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The Unconventional Truth: Why Danny DeVito And Rhea Perlman Are Still Married After Decades Of Separation

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The marriage of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman is one of Hollywood's most enduring and fascinating stories, even in its unconventional form. As of late 2025, the legendary actors—who first met in 1971 and married in 1982—remain legally bound, despite having separated over a decade ago. Their commitment to family and their enduring friendship has created a unique marital status that defies the typical celebrity divorce narrative, making their decades-long relationship a continuous topic of curiosity and admiration for fans worldwide. The latest updates from both DeVito and Perlman confirm that their bond is stronger than a piece of paper, centered around their three adult children and their shared life as grandparents. Their decision to remain legally married, while living separately, is a testament to a deep, lifelong connection forged over 50 years, proving that a relationship's success isn't always defined by cohabitation or a traditional structure.

Rhea Perlman: Biography, Career, and Family Profile

Danny DeVito’s wife is the acclaimed actress and author Rhea Jo Perlman. Born on March 31, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, she is a powerhouse in her own right, with a career spanning over five decades in film, television, and theater. Her professional achievements and personal life paint a picture of a successful, multi-talented artist and dedicated mother.
  • Full Name: Rhea Jo Perlman
  • Date of Birth: March 31, 1948
  • Age (as of 2025): 77
  • Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Spouse: Danny DeVito (m. 1982, separated 2012/2017)
  • Children: Lucy DeVito, Grace DeVito, and Jacob "Jake" DeVito
  • Most Famous Role: Carla Tortelli on the sitcom Cheers (1982–1993)
  • Awards: Four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (for Cheers)
  • Other Notable Work: Recurring role on Taxi, playing Mrs. Wormwood in the film Matilda, and starring in the 2023 film Barbie.
Perlman’s breakout role as the sharp-tongued, no-nonsense waitress Carla Tortelli on the iconic NBC sitcom Cheers cemented her place in television history. She earned a remarkable 10 Emmy nominations for the role, winning four. Before Cheers, she had a notable recurring role on the sitcom Taxi, which also starred Danny DeVito. This shared professional history—and their collaboration on the 1996 film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda, which they also produced through their company Jersey Films—highlights a deep, intertwined professional and personal life that goes far beyond a typical marriage.

A Love Story for the Ages: The Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman is one of Hollywood's longest, a half-century love story that started long before they became household names.

1971: The First Meeting

Their story began when they met after Perlman attended a performance of the play The Shrinking Bride, which featured DeVito. She moved in with him just two weeks later, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership.

1972–1982: Early Years and Career Ascent

The couple lived together for over a decade, supporting each other's burgeoning careers. Their chemistry was evident both on and off-screen, particularly when Perlman joined the cast of Taxi, where DeVito was already a star as the irascible dispatcher Louie De Palma.

January 28, 1982: The Wedding Day

After 11 years together, they officially married. This was the same year that Perlman began her career-defining role as Carla Tortelli on Cheers.

1983–1987: Starting a Family

The couple welcomed their three children: daughter Lucy Chet DeVito (born 1983), daughter Grace Fan DeVito (born 1985), and son Jacob "Jake" Daniel DeVito (born 1987). Their life centered around raising their family while maintaining successful, demanding careers.

1992–1996: A Creative Partnership

In 1992, DeVito and Perlman co-founded the production company Jersey Films, which produced major hits like Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, and Get Shorty. Their most famous joint acting project was the 1996 film Matilda, where they played the hilariously cruel parents, Harry and Zinnia Wormwood.

2012: First Separation

After 30 years of marriage and 41 years together, the couple announced their first separation. They reconciled briefly before separating again.

2017: Second Separation (Final)

The couple separated for good, but made the unconventional decision not to pursue a legal divorce.

2023–2025: The Unconventional Status Update

In a June 2023 appearance on Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Wiser Than Me podcast, Perlman confirmed their unique status. "We are still married," she stated, adding that they are not planning to divorce. She explained that they remain close friends, talk often, and share a family life, but simply prefer living separately.

In May 2024, Danny DeVito provided a rare and heartwarming update on their relationship, stating, "We're doing great. We're sharing our granddaughter, our new granddaughter, and we see each other all the time." He emphasized that despite living in separate homes, they are "together in a lot of ways" and still very much a family.

Why They Never Divorced: The Power of Friendship and Family

The question of why Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman have maintained their legally married status for over a decade after separating is central to their story. Their decision is not a matter of legal complication, but a philosophical one rooted in a deep, enduring affection and a commitment to their shared history and children.

A Focus on Family and Grandchildren

Both actors have made it clear that their priority is their family unit. Their three children—Lucy, Grace, and Jake—are all adults, with Lucy following her parents into acting. The arrival of their first granddaughter has further cemented their commitment to remaining a cohesive family unit, with DeVito proudly sharing that they are "sharing" the joy of their new grandchild. This shared focus on their legacy and the next generation supersedes the need for a legal split.

The Enduring Friendship

Perlman has spoken openly about her continued bond with DeVito, describing him as "the love of my life" and "a part of my life for 50 years." They share a history that includes co-starring in two major TV shows (Taxi and Cheers, though Perlman was a guest on Taxi and DeVito was a guest on Cheers), co-producing films, and raising three children. For them, a friendship built on such a foundation is worth preserving, even if the romantic part of the relationship has evolved.

Defining Marriage on Their Own Terms

Their unconventional marriage challenges the traditional definition of a successful partnership. They have found a way to maintain the benefits of a lifelong connection—friendship, co-parenting, shared professional interests, and mutual support—without the pressures of cohabitation. DeVito’s description of them being "together in a lot of ways" perfectly encapsulates this unique arrangement, proving that separation doesn't always have to mean a complete break.

Their story is a powerful example of how relationships can change and adapt over time. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman’s decision to remain legally married, while living separate lives, is a unique and refreshing chapter in the history of celebrity relationships, prioritizing deep-seated love and family over legal formalities.

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