What Role Did Danny DeVito Turn Down? Unpacking A Surprising Career Choice

Charlotte Stanton MD 19 Aug 2025

Danny DeVito, a name that brings a smile to many faces, has graced our screens for decades. His distinct voice, unique stature, and incredible acting range have made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. From the cantankerous Louie De Palma to the Penguin, he has, in a way, crafted a career full of unforgettable performances. It's almost hard to picture a world without his contributions to both big and small screens, isn't it?

He has a long and storied career that has lasted for decades, appearing in a wide breadth of films and seemingly never taking a break from acting. You know, he’s just always there, doing something interesting. We often celebrate the roles actors take on, the ones that become defining moments in their careers, showcasing their ability to combine humor with a touch of humanity. But what about the roles they, perhaps, passed on?

Today, we're going to talk about a surprising twist in his career, a choice that could have drastically changed television history. It’s a bit of a fun thought experiment, actually, to think about how different things might have been. What iconic role did Danny DeVito, this celebrated American actor and filmmaker, reportedly decline? Let’s find out.

Danny DeVito: A Quick Look
The Iconic Role He Reportedly Turned Down
George Costanza: A Character for the Ages
The "What If": DeVito as Costanza
DeVito's Actual Path: A Career of Memorable Roles
Why Say No to Seinfeld?
The Legacy of Career Choices
People Also Ask (FAQs)

Danny DeVito: A Quick Look

Born November 17, 1944, Danny DeVito is an American actor and filmmaker. He has, in some respects, built a career that few can match, known for his extensive acting work. His unique demeanor and impressive contributions to both television and film have kept his fame strong over decades.

He is a celebrated American actor and filmmaker best known for his iconic roles. His career milestones and personal achievements show just why he is famous.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
Born	November 17, 1944
Nationality	American
Occupation	Actor, Filmmaker
Notable Roles	Louie De Palma ('Taxi'), Martini ('One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'), The Penguin ('Batman Returns'), Frank Reynolds ('It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia')
Awards	Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award (for 'Taxi')

The Iconic Role He Reportedly Turned Down

So, the big reveal, the question everyone wants answered: What role did Danny DeVito turn down? Despite his highly prolific work, DeVito did reportedly turn down the role of George Costanza on Seinfeld. This is a bit of a surprise, isn't it, especially given how well-known that show became?

Danny DeVito, known for his extensive acting career, reportedly declined the role of George Costanza in the popular sitcom “Seinfeld.” This particular part became a defining moment in another actor's career, showcasing an ability to combine humor with a touch of humanity. Jason Alexander, the actor who ultimately got the part, even revealed that Danny DeVito turned down the Seinfeld role. It’s almost hard to believe, really, that things could have been so different.

Although he has starred in 'Batman Returns' and 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', there is one iconic role that Danny DeVito regrets turning down. That, according to reports, is the part of George Costanza. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the paths not taken?

George Costanza: A Character for the Ages

George Costanza, as many fans know, is one of the four main characters on the beloved sitcom “Seinfeld.” He is Jerry Seinfeld’s best friend from childhood and, in a way, serves as a neurotic, insecure, and often dishonest foil to Jerry’s more observational humor. George is, very much, a master of self-sabotage, always finding himself in awkward or embarrassing situations of his own making.

His character is, you know, a walking encyclopedia of petty grievances and social anxieties. George’s storylines often revolve around his failed relationships, his bizarre schemes to get ahead, and his constant battles with his overbearing parents. He’s the kind of character who, in some respects, embodies the worst parts of human nature, but in such a relatable and funny way that you can’t help but root for him, or at least laugh at him.

The role, as it turned out, became a career-defining moment for Jason Alexander, who played George with an incredible blend of exasperation and self-pity. Alexander's portrayal earned him numerous awards and nominations, cementing George Costanza as one of television’s most iconic and memorable characters. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role, isn’t it?

The "What If": DeVito as Costanza

Imagine for a moment, if you will, Danny DeVito stepping into George Costanza’s shoes. Things could have been drastically different. DeVito’s signature intensity, his gravelly voice, and his knack for playing lovable dirtbags would have given the character a very different feel.

Would George have been more aggressive, perhaps a bit more overtly conniving? DeVito often brings a certain, you know, charming menace to his roles, which could have been fascinating for George. Jason Alexander’s George is often seen as pathetic and whiny, whereas DeVito might have given him a more, arguably, mischievous or even slightly dangerous edge.

The dynamic with Jerry, Elaine, and Kramer would have shifted, too. DeVito has a way of dominating a scene, and that could have altered the balance of the ensemble. While all are talented, George Costanza would have been an entirely different character had the part not gone to Alexander. It’s a fascinating thought, to be honest, to consider that alternate universe.

DeVito's Actual Path: A Career of Memorable Roles

While turning down George Costanza might seem like a missed opportunity to some, Danny DeVito’s career certainly didn't suffer. He has, actually, built an incredible body of work, full of iconic characters. His journey shows a performer who always seems to pick interesting projects.

Louie De Palma: The Breakthrough on 'Taxi'

Before Danny DeVito started counting his cash as the lovable Louie De Palma in 'Taxi', he was, you know, hustling in other ways. After establishing himself as a scene stealer with his portrayal of endearing dirtbag Louie De Palma in the 1978 sitcom 'Taxi', DeVito became a household name. This role, in a way, really launched him.

His performance as the cantankerous dispatcher, Louie De Palma, landed him an Emmy and Golden Globe for the sitcom 'Taxi'. He got this role in the most iconic fashion imaginable: by throwing the script down on the table during his audition. That, you know, takes a certain kind of confidence.

The continuing influence of DeVito’s audacious approach for the iconic 'Taxi' role continues to resonate as a powerful example for aspiring actors and Hollywood insiders alike. It shows, basically, that sometimes you just have to be bold.

Early Days and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'

Did you know that before 'Taxi', DeVito had already made a significant mark? His performance as ‘Martini’ landed him the same role in the 1975 movie 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest' alongside Jack Nicholson, widely thought of as one of the greatest films of all time. This was, in a way, an early sign of his talent.

The two actors met 50 years ago when making that seminal movie. Danny DeVito has, actually, given an update on his friend and fellow actor Jack Nicholson, who is 88 years old. Their long friendship is, you know, a nice bit of Hollywood history.

From 'Twins' to The Penguin

Following his success in 'Taxi', Danny DeVito appeared in projects like 'Twins', a popular comedy where he starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger. This film, really, showed his range in comedy.

He also took on the memorable role of The Penguin in 'Batman Returns'. This part allowed him to showcase a darker, more villainous side, proving he wasn't just, you know, a comedic actor. He’s very versatile, that’s for sure.

Always Sunny and Beyond

Comedy seemed to be where DeVito truly excelled, and that was borne out when he won an Emmy and Golden Globe for the sitcom 'Taxi'. Yet, his career kept going strong. 35 years in, and Danny DeVito's career is still going strong, as seen with his role in 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'.

In that show, he plays Frank Reynolds, a character who is, you know, wildly eccentric and often outrageous. This role has introduced him to a whole new generation of fans, proving his enduring appeal. He’s, basically, a timeless talent.

A 'Caddyshack' Connection?

Did you know that before Danny DeVito started counting his cash as the lovable Louie De Palma in 'Taxi', he was hustling alongside another iconic ensemble? That’s right, DeVito cut his teeth with the likes of Chevy Chase on the fairways in the 'Caddyshack' movie. Imagine going from swinging clubs to dispatching cabs—a heck of a shift!

This early role is, arguably, a fun piece of trivia for fans. It shows, in a way, how varied his early career was before he found his true calling in comedy. He was, very much, exploring different avenues.

Why Say No to Seinfeld?

It’s a fair question: why would an actor turn down a role that would become so famous? The text doesn't give us the exact reasons Danny DeVito declined the role of George Costanza. However, in the entertainment world, actors often have, you know, many reasons for their choices.

Sometimes, it comes down to scheduling conflicts; an actor might already be committed to another project. Other times, it could be about the script, or the direction a show seems to be going. An actor might also, basically, just not feel a connection to the character or believe it's the right fit for their career path at that moment.

DeVito was already a well-established actor by the time 'Seinfeld' came around, with 'Taxi' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' under his belt. He was, in a way, at a point in his career where he had choices. Perhaps he was looking for different kinds of roles, or maybe he simply wasn't available. We can only, you know, guess at the specifics.

The Legacy of Career Choices

The story of Danny DeVito turning down George Costanza is a fascinating reminder that an actor's career is shaped by countless decisions, both big and small. Every "yes" and every "no" can, actually, lead to entirely different paths. For DeVito, his choices led him to a career filled with diverse and memorable characters that have, you know, truly stood the test of time.

His journey, from 'Taxi' to 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', shows a performer who is, arguably, always ready to take on a new challenge. It just goes to show that sometimes, the role you don't take can be just as significant as the ones you do, in terms of what it means for your overall story. You can learn more about Danny DeVito's filmography on our site, and check out his work in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

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What Role Did Danny DeVito Turn Down? Unpacking A Surprising Career Choice

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