In a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, everyone’s favorite funny and talented actor, Danny DeVito, made a memorable appearance. DeVito, known for his roles in iconic movies like “Taxi” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” sat down with Johnny Carson to discuss his latest film, “Ruthless People.”
The interview started off with an enthusiastic applause from the audience, showing just how much they love DeVito. As the conversation unfolded, Carson expressed his admiration for DeVito’s work in “Taxi,” a show that continues to entertain audiences even to this day.
DeVito reminisced about his time on the show, describing it as one of the best experiences of his life. The ensemble cast and talented team behind “Taxi” created a dynamic and hilarious show that still holds up, much like classic sitcoms such as “I Love Lucy” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
But here’s a little-known fact about DeVito – before he became an acclaimed actor, he worked as a hairdresser. That’s right, DeVito honed his skills at his sister’s beauty parlor after attending the Wilfred Academy of Hairdressing. He even became quite renowned for his specialty – the beehive hairstyle, a popular trend in the early 60s. People would flock to him and stay with their beehives for weeks, proving that DeVito had a knack for creating hairstyles that people never wanted to let go of.
Carson found DeVito’s career shift from hairdressing to acting intriguing, especially considering the macho image associated with his hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey. DeVito shared that he never let societal expectations deter him from pursuing his passion. He fondly recalled the support of his friends from Jersey, who would often attend his premieres and show their enthusiasm, albeit sometimes in a rowdy manner.
Carson also delved into DeVito’s personal life, asking about his relationship with his wife, the talented actress Rhea Perlman. DeVito and Perlman have been together for 15 years, working alongside each other in off-off-Broadway productions before making a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. Their dedication to making it work despite the challenges of show business is admirable.
As the interview progressed, Carson showed a clip from DeVito’s latest film, “Ruthless People.” The movie revolves around a man named Sam Stone (played by DeVito) who plans to kill his wife, portrayed by Bette Midler. DeVito explained the premise and introduced Anita Morris, who played a disturbed housewife in the film. The clip showcased the comedic brilliance of DeVito and the talented cast involved in the movie.
Throughout the conversation, DeVito’s infectious sense of humor shone through. His witty storytelling brought laughter to the audience as he recounted amusing anecdotes, including a joke he shared while filming in Morocco. It seems that DeVito’s humor transcends language barriers, as the Moroccan governor’s reaction to his joke proved.
Overall, DeVito’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson demonstrated why he is one of the most beloved actors in the industry. From his early days as a hairdresser to his success on the big screen, DeVito continues to captivate audiences with his comedic talent and down-to-earth personality. It’s no wonder that he remains a favorite guest on late-night talk shows like Carson’s.
Originally aired on June 26, 1986
