Iconic actor Danny DeVito, a familiar face from classic films and television, is currently basking in the joys of being a grandfather, a role his daughter Lucy Chet DeVito describes as a true “obsession.” The star is forging a special bond with his grandchildren, showering them with gifts and making every family moment count, delighting fans with this heartwarming personal chapter.
For decades, Danny DeVito has captivated audiences with his unique charm, powerful performances, and unforgettable characters in classic films like Matilda and Batman Returns, as well as the long-running hit series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Now, the 80-year-old actor is embracing his most cherished role yet: a devoted grandfather, and according to his eldest daughter, Lucy Chet DeVito, he’s “obsessed.”
Becoming ‘Best Buds’ with Grandson Carmine
During an exclusive chat with People at the 18th Annual GO Gala in Los Angeles, DeVito openly shared the deep connection he has with his 1-year-old grandson, Carmine. Carmine, the son of Lucy Chet DeVito, was welcomed in July 2024, and the bond between grandfather and grandson is already strong.
“I just got a bunch of toys for him. I got a couple of new books. And I got a couple of tennis balls,” DeVito said of his latest gifts for Carmine. Lucy confirmed her son’s enthusiasm, adding, “Oh great, he loves a ball.” When asked about his gift-buying strategy for the toddler, DeVito quipped that he simply picks out “what I would like.”
Lucy further emphasized her father’s dedication, stating, “Carmine and him are best buds.” Their family finds frequent opportunities to “hang out all the time,” often enjoying meals and play sessions together, highlighting the genuine affection DeVito has for his growing family.
A Growing Family and the Joys of Grandparenthood
Danny DeVito’s embrace of grandparenthood extends beyond Carmine. He is also a proud grandfather to Sinclair, born in 2023 to his middle daughter, Grace “Gracie” Fan DeVito. DeVito shares his three children – Lucy, 42, Grace, 40, and son Jake, 38 – with his ex-wife, actress Rhea Perlman.
Perlman herself has spoken about the unique joy of having grandchildren. On the “Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfous” podcast, she shared her profound feelings: “Everybody said it’ll change your life when you have a grandchild, and it does. There’s a certain love, I mean I felt it when my own children were born, the kind of love I never felt before for anything…but this was a profound kind of feeling, and here it is again. They can do no wrong. Looking at a new human being is so amazing, that people create other people. It’s mind-boggling.”
DeVito’s Prior Reflections on Family and Joy
This deep affection for his grandchildren isn’t a new sentiment for DeVito. He previously expressed his immense joy in a 2024 AARP video, revealing how the arrival of his grandchildren has brought an abundance of happiness into his life. “In two years, my daughters have had a baby each, and since these babies have been born, you gotta tamper me down in the joy department,” he shared at the time. “I’m just like, you know, busting.”
He also offered a touching philosophy on parenting and grand-parenting, comparing it to the adage of a watched pot. “There’s that saying: ‘A watched pot never boils.’ So I apply that to my kids. I look at them all the time, because I don’t want them to boil,” he explained. “I want them to take their time and grow.” This perspective highlights his desire for his family to thrive at their own pace, free from pressure.
DeVito consistently emphasizes the importance of family and friends as core motivators in his life. “No matter what happens in your life, the main thing is that you’ve got family and friends. I’m very fortunate. Blessing showered down on me, and I wish it for everybody,” he added in the AARP clip, underscoring his gratitude.
An Emotional Pregnancy Reveal Backstage
The announcement of Lucy’s pregnancy with Carmine was a particularly poignant moment for the actor. DeVito recounted the emotional revelation during an appearance on The Talk. The news came while he and Lucy were starring together in the Broadway play I Need That. They often shared quiet pre-performance chats about their roles, and one evening, just 30 minutes before going on stage, Lucy chose that intimate moment to share her joyful secret.
“She says, ‘Dad, I got something to tell you. I’m pregnant,'” DeVito recalled. His immediate reaction was pure, unadulterated joy, as he confessed, “I just burst into tears.” This deeply personal and emotional anecdote further solidifies the heartwarming image of Danny DeVito as a truly devoted family man, adding another layer to the beloved persona that fans have cherished for decades.
