Small in stature, long in talent, this Neptune, New Jersey native stands only 5′1″ tall. And his first training was not in acting but, rather, in hairdressing at the Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture. From there, at the age of 18, he began his working life as a hairdresser in his sister’s beauty salon. It would be another five years and some acting classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before De Vito would make his stage debut. The following year, 1970, he began to get small film roles until he repeated his stage role in the film version of the Ken Kesey novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. His performance earned him rave reviews and more film work. He also branched out into TV, winning both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Louie De Palma in the hit TV series, Taxi (1978-83.)
He later branched out into directing (The War of the Roses, Matilda, Duplex) and producing (Erin Brockovich, Along Came Polly, Be Cool), but continues to act.
De Vito is married to the slightly taller – 5′3″ – but also very talented – Rhea Perlman. The couple have three children.
About his career choices, De Vito says, “I usually try to find the redemptive qualities in the guys I play so that I can have a good sleep at night.”