How Old Was Danny DeVito In Twins? Revisiting His Iconic 1988 Performance

Solon Breitenberg 19 Aug 2025

Many movie buffs and comedy enthusiasts often wonder about the specific age of their favorite actors during their most memorable roles. For fans of the classic 1988 buddy comedy, *Twins*, a common question that pops up, is that, how old was Danny DeVito when he graced the screen as the street-smart Vincent Benedict? This film, a delightful pairing of two seemingly opposite stars, really captured the hearts of many, and it's quite natural to feel a bit curious about the people who brought it to life.

The movie *Twins*, which you might remember as "twiins" from its title sequence, is a truly American buddy comedy. It came out in 1988, with Ivan Reitman both directing and producing the picture. The story, in a way, centers around two brothers, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, who are fraternal twins, yet they couldn't look more different. They were, in fact, separated at birth, which sets up a pretty wild and funny adventure for them to discover each other and their shared past, a bit like your own family history, perhaps.

So, to get right to it, when Danny DeVito played the character of Vincent Benedict in *Twins*, he was, as a matter of fact, 43 years old. That was back in 1988, which means over 37 years have passed since that film first hit the big screens. Today, if you're wondering, he is 80 years young, still going strong in his impressive career.

Danny DeVito: A Look at His Life and Role in Twins
The Story of Twins: A Comedic Contrast
Vincent Benedict: An Unforgettable Character
The Making of a Hit Film
Danny DeVito's Career Since Twins
People Also Ask

Danny DeVito: A Look at His Life and Role in Twins

Danny DeVito, a name synonymous with unique comedic timing and a truly distinctive presence on screen, brought a special kind of charm to his role in *Twins*. His portrayal of Vincent Benedict was, quite honestly, a big part of why the film resonated with so many viewers. It's interesting to consider his age at the time, as it often adds another layer to how we perceive an actor's performance, you know, like how someone's life experience might shape their acting choices. He was 43 years old when the cameras rolled for *Twins*, a point in his life where he had already built a significant body of work, yet this film arguably launched him into an even wider public awareness, especially alongside his towering co-star.

His character, Vincent, was a stark contrast to Arnold Schwarzenegger's Julius. Vincent was the smaller, more street-smart, and, in some respects, a bit of a schemer, always looking for an angle. This dynamic was a core element of the film's humor and its surprising warmth. Thinking about him at 43 playing this somewhat chaotic, yet endearing, figure just adds to the appreciation of his acting chops. It was a role that really allowed him to showcase his range, from the quick wit to the underlying vulnerability that Vincent sometimes showed, particularly when connecting with his long-lost brother. Today, he is 80 years old, a testament to a long and thriving career in Hollywood.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Danny DeVito
Birth Year	1944
Age in Twins (1988)	43
Current Age (as of 2024)	80
Total Movies Starred In	129
Movies Since Twins	92

The Story of Twins: A Comedic Contrast

*Twins* is, in a way, a truly unique comedy that explores the idea of unlikely family connections. The film's premise revolves around a secret experiment, a rather ambitious one, that was supposed to create the perfect child. The results, however, were Julius and Vincent Benedict, fraternal twins who ended up being quite different from each other. Julius, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, was the planned outcome, growing to athletic proportions and possessing a sharp, yet innocent, intellect. Vincent, on the other hand, played by Danny DeVito, was, apparently, an accident, somewhat smaller in stature, and, well, a bit more rough around the edges.

Their upbringings were as different as their physical appearances, too. Julius was taken to a South Seas island, where he was raised by philosophers, learning about life and knowledge in a rather sheltered environment. Vincent, conversely, was placed in an orphanage, growing up to become what the story describes as the "ultimate low life." When the film starts, Vincent is actually in a bit of trouble, about to be killed by loan sharks, which sets the stage for Julius to find him and for their very different worlds to collide. This contrast, between the intelligent but naive Julius and the streetwise Vincent, forms the core of the film's humor and its surprisingly sweet moments.

The entire narrative hinges on this stark difference, you know, the idea that two people from the same genetic origin could turn out so incredibly unlike each other due to their environments. This setup allows for a lot of comedic situations, as Julius tries to understand the modern world and Vincent tries to make sense of his incredibly well-adjusted, if a little clueless, brother. It's a classic fish-out-of-water story, times two, with each brother being a "fish out of water" in the other's world, and that, arguably, is where a lot of the enduring appeal comes from. The film manages to be both silly and, at times, genuinely touching, which is a difficult balance to strike in comedy.

Vincent Benedict: An Unforgettable Character

Danny DeVito's portrayal of Vincent Benedict is, quite simply, an iconic comic performance. As the smaller, more cynical twin, Vincent is the one who has had to fend for himself his whole life. He's a hustler, a bit of a schemer, and someone who's learned to navigate the trickier parts of life with a quick wit and a sharp tongue. When we first meet him, he's in a bind with loan sharks, which really sets the tone for his character's immediate challenges. His character is, in fact, the perfect foil for Arnold Schwarzenegger's innocent and physically imposing Julius, creating a comedic duo that was, honestly, unlike anything audiences had seen before.

Vincent's character arc, too, is a big part of the film's charm. He starts off as someone primarily concerned with his own survival and schemes, but as he spends more time with Julius, he begins to soften, revealing a deeper, more vulnerable side. His journey is about discovering family and, perhaps, a bit of self-worth that he didn't realize he was missing. Danny DeVito, at 43 years old, brought a certain seasoned quality to this role, making Vincent believable as a character who has seen a lot of life, even if he hasn't always made the best choices. His ability to blend the comedic with moments of genuine emotion is, pretty much, what makes Vincent so memorable.

The film, you see, truly shines when focusing on the core contrast between Vincent and Julius. Vincent's street smarts are pitted against Julius's book smarts, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and, ultimately, a bond that grows stronger through their adventures. Danny DeVito's physical comedy and his rapid-fire delivery were, in a way, perfect for the role of Vincent. He truly made the character his own, ensuring that even though he was the "accident" in the story, he was, apparently, an absolute comedic triumph on screen. His performance is, without a doubt, one of the film's highlights, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

The Making of a Hit Film

*Twins*, directed and produced by Ivan Reitman, was released on December 9, 1988, and it quickly became a commercial success. The idea of pairing Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his action roles, with Danny DeVito, a master of comedy, was, in some respects, a stroke of genius. This unlikely duo, playing fraternal twins, captured the public's imagination and curiosity. The film's appeal wasn't just in its star power, though; it was also in its heartwarming story about family and belonging, which, you know, resonates with a lot of people.

The movie managed to gross a significant $216 million worldwide, a truly impressive figure for a comedy at that time. This success showed that audiences were ready for something different, a film that could blend big laughs with a genuine emotional core. The casting of other talented actors like Kelly Preston, Chloe Webb, Bonnie Bartlett, Marshall Bell, and Trey Wilson also added depth to the story, supporting the main duo in their quirky quest. Bonnie Bartlett, for instance, played Mary Ann, the mother who was told her children were separated, adding a layer of pathos to the twins' journey.

The film, as a matter of fact, begins with Arnold Schwarzenegger's character, Julius, working as an unpaid assistant to a scientist on an island somewhere between Bora Bora and Australia. This rather unusual start sets the tone for the fantastical premise that follows. The creative team, led by Reitman, managed to make a story about a genetic experiment feel relatable and funny, which is, honestly, quite a feat. The enduring popularity of *Twins* is, apparently, a testament to its unique concept and the unforgettable performances of its lead actors, especially Danny DeVito at 43 years old, delivering a role that would become a highlight in his career.

Danny DeVito's Career Since Twins

When *Twins* was released in 1988, Danny DeVito was 43 years old, and while he had already established himself as a versatile actor, this film truly solidified his place as a comedic star capable of carrying big-budget productions. His career trajectory since then has been, in a way, incredibly prolific and diverse. He has, in fact, continued to take on a wide range of roles, showcasing his talent in both comedy and drama, and even stepping behind the camera as a director and producer. It's quite something to think about how many projects he has been a part of since that iconic movie.

From 1988 until today, Danny DeVito has starred in a remarkable 92 movies. This figure is part of his grand total of 129 films throughout his entire career. That's a lot of roles, you know, a clear indication of his enduring appeal and his commitment to his craft. He has worked with many different directors and actors, always bringing his distinctive energy to each part. His ability to adapt and remain relevant in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood is, honestly, pretty impressive for someone who is now 80 years old.

Fans have, apparently, loved seeing Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger reunite over the years, too. There have been several instances where the "twins" have gotten back together, sometimes even with special guests joining them for a photo opportunity. Tony Blair, for example, once joined them, with Arnold Schwarzenegger jokingly saying, "I love bringing old friends together!" These reunions are a lovely nod to the film that brought them together and show the lasting bond between the actors. It's clear that *Twins* holds a special place not just for audiences, but for the stars themselves, and it's quite sweet to see them still enjoying each other's company, perhaps even talking about terminating pollution together, as Arnold once quipped.

Award Show Highlights

How Old Was Danny DeVito In Twins? Revisiting His Iconic 1988 Performance

Table of Contents

Danny DeVito: A Look at His Life and Role in Twins

Personal Details & Bio Data

The Story of Twins: A Comedic Contrast

Vincent Benedict: An Unforgettable Character

The Making of a Hit Film

Danny DeVito's Career Since Twins

People Also Ask

How old were Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Kelly Preston, Chloe Webb, Bonnie Bartlett, Marshall Bell, Trey Wilson in the movie Twins?

What was the plot of the movie Twins?

When was Twins released?

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