Taxi Cast: Then and Now

The enduring legacy of the sitcom Taxi is inextricably linked to its incredibly talented and diverse cast. For five seasons, from 1978 to 1983, viewers were captivated by the lives of the drivers and dispatcher at the Sunshine Cab Company. More than just a comedy, Taxi offered a poignant look at working-class struggles, friendships, and the everyday absurdities of life in New York City. The show, created by a quartet of acclaimed writers including James L. Brooks and Stan Daniels, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning critical praise and a devoted following. At the heart of its success were the actors who breathed life into these memorable characters. Many of them were already seasoned performers, while others were on the cusp of stardom. This article delves into the careers of the main cast members, exploring their journeys before, during, and after their time in the yellow cabs, and uncovering some interesting personal connections forged on set.

Marilu Henner as Elaine Nardo

The role of Elaine Nardo, the sophisticated and often put-upon cabbie, was brought to life by the vibrant Marilu Henner. Born Mary Lucy Denise Pudlowski on April 6, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, Henner’s journey to stardom was paved with a passion for performance from a young age. Before she was driving a taxi in a fictional New York, Henner honed her acting chops on the Broadway stage, notably appearing in the original production of the smash hit musical Grease. Her transition to television proved to be a defining moment in her career, with Elaine Nardo becoming one of the most beloved characters in the Taxi ensemble. As the sole female driver among a predominantly male cast, Henner’s portrayal of Elaine offered a unique perspective, and she quickly became a fan favourite. Her success on the show was so significant that she was even bestowed the honour of becoming an honorary New York City cabbie, a testament to her impactful performance.

Following the conclusion of Taxi, Henner continued to build an impressive acting portfolio. She starred in films such as Johnny Dangerously (1984) and Perfect (1985). In the 1990s, she secured a leading role in the television series Evening Shade, playing Ava Newton, the on-screen wife of Richard Burton. She also ventured into the world of talk shows, hosting her own program, Marilu, from 1994 to 1995. Beyond her acting career, Henner has also dedicated herself to health and fitness, becoming a prominent author and guru in the field. Her personal experiences, including the loss of both parents in their 50s, motivated her to write Total Health Makeover in 1998 and numerous other books promoting healthy lifestyles. In recent years, she has maintained a presence in television, featuring in the Hallmark Channel’s Aurora Teagarden Mysteries series and A Kiss Before Christmas.

Henner has been married three times and is a mother to two sons. A truly remarkable aspect of Marilu Henner is her extraordinary memory. She possesses Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), an incredibly rare condition that allows her to recall specific details of almost every day of her life. As she aptly put it, “It’s like having Google in your brain. You can always find things.”

Judd Hirsch as Alex Reiger

Judd Hirsch, born on March 15, 1935, portrayed the wise and often weary Alex Reiger, the unofficial father figure of the Sunshine Cab Company. Hirsch’s upbringing was far from privileged; he grew up in poverty near Coney Island, a stark contrast to the bright lights of his eventual career. He once shared with CBS News that growing up, the Coney Island boardwalk represented a place where “you can be anybody,” a sentiment that fueled his ambition to escape his circumstances. With over six decades dedicated to his craft, Hirsch’s hard work and talent have been widely recognized, including two Emmy awards for his role in Taxi. Before gracing the Taxi set, he made guest appearances in popular series like Medical Story, Visions, and Rhoda.

Hirsch’s post-Taxi career has been equally distinguished. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as Dr. Tyrone C. Berger in the 1980 drama Ordinary People. In 1983, he starred as police lieutenant Al Menetti in the film Without a Trace. He also garnered a Golden Globe award for his performance as a teacher in the TV series Dear John. The 1990s saw him in the blockbuster film Independence Day and the sitcom George and Leo. His work in the 2000s included a role in the critically acclaimed film A Beautiful Mind and appearances in television shows such as Numbers, The Big Bang Theory, and Superior Donuts. More recently, he captivated audiences in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film The Fabelmans and was a regular on the TV show The Goldbergs.

Interestingly, Hirsch initially had reservations about joining Taxi. He recalled his agent asking about the role, and his response was, “My agent had said, ‘Do you want to do this?’ And I read it, and I didn’t really want to go to television, so I said, ‘Make them an offer they can’t accept.’” Evidently, the offer was too good to refuse.

Danny DeVito as Louie De Palma

The irascible and perpetually disgruntled dispatcher, Louie De Palma, was masterfully played by Danny DeVito. Born November 17, 1944, in Neptune Township, New Jersey, DeVito’s portrayal of the diminutive but domineering Louie earned him four Emmy nominations, securing an award for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy in 1981. Before his breakout role in Taxi, DeVito had already made a mark in film, including a memorable part in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975).

DeVito’s career soared after Taxi. He starred in a string of successful films, including Romancing the Stone (1984), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), War of the Roses (1989), Matilda (1996), and Twins (1998). He also became a fixture on television, playing the role of Frank Reynolds in over 150 episodes of the long-running sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia from 2006 to 2023. On a personal note, DeVito is famously married to Rhea Perlman, who also made guest appearances on Taxi. The couple, who met in 1971 and married in 1982, share three children: Lucy, Grace, and Jacob. After 30 years of marriage, they separated in 2012 but have not officially divorced.

A fun piece of trivia: DeVito was a strong contender for the role of George Costanza in the iconic sitcom Seinfeld, but the part ultimately went to Jason Alexander.

Tony Danza as Tony Banta

Tony Danza embodied the lovable, albeit sometimes dim-witted, boxer-turned-cab driver Tony Banta. Born on April 21, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Danza initially pursued a career in professional boxing before transitioning to acting. He even continued to box professionally during the early seasons of Taxi. His post-Taxi success was cemented with his starring role as Tony Micelli in the hit series Who’s the Boss?, for which he received three Golden Globe nominations during its eight-season run.

Danza’s television career continued with roles in the comedy series Hudson Street (1995) and The Tony Danza Show (1997), where he also served as executive producer. He earned an Emmy nomination for a guest-starring role in The Practice (1997) and received critical acclaim for his performance in the Broadway revival of The Iceman Cometh. His film credits include Angels in the Outfield (1994), Crash (2004), Cloud 9 (2006), Don Jon (2013), and Darby and the Dead (2022). Danza is also a published author, releasing his book I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High in 2012, which debuted on The New York Times Best Sellers list. Most recently, he appeared in the 2023-2024 series Power Book III: Raising Kanan.

Tony Danza has been married twice and has four adult children. A notable personal connection from the Taxi set is that Tony Danza and Marilu Henner dated during the show's filming. Danza has affectionately referred to Henner as his first Hollywood girlfriend.

Christopher Lloyd as Reverend Jim Ignatowski

The eccentric and unforgettable Reverend Jim Ignatowski was brought to life by the inimitable Christopher Lloyd. Born on October 22, 1938, in Stamford, Connecticut, Lloyd had a notable career before joining Taxi, with appearances in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Barney Miller. His portrayal of the psychedelic, philosophical cabbie earned him an Emmy Award.

Lloyd is perhaps most widely recognised for his iconic role as Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown, the eccentric inventor of the time-traveling DeLorean, in the beloved Back to the Future film trilogy. He expressed his amazement at the enduring popularity of the films, stating, “It’s amazing that after over 30 years the movie thrives the way it does and continues to grow. Kids who saw it when it first came out are adults with children now, and it’s cycling. It just keeps going on. It’s extraordinary, and the impact it’s had on so many people’s lives. It’s sort of stunning.” His prolific career also includes memorable roles as Uncle Fester in The Addams Family (1991) and Addams Family Values (1993), as well as appearances in family classics like Dennis the Menace (1993) and Angels in the Outfield (1994). He also lent his voice to Hacker in the PBS Kids animated series Cyberchase from 2002 to 2022. More recent film credits include The Tender Bar (2021), Spirit Halloween (2022), and Self Reliance (2023). In 2023-2024, he played a therapist in the TV series Tooned Out.

Christopher Lloyd has been married five times. A fascinating connection between his Taxi character and his film career is that Rev. Jim Ignatowski was a huge fan of Star Trek, and Lloyd himself went on to portray the Klingon Commander Kruge in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984).

Andy Kaufman as Latka Gravas

The uniquely talented and enigmatic Andy Kaufman portrayed the endearing and often bizarre Latka Gravas. Born on January 17, 1949, in New York City, Kaufman discovered his passion for comedy early on. His distinctive stand-up performances in coffee shops and nightclubs caught the attention of Lorne Michaels, leading to his appearance on the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live in 1975. Kaufman’s appearances on SNL preceded his casting as Latka Gravas on Taxi, a role that showcased his comedic genius while allowing him to continue his experimental performance art. Tragically, Andy Kaufman passed away from cancer in 1984 at the young age of 35, leaving behind a legacy of unconventional and unforgettable performances.

The Sunshine Cab Company: A Look at the Cast

The cast of Taxi was a perfect storm of comedic talent, each actor contributing to the show’s unique blend of humour and heart. From Judd Hirsch’s grounding presence as Alex to Danny DeVito’s explosive energy as Louie, and Marilu Henner’s sharp wit as Elaine, the ensemble cast created a chemistry that resonated with audiences worldwide. Tony Danza’s relatable portrayal of Tony Banta and Christopher Lloyd’s utterly original take on Reverend Jim Ignatowski further solidified the show’s status as a comedy classic. The inclusion of Andy Kaufman’s avant-garde performance as Latka Gravas added an element of unpredictable brilliance.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Taxi Cast

Who played Elaine Nardo in Taxi?

Elaine Nardo was played by Marilu Henner.

Did any cast members date on set?

Yes, Tony Danza and Marilu Henner dated during the filming of Taxi.

What awards did the Taxi cast win?

Several cast members received major awards. Judd Hirsch and Danny DeVito both won Emmy Awards for their performances. Christopher Lloyd also won an Emmy for his role as Reverend Jim Ignatowski.

What happened to Andy Kaufman after Taxi?

Tragically, Andy Kaufman passed away from cancer in 1984, shortly after the series ended. He was only 35 years old.

Who played the dispatcher in Taxi?

The dispatcher, Louie De Palma, was played by Danny DeVito.

The cast of Taxi not only delivered unforgettable performances but also formed lasting bonds, both professionally and personally. Their collective talent and dedication are what made Taxi a landmark sitcom that continues to be celebrated today.