Beyond The Screen: What Was Danny DeVito's Job Before Acting?
It's truly something to consider the surprising paths many beloved figures take before they become household names. When we think of Danny DeVito, a person might immediately picture his iconic roles, perhaps as the gruff but hilarious dispatcher Louie De Palma from "Taxi," or maybe even his more recent, wonderfully quirky character Frank Reynolds on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." He has, in a way, been a fixture on our screens for what feels like forever, making us laugh and sometimes even feel a little uncomfortable in the best possible way.
For more than half a century, this remarkable actor has graced stages and screens, building a body of work that spans so many different types of storytelling. He has been an actor, a producer, and a director, showing a real knack for various aspects of show business. It’s hard to imagine him doing anything else, honestly, because he seems so perfectly suited to the entertainment world.
Yet, there's a fascinating twist to his story, a part of his past that many people simply don't know about. Before the bright lights of Hollywood, before the Golden Globes and the Emmy Awards, Danny DeVito had a day job that was, quite frankly, very different from what you'd probably guess. It was a role that, in some respects, set the stage for his future, even if it wasn't directly in acting. We are going to explore this surprising chapter of his life, a time when he was more concerned with hair than with Hollywood scripts.
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Table of Contents
- Early Life and Surprising Beginnings
- Danny DeVito's Personal Details and Bio Data
- From Salon Chair to Center Stage
- The Acting Bug Takes Hold
- Early Struggles and Theatre Days
- First Steps into Film
- The Big Break: Taxi
- Frequently Asked Questions
Early Life and Surprising Beginnings
Danny Michael DeVito Jr. was born in 1944, a New Jersey native through and through. His upbringing, like many of ours, had its own unique rhythm. His mother, Julia Moccello, managed the household, creating a warm home. His father, Daniel Sr., was a small business owner, trying his hand at various ventures to provide for the family. This background, you know, paints a picture of a young man growing up in a regular American town, far removed from the glitz and glamour that would later define his public image.
It's interesting to think about how early life influences where we end up. For Danny, his family connections played a pretty big part in his first proper job after finishing high school. His sister, it turns out, was a stylist, a professional in the beauty world. She had her own hair salon in New Jersey, and she needed some help. So, naturally, she turned to her brother, Danny, offering him a position. He needed a job, and so, in a way, he agreed to join her.
This is where the story gets really unexpected for many people. Before he was a famous actor, before he was directing major films, Danny DeVito actually trained as a hairdresser. He worked alongside his sister in her salon, learning the ropes of cutting, styling, and beautifying. He wasn't just sweeping floors, either; he was actively training to become a beautician himself. This might seem like a strange fit for someone who would later become known for his tough-guy roles, but it was, apparently, a job he genuinely enjoyed.
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Danny DeVito's Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
| Born | 1944 |
| Birthplace | New Jersey, USA |
| Mother | Julia (Moccello) DeVito (Homemaker) |
| Father | Daniel DeVito Sr. (Small Business Owner) |
| Pre-Acting Job | Hairdresser / Beautician |
| Breakthrough Role | Louie De Palma in "Taxi" (TV Series, 1978) |
| Spouse | Rhea Perlman (future wife, worked with in early theatre) |
| First Feature Film Debut | "Dreams of Glass" (1970) |
From Salon Chair to Center Stage
The salon was, it seems, more than just a place of employment for young Danny. He spoke with The Guardian, sharing that he really "loved it," which is quite something to hear. Imagine him there, working with scissors and combs, perhaps chatting with clients, making them feel good about their appearance. It was a hands-on job, requiring precision and a certain artistic touch, traits that, arguably, could be useful in acting too. This experience, you know, gave him a solid foundation in a practical skill, something to fall back on.
His sister's advice proved to be a pivotal moment. She suggested he enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Now, here's the kicker: he didn't go there to study acting initially. No, his purpose was to study makeup. It makes a bit of sense, doesn't it? From doing hair, to doing makeup, it’s still in the beauty field, just a different aspect of it. This decision, it turns out, was a very important stepping stone, even if he didn't know it at the time.
While he was learning about makeup, something rather interesting began to happen. Danny found himself increasingly drawn to what was taking place on the stage itself, rather than just the backstage preparations. He was supposed to be focusing on the brushes and powders, but his eyes kept drifting to the actors, to the performances, to the stories unfolding right in front of him. This subtle shift in focus was, basically, the beginning of his true calling. He started to feel a pull towards the spotlight, a desire to be part of the action, not just to help prepare others for it.
The Acting Bug Takes Hold
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a very respected institution, opened his eyes to a whole new world. He graduated in 1966, having gained a deeper appreciation for the craft and the discipline that acting demands. It's one thing to watch a play, but quite another to understand the dedication it takes to perform. This schooling, you know, gave him a solid base, but it didn't instantly make him a star. The path to fame is, more often than not, a long and winding one, filled with its own unique challenges.
In the years that followed his graduation, Danny DeVito faced the common struggles of many aspiring actors. He had to work odd jobs, just to keep things going and make ends meet. He worked as a car parker, which involves a lot of hustle and quick thinking. He also took on shifts as a janitor, a job that requires diligence and a willingness to do the less glamorous tasks. These experiences, in a way, probably grounded him, showing him the realities of life outside the creative bubble, which is actually quite valuable for an actor.
During these early theater days, he was, in fact, quite active in the New York scene. He performed with the Colonnades Theatre Lab, a place where artists could experiment and hone their skills, at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut. This center is, basically, a hub for new play development, a place where creative energy really flows. It was here that he began to truly immerse himself in the world of live performance, working on his stage presence and developing his characters.
He also appeared in plays produced by the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective. This was a very interesting time for theater, with new voices and perspectives emerging. It was during this period that he worked alongside his future wife, Rhea Perlman. Their shared passion for the stage, you know, brought them together, forging a partnership that would extend both personally and professionally for many years. These experiences were, arguably, just as important as his formal training, providing real-world practice and connections.
Early Struggles and Theatre Days
The journey from a New Jersey hair salon to the bright lights of Hollywood was, quite honestly, a gradual one, filled with persistence. Even after his initial acting studies, the big breaks didn't just appear overnight. Danny, like many creative people trying to make their way, had to keep pushing forward, taking on whatever work he could find to support his artistic ambitions. It’s a common story, but it’s still inspiring to hear about someone who stuck with it through thick and thin, you know.
His time working those various odd jobs, such as parking cars or cleaning buildings, gave him a very real understanding of different walks of life. These experiences, in a way, can be seen as informal training for an actor, providing insights into the human condition from various angles. He was, basically, observing people, understanding different routines and struggles, which can only add depth to a performer’s range. It’s a reminder that every part of your life can, actually, contribute to your craft.
The Colonnades Theatre Lab and the Westbeth Playwrights Feminist Collective were, in some respects, his proving grounds. These were not huge Broadway productions, but rather smaller, more experimental settings where artists could truly develop their voices. Working in these environments allowed him to explore different characters, try out new techniques, and, importantly, learn from his peers. It was a collaborative atmosphere, which is, you know, so vital for growth in any artistic field. He was building his skills, one performance at a time, often for very small audiences.
First Steps into Film
Danny DeVito's first actual foray into the film world was in a drama called "Dreams of Glass," which came out in 1970. This was his feature film debut, a significant milestone for any aspiring actor. It was, apparently, a small part, but it got his foot in the door, allowing him to experience what working on a movie set was really like. This early exposure to the big screen, you know, must have been quite exciting, even if it wasn't a starring role.
The very next year, in 1971, he appeared in Woody Allen's comedy "Bananas." In this film, his role was even smaller, an uncredited appearance. It might seem insignificant, but even in limited screen time, his natural charisma and raw talent managed to catch the attention of filmmakers. This is, basically, a testament to his unique presence, something that even then, was clearly noticeable. It shows that sometimes, even a brief moment can make a lasting impression on the right people, paving the way for future opportunities.
These early film experiences, while not leading to instant fame, were very important learning opportunities. They allowed him to see how film sets operate, how different from stage acting it can be, and how to work with a camera. He was, in a way, gathering experience, building a foundation for the larger roles that would eventually come his way. It’s like, you know, taking baby steps before you can run a marathon. Every small part contributed to his overall development as a screen actor, preparing him for the bigger challenges ahead.
The Big Break: Taxi
The turning point for Danny DeVito, the role that truly launched him into widespread recognition, arrived in 1978. This was when he landed the part of Louie De Palma in the TV series "Taxi." Louie was the irascible dispatcher, a character who was often grumpy, sarcastic, and yet, in his own strange way, quite lovable. This role, you know, allowed him to really showcase his masterful comedic performance, perfectly capturing the essence of a character who was both frustrating and endearing.
His portrayal of Louie De Palma resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. It was, basically, a breakout part that solidified his place in the entertainment industry. He didn't just play the character; he truly embodied him, making Louie an unforgettable part of television history. This performance was so strong that it earned him both a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award, which is, obviously, a huge achievement for any actor. These accolades were, in some respects, a validation of all his hard work and perseverance.
From that moment on, Danny DeVito's career really took off. He became a celebrated American actor and filmmaker, known for his iconic roles and versatile abilities. His journey from a New Jersey hair salon, through various odd jobs and countless hours on stage, to becoming a beloved figure in Hollywood, is, in a way, a powerful story of dedication and following one's passion. It just goes to show that you never quite know where life will lead you, or what unexpected skills you might pick up along the way that will, perhaps, help you later on. Learn more about on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Danny DeVito a hairdresser?
Yes, as a matter of fact, before he became a famous actor, Danny DeVito trained and worked as a hairdresser and beautician in his sister's salon in New Jersey. He agreed to the job after graduating from high school and, apparently, really "loved it." This experience in the beauty industry was, basically, his first significant job before his acting career took off.
How did Danny DeVito get into acting?
Danny DeVito's journey into acting began when his sister suggested he enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. He initially went there to study makeup, but while studying, he became fascinated with what was happening on stage rather than backstage. This fascination led him to shift his focus to acting, eventually graduating in 1966. He then worked odd jobs and performed in various theatre productions before finding success.
What was Danny DeVito's first movie?
Danny DeVito's feature film debut was in the drama "Dreams of Glass," which was released in 1970. The following year, he had a small, uncredited role in Woody Allen's comedy "Bananas" (1971). These early film appearances were, in some respects, his first steps into the world of cinema, paving the way for his more prominent roles later on. You can link to this page for more details on his early life.
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Danny DeVito - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
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