If you are a fan of rock music or musical theatre, you might have heard of Karla DeVito, a singer and actress who has performed with Meat Loaf, Jim Steinman, and in The Pirates of Penzance. On the other hand, if you are a fan of comedy or movies, you might have heard of Danny DeVito, a famous actor and producer who has starred in Taxi, Matilda, Batman Returns, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. But are these two celebrities related by blood or marriage? The answer is no.
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Karla DeVito’s Background and Family
Karla DeVito was born on May 29, 1953 in Mokena, Illinois. She attended Loyola University Chicago and majored in theater. She started her career in 1972, joining the national company of Godspell. She then became the lead singer of the band Orchestra Luna and joined the cast of Jim Steinman’s show Neverland. She also toured with Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman for their album Bat Out of Hell and appeared in the video clips of “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “Bat Out of Hell”. She released her debut solo album, Is This a Cool World or What? in 1981 and her second album, Wake ‘Em Up in Tokyo in 1986. Her song “We Are Not Alone” was featured in the movie The Breakfast Club.
Karla DeVito married Robby Benson, an actor and director, in 1982. They met while performing in The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway. They have two children: a son named Zephyr Benson and a daughter named Lyric Benson. Karla and Robby have collaborated on several projects, such as the animated movie Beauty and the Beast, where they both provided voices for characters. They also co-wrote a musical called Open Heart, which premiered in 2004.
Danny DeVito’s Background and Family
Danny DeVito was born on November 17, 1944 in Neptune Township, New Jersey. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and graduated in 1966. He made his movie debut in 1970 and his breakthrough role was as Louie De Palma in the comedy series Taxi, for which he won an Emmy Award. He also starred in movies such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Twins, Ruthless People, Throw Momma from the Train, and Get Shorty. He received an Oscar nomination for producing Erin Brockovich. He also directed movies such as The War of the Roses, Matilda, and Death to Smoochy. He is currently playing Frank Reynolds in the sitcom It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Danny DeVito married Rhea Perlman, an actress and author, in 1982. They met while working on the play The Shrinking Bride in 1971. They have three children: a daughter named Lucy DeVito, who is also an actress; a daughter named Grace DeVito, who is an artist; and a son named Jake DeVito, who is an actor and producer. Danny and Rhea separated in 2017 after 35 years of marriage, but they have not finalized their divorce. They remain friends and co-parents to their children.
Why Do They Have Similar Surnames?
DeVito is a common Italian surname that derives from the Latin word “divitus”, meaning “rich” or “wealthy”. It is possible that Karla and Danny have some distant ancestors who shared this surname, but they are not closely related or connected by any known family ties. According to sitename Foundation Systems Inc., of individuals in the US with the surname DeVito, 45% come from New Jersey or New York. Danny was born in New Jersey, while Karla was born in Illinois.
Therefore, Karla DeVito and Danny DeVito are not related by blood or marriage. They are just two talented performers who happen to have similar surnames..
