Danny DeVito just turned 80, but his life story is anything but a fairy tale.

Born in Neptune, New Jersey, in 1944, DeVito faced challenges from the very beginning.

His mother, Julia, was already 40 and had raised several children.

She openly admitted years later, “I didn’t want him, but I’m so proud of him.”

Such a confession could shatter anyone, yet for DeVito, it became a source of fuel.

The shadow of rejection loomed over his childhood, but instead of succumbing to despair, he fought to prove his worth.

However, his struggles didn’t end there.

At home, life was unpredictable due to his father, Daniel Senior, who transformed from a kind candy shop owner by day into a violent drunk by night.

Danny learned to read the signs—the sound of bottles clinking, the change in his father’s footsteps.

Between 1950 and 1955, police were called to their home at least 17 times.

These traumatic experiences left deep emotional scars, shaping the man he would become.

Years later, DeVito remained sober and even created a support program called Little Giants, which has helped over 15,000 children from similar backgrounds.

By the age of 14, Danny realized he needed to escape his crumbling neighborhood, rife with drugs and violence.

He saved $237 from small jobs and convinced his parish priest to speak to his parents about enrolling him in a prep school.

His mother, feeling guilty about her past rejection, agreed, a decision that likely saved his life.

Out of 12 friends from that time, only three made it past 25 without falling into a life of crime or addiction.

Adding to his struggles, DeVito was diagnosed with Fairbanks disease, a rare genetic condition that stunted his growth to just 4’10”.

This condition caused him constant pain in his hips, knees, and back, often hovering around a 6 to 8 out of 10 on the pain scale.

Despite the agony, he persevered, performing his own stunts and even collapsing on set during the filming of *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*, pretending it was all part of the role.

Refusing to succumb to pain medication, he quietly donated over $12 million to help fund treatments for others suffering from similar bone conditions.

Before his acting career took off, DeVito trained as a beautician, working in his sister’s salon, Curl Up and Die.

His talent for hairstyling earned him awards and a loyal clientele, but a chance encounter with a theater producer during a haircut changed his path forever.

In 1962, he applied to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, initially intending to study makeup.

However, after performing a monologue, he was offered a spot in acting instead.

Moving to New York City, DeVito shared a cramped apartment with Michael Douglas, struggling to make ends meet.

Despite facing relentless rejection—248 auditions with only three small roles—he persisted.

His breakthrough came when Douglas cast him in *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*, a role that would change everything.

DeVito’s portrayal of Martini, although brief, left a lasting impression.

In 1978, he made a bold move, trading three movie roles for a part in the sitcom *Taxi*.

Despite warnings from his agent, he trusted his instincts and auditioned for the character Louie de Palma.

His performance was so captivating that it propelled him into the limelight, earning him a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

The character’s unapologetic rudeness resonated with audiences, making DeVito a household name.

However, success did not come without its challenges.

Throughout his career, he faced pressure from Hollywood to undergo surgery to change his appearance.

He famously burned a contract worth nearly a million dollars rather than compromise his identity.

“I’d rather be a first-rate version of myself than a second-rate version of someone else,” he declared.

As his career flourished, DeVito continued to fight against the odds, even while managing his painful condition.

In 1992, he directed *Hoffa*, showcasing his dual talent for acting and directing.

He also co-founded Jersey Films, a production company that would go on to produce iconic films like *Pulp Fiction* and *Matilda*.

Despite his success, DeVito kept his struggles private, pushing through pain to continue working.

In recent years, he began to speak out about Fairbanks disease, advocating for better treatment and understanding of the condition.

His honesty has sparked conversations in Hollywood about disability representation and the pressures of conforming to narrow beauty standards.

In 2023, DeVito made headlines for a heated moment on *Jimmy Kimmel Live*, where he left the set after a tense exchange.

The incident went viral, igniting debates about celebrity mental health and the pressures of fame.

Despite the ups and downs, DeVito remains a beloved figure in entertainment, still working on projects like *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*.

At 80, he continues to challenge perceptions, proving that resilience and authenticity are more powerful than any Hollywood standard.

Danny DeVito’s life is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity, reminding us that behind every smile, there may be a story of struggle and triumph.