When you think of Danny DeVito, you probably think of Philadelphia. Or maybe the grimy, hilarious underworld of It's Always Sunny. But honestly, the "Trashman" himself isn't a Philly native at all.
So, where was Danny DeVito born?
He was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey. Specifically, he entered the world on November 17, 1944, at what was then known as Fitkin Memorial Hospital. Today, locals know that spot as the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
It’s funny because even though Neptune is his official birthplace, if you ask Danny, he’ll tell you he’s an Asbury Park kid through and through. That’s where he grew up. That’s where his roots are. And in Jersey, those few miles between where you took your first breath and where you learned to ride a bike? They matter.
Growing Up on the Jersey Shore
Danny wasn't born into a Hollywood dynasty. Far from it. His father, Daniel DeVito Sr., was a small-business hustler in the best sense of the word. The guy ran a dry cleaner, a dairy outlet, a luncheonette, and even a pool hall called the Crown Billiard Academy.
Can you imagine a young Danny DeVito hanging out in a 1950s pool hall? It basically explains his entire screen presence.
He grew up on Second Avenue in Asbury Park. Back then, Asbury was the place to be—the boardwalk, the beach, the energy. It wasn't just a town; it was a vibe that clearly stuck with him. He’s been quoted saying that "Jersey is always with me," and he wasn't kidding. He even became the face of Jersey Mike’s Subs recently, which is about as "Jersey" as it gets.
The Mystery of the Height
One thing people always search for alongside his birthplace is why he’s 4 feet 10 inches tall. It’s not just luck of the draw. Danny was born with Fairbank's disease (also known as multiple epiphyseal dysplasia). It’s a rare genetic condition that affects bone growth.
But here’s the thing—he never let it be a "hardship." In interviews, he’s mentioned that being the shortest kid in Asbury Park actually helped him. It forced him to develop a personality. It gave him an edge. Instead of being the tough guy, he became the funny guy who everyone wanted to hang out with.
From the Beauty Parlor to the Big Screen
If you think his path to acting was a straight line, you’re wrong. It was more of a zig-zag.
After graduating from Oratory Preparatory School in Summit, NJ, in 1962, Danny didn't go to film school. He went to work at his sister’s beauty salon.
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- He was a legitimate hairdresser.
- His sister, Angela, basically forced him into it.
- He eventually went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York—not to act, but to learn how to do professional makeup for the salon.
While he was there, he had to take acting classes. That’s when the lightbulb went off. He realized he didn't want to be behind the chair; he wanted to be on the stage.
Why Neptune and Asbury Still Claim Him
In 2018, the Asbury Park City Council officially declared November 17 as "Danny DeVito Day." It was a huge deal. Even New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy showed up. It’s rare for a celebrity to stay so connected to their birthplace after fifty years in the spotlight, but Danny still owns property in the area (specifically in Interlaken) and visits his sisters regularly.
When he talks about the Shore, he doesn't sound like a movie star. He sounds like a guy who misses the pizza and the boardwalk. He’s often spotted at local restaurants, and he’s donated millions to the very hospital where he was born.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a fan of the man, the myth, and the legend, knowing where he came from is just the start. You can actually visit the spots that shaped him.
- Visit the Asbury Park Boardwalk: Walk the same boards Danny did as a kid.
- Check out Jersey Shore University Medical Center: If you're in Neptune, you can see the massive facility that grew out of the small hospital where he was born.
- Support the NJ Hall of Fame: Danny was inducted back in 2010, and it's a great place to see how many legends actually come from the Garden State.
Knowing where Danny DeVito was born gives you a better appreciation for his "no-nonsense" Jersey attitude. He’s a product of the Shore—tough, funny, and fiercely loyal to his roots.