Daniel Michael "Danny" DeVito (born November 17, 1944) is an American actor, producer and director. He first gained prominence for his portrayal of taxi dispatcher Louie De Palma on
Taxi (1978–1983), for which he won a
Golden Globe and an
Emmy. He went on to become a major film star, known for his roles in the films
Tin Men,
Throw Momma from the Train,
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,
Ruthless People,
Man on the Moon,
Terms of Endearment,
Romancing the Stone,
Twins,
Batman Returns,
Other People's Money,
Get Shorty and
L.A. Confidential and for his voiceover work in such films as
Space Jam,
Hercules and
The Lorax.