Executive Overview
For over five decades, Danny DeVito has remained an indelible fixture in American cinema and television. From his breakout television role in Taxi to iconic cinematic turns in Batman Returns, Matilda, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, DeVito has cultivated a distinct, globally recognized persona. Yet, away from the spotlight of major Hollywood backlots, a quieter, equally compelling narrative has unfolded: the upbringing and professional evolution of his three children—Lucy, Grace, and Jake—whom he shares with his longtime partner and wife, Rhea Perlman.
Unlike many Hollywood dynasties where offspring seek to emulate their parents directly or lean entirely on family name recognition, the DeVito children have charted remarkably independent, artistically diverse paths. Spanning performance, visual arts, and production, Lucy, Grace, and Jake have quietly established themselves within the creative sector. This deep-dive examination explores the trajectory of the DeVito lineage, tracing their educational foundations, professional credits, family dynamics, and the enduring legacy of two of Hollywood’s most enduring figures.
Detailed Chronology and Profiles of the DeVito Children
The union of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman produced a tightly knit family. Despite the demands of dual, high-profile careers in the entertainment industry, DeVito and Perlman prioritized a grounded domestic life for their children. The birth dates, ages, and primary professional domains of the three siblings outline a clear pattern of artistic immersion:
| Child | Birth Date | Current Age (2026) | Primary Professional Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucy Chet DeVito | March 11, 1983 | 43 | Acting, Stage, Voice Performance |
| Grace "Gracie" Fan DeVito | March 25, 1985 | 41 | Fine Art, Visual Painting, Producing |
| Jacob "Jake" Daniel DeVito | October 10, 1987 | 38 | Film Production, Directing, Camera Operations |
1. Lucy Chet DeVito: Continuing the Performance Legacy
As the eldest of the siblings, born on March 11, 1983, Lucy Chet DeVito was the first to openly embrace the performing arts. Growing up in an environment saturated with theatrical discussion and cinematic production, Lucy pursued formal academic and theatrical training, ultimately earning a degree in theater from Brown University.
Following her graduation, she returned to the creative epicenters of New York and Los Angeles to cut her teeth on stage before transitioning to screen work. Her early career featured notable stage credits in regional and Off-Broadway theater, followed by television and film appearances including Leaves of Grass, Melissa & Joey, and Deadbeat.
In recent years, Lucy achieved a notable career milestone by collaborating directly with her father. In 2022, she lent her voice to the FXX animated dark fantasy sitcom Little Demon, portraying Chrissy Mellor, the anti-Christ daughter of Satan—who was voiced, fittingly, by Danny DeVito himself. Beyond her screen credits, Lucy expanded her family legacy in July 2024 by welcoming her son, Carmine, marking a significant personal milestone for the family.
2. Grace "Gracie" Fan DeVito: The Visual and Fine Arts Lane
Born on March 25, 1985, Grace Fan DeVito—affectionately known as Gracie—chose a trajectory distinct from her acting parents and siblings, turning her focus toward the visual arts and fine painting.
Grace pursued rigorous formal training, culminating in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 2012. While she maintains a much lower public profile than her siblings, she has occasionally dipped her toes into production and creative media. Her early credits include working on projects such as the 2006 film My Girlfriend’s Abroad, alongside subsequent creative contributions to Bloom, Amboy, and the animated series Jeff & Some Aliens.
In 2019, Grace married fellow painter Andy Giannakakis. Notably, the couple expanded the DeVito-Perlman family tree by welcoming a daughter, Sinclair Lucille DeVito, in 2023—a birth initially announced by a proud grandmother, Rhea Perlman, during a podcast appearance.
3. Jacob "Jake" Daniel DeVito: The Craftsman Behind the Camera
The youngest of the trio, Jacob "Jake" Daniel DeVito, was born on October 10, 1987. Rather than stepping in front of the lens, Jake gravitated toward the logistical, technical, and executive architecture of filmmaking.
Jake’s entry into the industry began on the ground floor. He worked extensively within camera and lighting departments, including a foundational stint on the crew of the 2009 dark comedy After Life. Over time, his focus shifted toward production and directing. In 2014, he served as a producer on The Better Angels, working alongside visionary auteur Terrence Malick.
Demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the family’s professional network, Jake reunited with his father and sister Lucy to produce the aforementioned animated series Little Demon. His path reflects a common phenomenon among children of cinematic icons: leveraging an insider’s understanding of set culture to master the technical crafts of storytelling.
Supporting Context and Metrics: The DeVito-Perlman Household
To fully understand the children’s career trajectories, one must examine the household that fostered them. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman crossed paths in 1971 when Perlman went to see a play called The Shrinking Bride, which featured a young DeVito. Their connection was immediate; they moved in together within two weeks and maintained a remarkably stable domestic partnership for decades before marrying in 1982.
The couple’s shared history is characterized by significant milestones:
- Professional Collaboration: Perlman and DeVito famously worked together on numerous projects, most notably the iconic television sitcom Taxi and the beloved 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, where they played on-screen husband and wife.
- Domestic Stability Amid Separation: In 2012, DeVito and Perlman announced a separation, followed by a brief reconciliation attempt in 2013, and a subsequent amicable separation in 2017. Despite living apart for years, the couple never pursued a formal divorce. They continue to present a united front, frequently appearing together at family milestones, film premieres, and industry events to support their children and grandchildren.
This unique family structure instilled in Lucy, Grace, and Jake an appreciation for both the demanding realities of the entertainment industry and the importance of familial loyalty. Rather than treating Hollywood as an inaccessible destination, the children grew up treating film sets as secondary living rooms—an environment that normalized creativity without imposing undue pressure to enter the spotlight.
Official Statements and Reflections on Fatherhood
Danny DeVito has frequently addressed his role as a patriarch in various press junkets, interviews, and retrospective profiles. Rather than engineering a dynasty through mandates or industry connections, DeVito has consistently emphasized that his children’s career choices were entirely organic.
"I never pushed any of them toward acting or filmmaking," DeVito noted in a past retrospective interview discussing his family dynamics. "You watch them grow up, you see what captures their imagination, and you support it. Lucy found her voice on the stage, Gracie found her vision on the canvas, and Jake found his rhythm behind the camera. As a father, seeing them carve out their own authentic lanes is the greatest reward."
Rhea Perlman has echoed these sentiments in media appearances, often praising the emotional resilience and artistic independence of her children. Speaking on family life, Perlman has highlighted that the key to keeping their children grounded lay in maintaining a normal home life away from studio backlots—balancing the glamorous realities of show business with ordinary domestic responsibilities.
Future Outlook: The Next Generation of the DeVito Legacy
As the entertainment landscape evolves through the mid-2020s, the DeVito children remain active in their respective fields, poised for continued professional growth.
- Lucy Chet DeVito continues to evaluate theatrical and television scripts, balancing her expanding responsibilities as a mother with an active slate of performance projects. Her comedic timing and dramatic range ensure she remains a sought-after talent in independent cinema and television series.
- Grace Fan DeVito maintains her dedication to the fine arts. Working quietly out of her studio, she continues to cultivate her career as a respected painter, insulated from the hyper-public nature of mainstream celebrity culture while remaining deeply connected to her family’s artistic roots.
- Jake Daniel DeVito is actively expanding his portfolio as a producer and director. With a growing reputation for supporting auteur-driven projects and high-concept television, his behind-the-camera career points toward long-term influence within film production circles.
Ultimately, the story of Danny DeVito’s children is not merely a footnote to a legendary Hollywood career; it is a testament to effective, supportive parenting. By providing the tools for creative expression without the burden of expectation, DeVito and Perlman successfully raised a new generation of artists who honor their family’s rich legacy while boldly defining their own futures.
