20/01/2020
Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito: A Love Story For The Ages
The enduring relationship between Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito is a testament to love, partnership, and unwavering support. Having shared over five decades together, their journey from a chance encounter in a theatre to a lasting union has captivated audiences and offered a glimpse into a truly remarkable connection. Despite navigating the complexities of a long-term relationship, including periods of separation, Perlman and DeVito remain married, demonstrating a profound commitment to each other and their family.
A Fateful Meeting: The Shrinking Bride
The spark between Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito ignited in 1971, a moment that would set the course for their extraordinary lives together. Perlman first laid eyes on DeVito at an off-Broadway play titled The Shrinking Bride. Attending to support a friend, Perlman found herself utterly captivated by DeVito's presence on stage. Her immediate reaction was one of intense desire to connect. "I had to meet him immediately," she recalled to The New York Post. Upon learning he was unattached, she wasted no time in making her interest known. "I came on to him big time!" she admitted. This bold move paid off, leading to a dinner date and, within weeks, Perlman moving into DeVito's Manhattan apartment. This swift and passionate beginning set the tone for their future.
Tying the Knot: A 1982 Union
After more than a decade of dating, Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito officially became husband and wife on January 28, 1982. Their wedding occurred at a significant juncture in their careers, just a year before DeVito's iconic series Taxi concluded its run and months before Perlman's breakout role in Cheers. This period marked the beginning of a new chapter, both personally and professionally, as they embarked on married life while their individual stars continued to rise.
A Growing Family: Three Children and Grandchildren
Throughout their marriage, Perlman and DeVito were blessed with three children: Lucy Chet DeVito, born in 1983, followed by Grace Fan DeVito in 1985, and their son, Jacob Daniel DeVito, in 1987. DeVito expressed immense pride in his offspring, stating, "I have three great kids and they were raised here in Hollywood." He further elaborated on their individual talents and interests, noting Lucy's early inclination towards acting, Jake's passion for music and films, and Gracie's aptitude as a painter. This talent for the arts clearly runs in the family, with all three children pursuing creative paths.
In 2023, the couple experienced the joy of becoming grandparents for the first time. Perlman shared the news on the podcast Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, revealing that their granddaughter, Sinclair Lucille DeVito, had arrived seven weeks prior. "It's amazing. Everybody said it'll change your life when you have a grandchild, and it does." The decision for their granddaughter to carry the DeVito name, even though her parents are married and her father is not a DeVito, highlights the family's strong sense of identity and chosen traditions.
Perlman and DeVito's professional lives have often intersected, most notably with their roles as a couple on the beloved television series Taxi, which aired from 1978 to 1983. Their undeniable chemistry on screen was a significant factor in the show's success. They later reunited to portray an on-screen married couple in the 1996 film Matilda, an adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel. Their collaborative work extends beyond these prominent examples, with both actors consistently supporting each other's projects throughout their careers.
The journey of Perlman and DeVito's relationship has not been without its challenges. After 30 years of marriage, they announced their separation in October 2012. However, their bond proved resilient, and they reconciled in March 2013. The couple separated again in March 2017 but have remained legally married. Perlman has been open about the difficulties of these transitions. "I'm not gonna sugarcoat it — it was difficult," she admitted regarding the "big shift" in their dynamic. "It was very difficult at first. And there were a lot of reasons that we separated, which I'm not gonna go into. But it took time for us to come to this somehow pretty decent understanding and relationship with each other."
Despite living separately, Perlman emphasized their continued closeness and mutual respect. "We are still very good friends and we see each other a lot. And our family is still the most important thing to both of us," she stated in June 2023. DeVito echoed these sentiments, telling PEOPLE in 2019 that they have remained "very close" and are "happy." Perlman also mentioned that her dog is now her primary companion, her "partner in life."
Mixed Upbringings, United Values
Rhea Perlman, who is Jewish, and Danny DeVito, who was raised Catholic, chose to raise their children to embrace their dual heritage. Perlman explained to the Los Angeles Times that their children are not affiliated with any specific religion. "We do all the holidays to keep the traditions and the culture going, but I truly don’t have a great feeling about any particular organized religion, and I don’t think it’s right to impose one on my kids," she said. Their focus remains on instilling strong moral values: "I feel like I’m bringing them up to be good people, and that’s what it’s about." This approach highlights their commitment to shared values over strict religious adherence.
Mutual Admiration and Support
The deep affection and support between Perlman and DeVito are evident in their interactions. "Danny and I have always loved each other and we have three amazing children together," Perlman shared in 2019, adding, "We really agree on almost everything important." This mutual respect extends to their professional lives, with Perlman often attending DeVito's movie premieres, such as the 2019 premiere of Jumanji: The Next Level. DeVito also publicly acknowledged Perlman's achievements at the 75th Emmy Awards, humorously noting her four Emmy wins for Cheers in contrast to the cast's lack of nominations for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, eliciting laughter from Perlman in the audience. Their enduring bond, built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep love for their family, continues to be an inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito still married?
- Yes, Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito remain married, despite periods of separation.
- When did Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito get married?
- They were married on January 28, 1982.
- How many children do Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito have?
- They have three children: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob.
- Did Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito work together?
- Yes, they famously played a couple on the TV series Taxi and in the film Matilda.
- Do Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito live together?
- No, they currently live separately but maintain a close relationship.
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