Rhea Perlman: Beyond Cheers and Danny DeVito

Rhea Perlman is a name that resonates with many, conjuring up images of sharp wit and memorable characters. Often recognised for her distinctive voice and enduring presence on screen, Perlman has carved out a significant niche in Hollywood. While her role as Carla Tortelli in the beloved sitcom Cheers is perhaps her most defining performance, her career extends far beyond the Boston bar. From her early days in theatre to her ventures as a producer, writer, and even a children's author, Perlman's journey in the entertainment industry is as rich and varied as her acting roles. This article delves into the life and career of this award-winning American actress, exploring her most notable achievements, her personal life, and her enduring connection with fellow actor Danny DeVito.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Rhea Jo Perlman on March 31, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Phillip and Adele Perlman. Her father, Phillip, hailed from Poland and worked in a doll parts factory, while her mother, Adele, was an American bookkeeper. Rhea's introduction to the world of acting was through an off-off-Broadway play in 1970, titled Dracula Sabbat. Cast as an attendant, the 22-year-old Perlman found herself captivated by the craft, a passion that would shape her future career. This initial foray into acting ignited a spark, setting her on a path to becoming a household name.

A Star is Born: The Cheers Phenomenon

Perlman's breakthrough role came in 1982 when she was cast as Carla Tortelli in the NBC sitcom Cheers. Set in a Boston bar, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and Perlman's portrayal of the feisty, outspoken barmaid earned her widespread critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Her performance was a masterclass in comedic timing and character development, making Carla Tortelli one of the most memorable characters in television history. Throughout the show's eleven-season run, Perlman garnered four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and received numerous other nominations. Her work on Cheers solidified her status as a television icon and opened doors to further opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Beyond Cheers: A Diverse Career

While Cheers remains a cornerstone of her career, Rhea Perlman's talents extend far beyond her iconic role as Carla. She has an impressive filmography, boasting over 112 film credits. Notable film appearances include her memorable turn as Zinnia Wormwood in the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda, a role that showcased her versatility and ability to inhabit different characters. She also starred in the political satire Canadian Bacon.

Perlman has also ventured into producing and writing. She has lent her producing talents to projects such as Bye Bye Benjamin, Pearl, Minestrone, and The Sound Sleeper. For the latter two, she also took on writing duties, demonstrating her multifaceted creative capabilities. This willingness to explore different facets of filmmaking highlights her dedication to the art form and her ambition to contribute to the industry in various capacities.

Rhea Perlman the Author

In addition to her work in film and television, Rhea Perlman has also made her mark as an author, particularly in the realm of children's literature. She is the author of the Otto Undercover series, a collection of six engaging books for young readers. The titles include Born to Drive, Brain Freeze, The Brink of Ex-stink-tion, Canyon Catastrophe, Water Balloon Doom, and Toxic Taffy Takeover. This foray into writing for children showcases another dimension of her creative spirit, demonstrating her ability to connect with audiences of all ages.

A Legendary Partnership: Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito

Rhea Perlman's personal life has also been a subject of considerable public interest, primarily due to her long and complex relationship with actor and director Danny DeVito. The couple first met on January 17, 1971, when Perlman saw DeVito perform in the play The Shrinking Bride. Their connection was immediate, and they moved in together just two weeks later. They officially tied the knot on January 28, 1982, embarking on a partnership that would span decades and see them become one of Hollywood's most recognisable couples.

Their shared passion for acting led them to collaborate professionally on several occasions. They famously starred together as Louie De Palma and Zena Sherman in the groundbreaking sitcom Taxi, and as the eccentric parents Harry and Zinnia Wormwood in the beloved film Matilda. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, further cementing their status as a dynamic duo in the industry.

Navigating Separation and Enduring Connection

The world was surprised when reports emerged in October 2012 that Perlman and DeVito had separated after 30 years of marriage. The reasons for their split were never publicly disclosed. However, in a testament to their deep bond, the couple reconciled in March 2013, offering a glimmer of hope to fans who admired their enduring relationship. Unfortunately, their reunion was short-lived, and they separated once more in March 2017.

Despite their physical separation since 2017, Perlman confirmed in a 2023 interview on Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Wiser Than Me podcast that she and DeVito are still legally married and remain very close friends. She emphasized that their family continues to be the most important aspect of their lives. Perlman candidly spoke about the difficulty of their initial separation, acknowledging that there were numerous reasons, which she chose not to elaborate on. She highlighted the time it took for them to reach a place of mutual understanding and maintain a positive relationship.

Rhea Perlman's Children

Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito are proud parents to three children: Lucy Chet, Grace Fran, and Jacob Daniel. All three have followed in their parents' creative footsteps, pursuing careers in the arts.

Lucy Chet DeVito

Born on March 11, 1983, in New York City, Lucy Chet DeVito studied Theatre at Brown University, graduating in 2007. She has since appeared in various films, theatre productions, and television shows. While still establishing her career, her role as Maiden in Jumanji: The Next Level brought her significant mainstream recognition.

Grace Fran DeVito

Born on March 25, 1985, Grace Fran DeVito also shows an interest in acting. She has been featured in projects such as Amboy, My Girlfriend’s Abroad, and Bloom.

Jacob Daniel DeVito

The youngest of their children, Jacob Daniel DeVito, was born on October 10, 1987. He goes by the name Jake and has established himself as a producer, working on films like The Better Angels, Curmudgeons, and Toms River.

Recent Reunions and Castmates

In a heartwarming display of enduring friendship and professional camaraderie, Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito were recently seen reuniting in New York City with some of their former Taxi castmates. DeVito, 78, and Perlman, 75, were photographed at the opening night of the new stage play Let’s Call Her Patty at Lincoln Center Theater. Perlman stars in the play as the title character. The event also saw them posing with Taxi co-stars Tony Danza and Carol Kane, as well as actress Lucy Liu. This gathering followed another recent reunion of Taxi alums, including Danza, Kane, Judd Hirsch, and Christopher Lloyd, who shared a lunch in New York City. Danza shared a photo of the occasion on Twitter, expressing his affection for his old friends.

Danny DeVito's role as the abrasive Sunshine Cab Company dispatcher Louie De Palma in Taxi earned him four Emmy nominations, including an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy win in 1981. Perlman played Louie's girlfriend, Zena Sherman, in a recurring role on Taxi before her iconic stint on Cheers.

DeVito has previously spoken about his audition for the role of Louie, admitting in a 2019 PEOPLE interview that he was initially hesitant to commit to a television pilot. However, after reading the script, he was captivated. To secure the role, he famously approached the audition with the character's persona, script in hand, exclaiming, "One thing I want to know before we start: Who wrote this (expletive)?" and tossing the script onto the table. This bold move, followed by a moment of sheer terror, elicited laughter from the producers, and he felt he couldn't go wrong after that.

A Legacy of Talent and Resilience

Rhea Perlman's career is a testament to her talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. From her Emmy-winning performance as Carla Tortelli to her diverse roles in film, her work as a producer and writer, and her successful foray into children's literature, she has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to captivate audiences. Her personal journey, marked by a significant and enduring relationship with Danny DeVito, further adds to her compelling narrative. As she continues to engage in new projects and maintain strong familial bonds, Rhea Perlman remains a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Rhea Perlman is an award-winning American actress, producer, and writer.
• She is best known for her role as Carla Tortelli in the sitcom Cheers, for which she won four Primetime Emmy Awards.
• Perlman also starred as Zinnia Wormwood in the film Matilda and had a recurring role as Zena Sherman in Taxi.
• She is the author of the children's book series Otto Undercover.
• Perlman has been married to actor Danny DeVito, though they have separated and reconciled multiple times; they remain legally married and close friends.
• They have three children: Lucy Chet, Grace Fran, and Jacob Daniel, all of whom are involved in creative fields.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is Rhea Perlman?

Rhea Perlman is an American actress, producer, and writer, widely recognised for her role in Cheers and her marriage to Danny DeVito.

What is Rhea Perlman most famous for?

She is most famous for her portrayal of Carla Tortelli in the sitcom Cheers.

Is Rhea Perlman still married to Danny DeVito?

While they have separated multiple times, Rhea Perlman has stated that she and Danny DeVito are still legally married and remain very close friends.

How many children do Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito have?

They have three children: Lucy Chet, Grace Fran, and Jacob Daniel.

What other work has Rhea Perlman done?

Perlman has had notable roles in films like Matilda and Canadian Bacon, has worked as a producer and writer, and is the author of the Otto Undercover children's book series.