Danny DeVito’s height is one of the most searched facts about the actor, and for good reason: different sites list different numbers.
Fans typing “how tall is Danny DeVito” into a search bar often land on IMDb’s figure of 4 feet 10 inches, then find Wikipedia listing him at 5 feet 0 inches on the very next page.
That gap raises a fair question: which number is accurate, and why do the two most trusted reference sites disagree?
Below, we break down his measured height, the medical condition connected to it, and how DeVito himself talks about his stature in interviews spanning several decades.
Danny DeVito’s Height at a Glance
Multiple reference sources track Danny DeVito’s height differently. The table below lines up the most cited figures side by side so you can compare them at once.
| Source | Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 4’10” | 147 cm |
| Wikipedia | 5’0” | 152 cm |
| CelebHeights (fan-sourced estimate) | 4’9″–4’10″ | 145–147 cm |
As shown above, the two-inch gap between IMDb and Wikipedia is the main source of confusion online, and it’s worth understanding why it exists.
Why Do Sources Disagree on His Height?
Image source: Getty Images
Public profiles are not always updated at the same pace, which explains part of the mismatch.
IMDb’s listing of 4 feet 10 inches has stayed the actor’s on-record figure for years and traces back to profile data compiled early in his screen career.
Wikipedia’s current entry, by contrast, lists 5 feet 0 inches, a figure its editors have attributed to later interviews and press materials.
Height can also settle slightly with age due to natural changes in the spine and joints, which is common in adults over 60 and could account for part of the difference between an early-career listing and a more recent one.
Neither figure has been independently verified through a fresh, current measurement, so both should be treated as reported rather than confirmed, a familiar problem whenever competing databases list different numbers for the same celebrity.
The Medical Reason Behind His Height
DeVito’s stature is tied to a documented medical condition, not simply genetics in the usual sense.
Multiple sources report that DeVito has multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED), also known as Fairbank’s disease, a rare inherited condition that affects how cartilage forms into bone during childhood growth.
The condition mainly affects the ends of long bones and can result in shorter-than-average adult height, along with joint stiffness later in life.
DeVito has not gone into detailed medical specifics in public interviews, and the condition itself has not stopped him from working steadily across film, television, and production for more than four decades, much like a distinctive physical trait can end up shaping a public persona rather than limiting a career.
What Danny DeVito Has Said About His Height
DeVito has addressed his height directly in interviews across several years, usually with humor rather than complaint.
- 2013, The Guardian: described himself as “five foot nothing,” a line that has been quoted widely since.
- November 2025, People: said “I don’t think I ever really thought of it in terms of that,” when asked about his height directly.
Across both conversations, DeVito treats the subject as a minor detail rather than something that shaped his choices, even as outlets continue to list his height differently, a low-key response shared by other performers who get asked about their height constantly.
How He Compares to Other Well-Known Names
Height comparisons are a common reason people search for DeVito’s stats. Here’s how his listed height stacks up against a few frequently mentioned names.
| Name | Height (ft/in) |
|---|---|
| Danny DeVito | 4’10”–5’0” (reported range) |
| Joe Pesci | 5’4” |
| Arnold Schwarzenegger | 6’2” |
| Rhea Perlman | 4’11” |
These figures come from public profile listings rather than verified measurements, so treat the comparisons as approximate, not exact.
Quick Facts About Danny DeVito
Image source: People
A few key details highlight the career behind one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors.
- Full name: Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
- Born: November 17, 1944 (sources differ on birthplace; some list Neptune, New Jersey, others Asbury Park, New Jersey)
- Breakthrough role: Louie De Palma in Taxi
- Known for: Batman Returns, Matilda, and Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Other roles: Actor, producer, and director across film and television
- Production company: Co-founded Jersey Films, which produced movies including Pulp Fiction and Erin Brockovich
- Personal life: Married actress Rhea Perlman in 1982; they share three children
These achievements show why DeVito’s legacy extends far beyond his height, with a career spanning more than four decades across comedy, drama, and film production.
Final Thoughts
If you came here looking for one final number on Danny DeVito’s height, here’s where things stand: IMDb says 4’10, Wikipedia says 5’0, and neither has been checked against a fresh, independent measurement.
I’d treat both as reported figures rather than a settled answer. What matters more, I think, is the context behind them.
A rare bone condition explains his shorter frame, and decades of interviews show he’s never let it define his work. You’ve now got the numbers, the reason behind them, and his own take on the subject, all in one place.
Got a source with an updated figure? Drop it in the comments, and check out our other celebrity fact-check posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Danny DeVito always short compared to other actors?
Danny DeVito’s height has been below average throughout his adult life, but he built a successful career without allowing his physical appearance to limit the variety of characters he played.
Did Danny DeVito’s height affect his acting career?
DeVito has said in interviews that he doesn’t see his height as something that shaped his career, even though outlets have often highlighted his distinctive appearance as part of his on-screen presence.
What TV Show Made Danny DeVito a Household Name?
Taxi is widely credited as DeVito’s breakout project, with his role as Louie De Palma bringing him his first wide recognition before his later film and directing work.
