Today is Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman’s 41st wedding anniversary. However, the pair aren’t truly married anymore. Although they’ve never officially divorced, Danny and Rhea first separated in 2012, much to the shock of fans and fellow actors. However, the couple reconciled shortly after.
After giving their marriage another chance, Danny and Rhea went five years before they finally decided to split up again in 2017. After 35 years as a married couple, the pair’s separation left fans disheartened, hoping the split would only be temporary.
Although they’ve been apart for more than half a decade now, Rhea opened up about the split. She admitted things most likely “worked out for the best” between her and Danny, but she often misses his company. The 74-year-old reflected on their relationship, saying it has always been a tremendous partnership.
For the next decade, they each worked in entertainment and even acted together in the TV show “Taxi.”
Danny Devito at The Curzon Mayfair on March 21, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
Although the separated couple isn’t really married in the traditional sense, they still maintain a close family bond with their children, Lucy DeVito, Grace DeVito, and Jack DeVito. They also remain in constant contact, and they’ve made a point of preserving their friendship despite the complex circumstances.
Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman’s 51 Years Together
Danny and Rhea met each other in 1971. At the time, Danny was performing in a stage production of “The Shrinking Bride,” and Rhea was in the audience. They met the same night and were instantly captivated by each other. After being together for only two weeks, they decided to move in together.
In a frank revelation about their marriage, Rhea announced she would probably never officially divorce her ex-husband.
Rhea Perlman and Danny Devito on March 8, 2018 at the Green Fig Urban Eatery, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
For the next decade, they each worked in entertainment and even acted together in the TV show “Taxi.” Finally, Danny proposed in 1982, on January 28, and the two started their family just a little while later. They spent the next few years happily married, although they announced their first separation in 2012. Rhea commented:
“Sometimes I wish we were still together because those were the glory days, but these are other kinds of glory days.”
Rhea spoke candidly about their relationship, saying they still spend a lot of time together as a family. She said she and Danny have come to a point in their lives where they can still enjoy each other’s company without the need for anything more. For her, having him in her life is a relief, since they share such a long history. She said:
“We can do things together, we can do things separately. I’m really, really glad that Danny and I were able to navigate some rough days to be able to have this different kind of relationship. I think it’s pretty rare, but we agree on so many things that it makes sense.”
Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2011 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Rhea and Danny are also glad they can remain friends for the sake of their children. Both are devoted parents, and Rhea noted that she would have been “beside” herself if her relationship with her kids had suffered because of anything.
Why Is the Couple Still Not Divorced?
In a frank revelation about their marriage, Rhea announced she would probably never officially divorce her ex-husband. The actress commented that they have always loved each other and most likely always will. They still enjoy spending time together, and now that they’re treating each other as friends, things are much smoother between them:
“Danny and I have always loved each other and we have three amazing children together. We really agree on almost everything important.”
The actress said she doesn’t see why they should get divorced. They live separately and lead separate lives, for the most part, while maintaining a healthy friendship. Rhea mentioned that everyone in their family understands their relationship, and no one has a problem with it, so she sees no reason an official divorce is necessary.
Danny still spend as much time with his kids as possible, even though they’re all grown.
Rhea also mentioned she and Danny get along excellently now that “all the tense stuff is gone.” Although they are happy now, Rhea admits the initial separation was highly challenging. Neither of them showed it, but the split took its toll on both parties.
How Do Danny and Rhea Live after the Separation?
Obviously, being separated hasn’t stopped Danny and Rhea from being good friends. Danny, Rhea, and all their children often go out together, and the mother-of-three admitted they are “still a family.” The two are proud parents, and devote a lot of time to keeping their family close. Rhea said about being a mom:
“Cheers might have been everything in the beginning of my career, but family is everything, everything. If my relationships with my children were strained, I would be beside myself.”
Danny DeVito and Lucy DeVito at Crypto.com Arena on January 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Danny still spend as much time with his kids as possible, even though they’re all grown. The actor was recently seen on a video call with his son, Jake, during a basketball game. His daughter, Lucy, sat by his side as he smiled at his son and panned the camera to show the basketball court.
Besides attending sports matches together, the DeVito family was also seen at the premiere of the long-awaited premiere of the film “Avatar 2: The Way of Water.” Rhea, Lucy, and Danny posed for a photo in front of the promotional poster and smiled happily at the camera.
The couple’s oldest daughter, Lucy, commented on what it was like to be raised by her famous parents. According to her, Danny and Rhea have both managed to stay modest despite being highly recognizable public figures. Lucy decided to follow in her parents’ footsteps and now works in the entertainment industry.
The couple’s second daughter, Grace, also dipped her toes in the entertainment industry but chose to remain out of the public eye. Jake, Danny and Rhea’s only son, also works in show business, although he prefers to stay off-camera and work as a producer.
