Growing up in a household driven by cinematic legends changes how a person views the entertainment industry. While many children of famous actors step straight into the glare of the front-facing camera, Jacob Daniel DeVito took a quieter path. Born in October 1987 to iconic parents Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, Jake chose to build his professional life largely behind the lens.
As a producer, actor, and creative executive, he steers projects through Jersey Films 2nd Avenue, the production banner he shares with his family. Rather than riding purely on the coattails of his father's decades-long Hollywood footprint, Jake carved out a niche in independent filmmaking, short-format storytelling, and television production.
Early Life and Hollywood Roots
Jake grew up alongside his two sisters, Lucy and Grace, immersed in the rhythm of production sets. With parents who maintained heavy schedules across film and television—from Cheers to Taxi and major cinematic releases—film sets functioned as a second home.
Despite this constant exposure to celebrity culture, his parents shielded their children from excessive tabloid exposure. Jake attended local schools and pursued higher education before deciding to formally enter the entertainment business. Unlike his father, who spent time working odd jobs and even styling hair in New Jersey before breaking into acting, Jake transitioned directly from media-adjacent financial analysis and early production support into professional film development.
Stepping Behind the Camera: Producing Credits
Jake formally established his presence in Hollywood during the early 2010s. He focused his efforts on independent projects that allowed for granular creative control.
His production portfolio spans several distinct genres:
- The Better Angels (2014): A historical drama depicting Abraham Lincoln's childhood, starring Wes Bentley and Diane Kruger. Jake served as a producer, helping ground the artistic vision of the indie feature.
- Curmudgeons (2016): A short comedy directed by his father, Danny DeVito, which explored unconventional romance in older age. Jake's production input helped balance the humor and emotional resonance of the short.
- Little Demon (2022): An adult animated sitcom for FXX featuring Aubrey Plaza and Danny DeVito. As an executive producer representing Jersey Films 2nd Avenue, Jake helped shepherd the complex animated series through network development.
Through these varied credits, he demonstrated an ability to handle everything from low-budget historical indies to high-concept cable animation.
Jersey Films 2nd Avenue
A major pillar of Jake's professional output involves the family-run production company Jersey Films 2nd Avenue. Originally, Danny DeVito spearheaded the legendary Jersey Films, which backed classic 1990s and 2000s hits like Pulp Fiction, Get Shorty, and Erin Brockovich.
Rebooting the banner as Jersey Films 2nd Avenue brought the family creative unit back together. Working alongside his sister Lucy and father Danny, Jake acts as co-president, overseeing a slate of development deals across streaming platforms and traditional networks. This corporate structure allows the family to bypass traditional studio gatekeeping and fund projects that align with their distinct comedic and dramatic sensibilities.
Public Persona and Personal Life
Celebrity children often court constant media attention, but Jake maintains a deliberately low profile. He avoids the standard Hollywood party circuit, rarely posts on public social media accounts, and keeps his romantic life private.
When he does appear publicly, it is usually alongside his family at Lincoln Center theater openings, film festivals, or industry charity events. This discretion allows him to be judged by his professional output rather than tabloid headlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jake DeVito an actor or a producer?
He works primarily as a film and television producer, though he has occasionally taken on minor acting or voice roles. His main focus remains creative development and executive leadership through Jersey Films 2nd Avenue.
How is Jake DeVito related to Danny DeVito?
Jake is the youngest child and only son of Danny DeVito and actress Rhea Perlman.
What projects has Jake DeVito produced?
His notable producing credits include the historical drama The Better Angels, the short film Curmudgeons, and the FXX animated series Little Demon.
Does Jake DeVito have siblings?
Yes. He has two older sisters, Lucy DeVito and Grace Fan DeVito, both of whom have worked in the entertainment industry as actresses and producers.
