When people look back at Hollywood's most durable partnerships, few names come up with as much quiet admiration as Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito. While they separated in 2017 after decades together, they never divorced, choosing instead to redefine what a lifelong bond looks like outside traditional marital constructs. Their story isn't just about red carpet appearances or shared screen time. It's a genuine look at two fiercely independent artists who built an empire on humor, mutual respect, and absolute loyalty.
Danny DeVito's iconic status as an actor, director, and producer spans over fifty years, from his breakout role in Taxi to his long-running stint on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Yet, for most of that journey, his wife and creative collaborator Rhea Perlman stood right beside him—both in the spotlight and firmly behind the scenes. Let's look past the surface headlines to examine Rhea Perlman's life, her powerhouse career, and how she and DeVito navigated Hollywood on their own terms.
Meeting and Early Days in New York City
Long before they became household names, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman crossed paths in New York City in 1971. Perlman went to see a play called The Shrinking Bride, which featured a short, intense actor playing a man with multiple roles. That actor was Danny DeVito.
Back then, neither of them had wealth or guaranteed Hollywood clout. They shared a modest apartment in Manhattan, living on tight budgets while chasing acting roles in off-off-Broadway productions and indie films. Their chemistry was instantaneous. Within two weeks of meeting, Perlman moved into DeVito's apartment. They didn't rush into marriage, choosing instead to live together for over a decade before officially tying the knot in January 1982.
This foundation of shared struggle forged an unbreakable bond. They understood the brutal rejection of the early casting call rooms and supported each other through years of auditioning for bit parts before their respective breakthroughs.
Rhea Perlman's Stellar Career on Stage and Screen
While many retrospectives frame Perlman solely as a supportive spouse, her own acting credentials are formidable. She carved out a legendary television career that earned her multiple accolades, proving she was a powerhouse performer in her own right.
The Iconic Role on Cheers
Perlman achieved global fame playing the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense head waitress Carla Tortelli on the landmark sitcom Cheers. Her performance defined the comedic grit of the show's barroom ensemble. Carla didn't suffer fools, dishing out stinging insults with a smirk that won over millions of viewers every week.
Her work on Cheers earned her four Emmy Awards out of ten nominations, alongside multiple Golden Globe nods. It cemented her place in television history as one of the sharpest comedic actresses of her generation.
Collaborations with Danny DeVito
The couple frequently worked together, turning their off-screen dynamic into pure gold. Perlman made memorable guest appearances on Taxi, playing Zena, the sister of DeVito's obnoxious dispatcher character Louie De Palma.
Years later, they shared the screen in the beloved film adaptation of Roald Dahl's Matilda (1996). DeVito directed and narrated the movie while playing Matilda's sleazy, crooked father, and Perlman played her equally neglectful mother, Mrs. Wormwood. Watching them play such comically dreadful parents showcased their incredible comedic timing and lack of vanity. They also founded Jersey Films together, producing major indie and studio hits like Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, and Get Shorty.
Raising a Family Away from Tabloid Frenzy
As their fame skyrocketed, DeVito and Perlman made a conscious choice to shield their three children—Lucy, Grace, and Jacob—from the invasive glare of tabloid culture. They raised their family in a sprawling home in Beverly Hills, but kept their private life remarkably grounded.
Perlman stepped back from heavy television schedules during certain periods to prioritize motherhood. In various interviews over the years, she emphasized that raising her children with strong values mattered far more than chasing every single Hollywood role. Despite growing up with famous parents, the DeVito children pursued their own creative paths in acting, producing, and the arts without the constant pressure of paparazzi intrusion.
The Reality of Their Separation and Enduring Friendship
In 2017, after 35 years of marriage and over four decades together, news broke that DeVito and Perlman had separated. For many fans, the split felt like the end of an era. However, unlike messy celebrity breakups marked by public feuds, their separation evolved into a masterclass in modern maturity.
They never filed for divorce. Instead, they remained legally married while living separate lives. Perlman has openly discussed how their relationship simply shifted shape over time. They still love each other deeply, share family holidays, and remain the closest of friends. They realized that letting go of strict marital labels allowed them to preserve the deep affection and respect they built since their days in a tiny New York apartment.
To learn more about their incredible career milestones and filmography, you can read historical industry overviews on Variety and explore biographical retrospectives on the Internet Movie Database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman still married?
Yes. While they separated in 2017 and live in separate residences, they never officially divorced. They remain legally married and maintain a close, affectionate friendship.
How did Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman meet?
They met in New York City in 1971 after Perlman went to see an off-Broadway play called The Shrinking Bride, in which DeVito was starring. They moved in together shortly after and married in 1982.
How many children do they have?
They have three children together: Lucy DeVito, Grace DeVito, and Jacob DeVito. All three have pursued careers in the entertainment industry, working in acting, art, and production.
What is Rhea Perlman best known for?
Perlman is best known for her iconic portrayal of Carla Tortelli on the legendary sitcom Cheers, a role that won her four Primetime Emmy Awards.
Did Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman work together on film?
Yes. Most notably, they played Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood in the 1996 family classic Matilda, and co-founded the production company Jersey Films.
