Trivia
Roomed with Michael Douglas when starting out.
Has his own film company: Jersey Films.
Is a vegetarian
Went to Oratory Prep. School in Summit, New Jersey.
Italian-American
Before he became an actor he was a qualified hairdresser (stylist)
In his New Jersey hometown, one of his relatives ran a hair salon with the relatives of another actor from his neighborhood, Jack Nicholson.
He was considered for the role of Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) but couldn't do it due to his TV commitments.
Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 136-137. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387
Brought a bag of carrots to munch on during the 73rd Annual Academy Awards. Host Steve Martin presented him with an impromptu bowl of ranch dip in the middle of the ceremony.
Often appears in Tim Burton movies.
In 1975, under a grant from the American Film Institute, he and Rhea Perlman wrote and produced 'Minestrone', which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival and has been translated into five languages.
Often portrays sinister people in the movies he's in. He played a crime boss in Batman Returns (1992), a gambler in Space Jam (1996) and Mars Attacks! (1996), a sleazy agent in Death to Smoochy (2002) and greedy businessman in Ruthless People (1986), What's the Worst That Could Happen? (2001), Matilda (1996) and Other People's Money (1991).
Graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA).
Attended the final Phish concert with his son and 75,000 others in Coventry, Vermont on August 16, 2004.
Appeared alongside his former roommate Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in three films, Romancing the Stone (1984), its sequel The Jewel of the Nile (1985), and the black comedy The War of the Roses (1989).
Has appeared alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in three films/movies - two of these films directed and produced by Ivan Reitman - Twins (1988/I) & Junior (1994), and in Last Action Hero (1993), playing a minor-role, as the voice of Detective Whiskers. Both have played Batman villains, DeVito as The Penguin in Batman Returns (1992), Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin (1997).
Was considered for the role of Det. John Kimble in Kindergarten Cop (1990), but couldn't secure it due to his small stature. The part went to Arnold Schwarzenegger instead.
Was originally set to play Mario in Super Mario Bros. (1993) but backed out and was replaced by Bob Hoskins.
Is a huge fan of musician Mike Patton and his bands Fantomas and Peeping Tom, and requested to feature in the video clip for the Peeping Tom single 'Mojo'. He was given a cameo.
Was considered for the role of George Costanza in "Seinfeld" (1990).
Provides the voice of Herbert Powell, Homer Simpson's half-brother.
Frequently appears in films with Jack Nicholson, including Goin' South (1978), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Terms of Endearment (1983), Hoffa (1992), and Mars Attacks! (1996). They have also both played Batman villains: The Joker in Batman (1989) and The Penguin in Batman Returns (1992).
Lives in Beverly Hills, California.
A staunch supporter of The Democratic Party.
Quotes
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