not only acting but also smart investments, behind-the-scenes projects, and a deep understanding of the entertainment business.
Current Net Worth Estimate
As of 2025, Danny DeVito’s net worth is widely estimated to be between $80 million and $100 million. The range in estimates comes from differences in how sources calculate ongoing residuals, royalties, and the market value of assets like property or intellectual property rights. Regardless of the exact figure, it’s clear that DeVito’s wealth is the result of a long and varied career that has kept him relevant and in demand for decades.
Acting Career Earnings
Danny DeVito’s breakthrough came with his role as Louie De Palma in the hit sitcom Taxi, which aired from 1978 to 1983. This role not only won him an Emmy Award but also established him as a recognizable television star. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Taxi was one of the most-watched sitcoms on television, and DeVito’s salary and residuals from syndication formed a solid foundation for his wealth.
After Taxi, DeVito transitioned seamlessly into film. He appeared in a string of box office hits in the 1980s and 1990s, including Romancing the Stone (1984), Ruthless People (1986), Twins (1988) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Batman Returns (1992) as the Penguin, and Matilda (1996). Many of these films earned substantial box office returns, and DeVito’s paychecks grew accordingly. For Twins, it’s reported that he and Schwarzenegger took a percentage of the film’s profits instead of a large upfront salary—a move that paid off handsomely when the movie became a hit.
In the 2000s, DeVito found another career boost when he joined the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in 2006. His role as Frank Reynolds revitalized the show and brought him to a new generation of fans. As the series grew in popularity and entered syndication, DeVito benefited from both his acting salary and the long-term royalties that come with a successful television property.
Directing and Producing Ventures
While many fans know him for his acting, DeVito has also made significant earnings as a director and producer. In the early 1990s, he co-founded Jersey Films, a production company that went on to produce some of the most acclaimed films of the decade.
Jersey Films’ credits include Pulp Fiction (1994), Get Shorty (1995), Erin Brockovich (2000), and Garden State (2004). Many of these projects were critical and commercial successes, with Erin Brockovich earning Julia Roberts an Academy Award and generating substantial profits. As a producer, DeVito would have received a share of those profits, adding significantly to his net worth.
DeVito also directed films such as Throw Momma from the Train (1987), The War of the Roses (1989), Hoffa (1992), and Matilda (1996). While directing fees are often smaller than acting salaries, the combination of directing and producing can create lucrative profit-sharing opportunities, especially when the films achieve cult status or long-term popularity.
Endorsements and Voice Acting
In addition to his live-action work, DeVito has lent his distinctive voice to a number of animated films and projects. Notable examples include voicing Philoctetes in Disney’s Hercules (1997) and the Lorax in The Lorax (2012). Voice acting roles for major studios typically come with substantial paychecks, particularly for established stars.
DeVito has also appeared in commercials and endorsement campaigns over the years, sometimes playing humorous versions of himself. These deals, while not a primary income source, contribute to his overall earnings and maintain his presence in popular culture.
Investments and Assets
Real estate has been a significant part of DeVito’s wealth strategy. For years, he and his former wife, actress Rhea Perlman, owned valuable property in Los Angeles, including a Beverly Hills home that they sold in 2015 for a reported $24 million. They also owned a Malibu beach house and a New York City apartment.
While the couple separated in 2012, they never formally divorced, and it’s believed they maintain shared interests in some investments and possibly real estate holdings. DeVito is also known to invest in art and possibly in private business ventures, though these investments are largely kept out of the public eye.
Awards, Legacy, and Influence on Wealth
Danny DeVito’s reputation as a respected, versatile, and beloved entertainer has undoubtedly contributed to his ability to command high salaries and secure lucrative deals. Over his career, he has won an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and received numerous nominations. His work as both an actor and a producer on award-winning projects like Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich has solidified his place in Hollywood history.
This prestige translates into financial opportunity, as producers and studios are often willing to pay more for the experience, reliability, and name recognition of someone like DeVito. His long career also ensures that he continues to receive royalties from past projects, a steady income stream that supplements his more recent earnings.
Financial Outlook
Given his continued involvement in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which remains a fan favorite and shows no signs of ending soon, DeVito’s financial future looks secure. The series’ syndication deals and potential streaming agreements will continue to generate passive income for years to come.
His production work, especially with films that have achieved cult or classic status, means he will likely continue receiving royalties and residuals. Additionally, his real estate investments and other assets provide both financial stability and potential for appreciation.
At 80 years old, DeVito may choose to slow down his acting schedule, but his established legacy ensures that offers for both on-screen and voice work will continue. Even selective projects can result in substantial paydays for a star of his stature.
