Danny DeVito's Most Memorable Roles: From Batman Returns to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

As DeVito reunites with Tim Burton for Dumbo (in theaters Friday), here's a look back at his most iconic performances
By Nigel Smith
March 27, 2019 03:27 PM

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Dumbo (2019)

Credit: Disney

DeVito, 74, pairs up with his Batman Returns director Tim Burton for Disney's latest live-action retelling of a classic animated tale. In the film, which opens Friday, DeVito plays Max Medici, the ambitious leader of a circus troupe who has it out for the titular elephant — until he learns the animal can fly.

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Batman Returns (1992)

Credit: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock

DeVito transformed himself to play The Penguin, the tragic villain at the center of Burton's sequel to his hit comic book film. With a pale complexion, a prosthetic nose and sharp teeth, DeVito looks more penguin than human. He was so commited to the role, he ate real cold dead fish in character.

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Matilda (1996)

Credit: Everett

DeVito paired up with ex Rhea Perlman to play the evil parents to the titular child genius (Mara Wilson). The actor also directed the Roald Dahl adaptation.

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Taxi (1978-1983)

Credit: Everett

DeVito was part of the ensemble cast that included Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Marily Henner, Tony Danza, Andy Kaufman and Christopher Lloys in the iconic TV sitcom that ran on ABC and NBC. The series won a whopping 18 Emmy Awards, including three for Outstanding Comedy Series.

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It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-)

Credit: Patrick McElhenney/FXX

This long-running series about a gang of five misfit friends (DeVito, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney) has kept DeVito busy for over a decade.

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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Credit: Everett

DeVito had one of his first film roles in this Jack Nicholson-led Oscar sensation. The film, from Amadeus filmmaker Milos Forman, centers on a man (Nicholson) who pleads insanity after getting into trouble with the law and lands in a mental institution. DeVito plays one of the patients who befriends Nicholson's character.

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Twins (1988)

Credit: Everett

In one of the most unlikely film pairings ever, DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger play twins separated at birth in Ivan Reitman's comedy.

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By Nigel Smith