On this sunny Tuesday, review the work of Danny DeVito! He is being discussed a lot currently because of his hilarious SuperBowl commercial, but we can’t forget about some of his timeless characters.
In the recent game time ad, a red M&M wishes to become human and is turned into this week’s actor we are profiling, Danny DeVito. The iconic actor has been in all sorts of medium, whether it be in television, film, animation and even video games. His distinct Italian accent makes him so distinct of a character. One of his more notable roles, especially from my own years was Matilda (1996), in where he played the title character’s father. Playing a used car salesman, and one person who is not going to win any parent awards anytime soon, the way that he channels so much bitterness is so entertaining.
DeVito would go on to continue his string of family films in the Disney animated film Hercules (1997). Playing again a sidekick to the title character, Devito would become a highlight of supporting characters, shockingly rarely taking the main character’s role. He would also provide another layer to his portfolio in singing on of the character’s songs for the soundtrack. Furthermore, Devito would provide his vocal talents to The Lorax (2012) finally taking the main character spot after years of being shoved to the side.
It would be a crime if I did not mention my favorite role of DeVito’s, being Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006-2019). Playing the drunken rich father of the main character, DeVito was added to the show during the second season, adding a new freshness to the seemingly low budgeted first season.
Overall, DeVito has done an excellent job of being the old Italian curmudgeon and one that I look forward to watching anytime that his films are released.
Written by: John Heffernan
References:
Matilda. Dir. Danny DeVito. Perf. Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman. TriStar Pictures, 1996. Motion-Picture.
Hercules. Dir. Ron Clements and John Musker. Perf. Tate Donovan, Susan Egan and James Woods. Walt Disney Pictures, 1997. Motion-Picture.
The Lorax. Dir. Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda. Perf. Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito. Universal Pictures, 2012. Motion-Picture.
Glenn Howerton and Rob McElhenney, creators. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Bluebush Productions, 3 Arts Entertainment and FX Productions, (2005-)