Rhea Perlman Nears 75: She Gardens, Cherishes Grandmotherhood, and Remains Married to Danny DeVito Despite Their Separation

Rhea Perlman’s journey through Hollywood is a story of resilience, talent, and adaptability coupled with an enduring personal life that has seen its fair share of both public and private moments. At nearly 75, Perlman reflects on a life full of professional accolades and personal growth. From her breakthrough role in the beloved sitcom Cheers to her adventures in film and writing, Perlman’s career has seen a series of successful turns that have endeared her to generations of fans. Behind the camera, her life with Danny DeVito, despite its ups and downs, remains a testament to an enduring affection and mutual respect marked by a unique blend of independence and interconnectedness.

Despite two permanent separations, Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito have been married for forty years and will soon celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary.

The "Cheers" cast (Clockwise) Ted Danson as Sam Malone, Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Nicholas Colasanto as Ernie "Coach" Pantusso, Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli in 1990 | Source: Getty Images

The actress, who starred in the hit comedy ‘Cheers’, enjoyed a thriving career and a quiet existence after raising her granddaughter and taking care of her home.

Rhea has a home in Chelsea to be close to her daughter, actress Lucy DeVito, but spends most of her time in Los Angeles with her rescue dog, Zorro.

Rhea Perlman is an American actress, writer, and producer. She was born on March 31, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York City. It’s almost his birthday; she will be 75 years old.

Famous films Rhea has starred in include Matilda, Pom, The Sessions, Canadian Bacon, and Sunset Park.

The comedian rose to fame on “Cheers,” where she played Carla Tortelli from 1982 to 1993. During her eleven seasons as the main character on the NBC sitcom, Rhea won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Rhea, who is worth $60 million, has had a thriving acting career. The mother of three was a regular on “The Mindy Project,” a FOX television series, from 2014 to 2017.

However, the comedian claimed that ‘Cheers’, which launched her career, was responsible for her acting success. The author said she had the best job ever and that playing Carla Tortelli was a huge deal for her:

It was huge and I don’t know what kind of career I would have had if it hadn’t happened. It was the best job in the world, but no one can predict what will happen.”

The producer of the popular sitcom remembers not wanting it to end. She recalled asking her co-star George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson, whether the show should be ended. But the two decided to keep at it as long as they could:

“Would you turn down a gift from someone you get every year the following year? Why not? That’s how we used him as long as he gave.”

The comic is the complete opposite of the roles he portrays. Although the author is actually charming and kind, her performance in “Cheers” portrayed her as a strict woman. Rhea noted that many were surprised by how different her alter personalities were:

Rhea Perlman during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the city of Santa Monica's Library in Santa Monica, California on January 7, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

“When people meet me, they’re all taken aback. I suppose it’s because I’ve spent so much time playing the tough cookie. It’s my strongest point. I doubt I could be considered a refined southern belle.”

The actress plays a stubborn character on the CBS sitcom “Pearl,” where she denigrates women and excels in wild arguments.

Although she has a difficult personality on TV, Rhea is not ugly in real life. In fact, she is eager to take the liberty of saying something bad about her former co-workers.

When the producer spoke, she begged reporters not to release any names. She once argued awkwardly that if the reporter hadn’t asked, she wouldn’t have said anything.

Although the comedian is careful not to say anything negative about her co-stars, her feisty TV character Pearl would be the first to turn on her if given the chance.

Danny DeVito and Rhea have been married for 40 years. The two teamed up in 1971 for the off-Broadway production of “The Shrinking Bride,” in which Danny was cast as a “demented stableboy.”

During the session, the mother of three, who came to see her girlfriend at the game, couldn’t let go of Danny and fell in love at first sight.

The 74-year-old said she immediately asked Danny:

“I asked a friend if he had a girlfriend and she said no. I had to meet him right away. I really fell for him.”

After their first meeting, the two went on their first date – dinner. Rhea moved in with Danny in his Manhattan, Los Angeles apartment a few weeks after leaving Brooklyn.

The comic said the relocation was important because although living in Manhattan had always been her dream, she never imagined she would end up in Los Angeles. On January 28, 1982, the actress and Danny later married.

Her home is tastefully decorated thanks to the efforts of the two who hired Carter’s Design, a Los Angeles-based design firm led by lead designer Genevieve Carter.

Rhea Perlman and director Danny DeVito attending a film screening in New York City on April 15, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Rhea and Danny are the parents of three children together: Jack DeVito, 35, Grace DeVito, 38, and Lucy DeVito, 40. After 30 years of marriage, the couple announced their first separation in 2012. Until then, they remained married.

Nevertheless, they reconciled in March 2013.

Unfortunately, the couple’s second breakup in March 2017 was irreversible, as they have not reconciled since then. The author admitted that she missed her husband and that being without him was difficult:

“Sometimes I wish we were still together because those were the glory days, but this is a different kind of glory.

However, Rhea clarified that she and Danny are still seeing each other as they are still related. She said the separation hurt, but since she spends a lot of time with her children, it was probably for the best.

The couple have never divorced despite two breakups, and the actress said that since they’ve been together for so long, she doesn’t see the need to do so:

“There’s a lot of affection and history because we’ve been together for a very long time. Why tarnish our already strong match with the unpleasant aspects of divorce when we have so much in common?”

On Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live in 2019, Rhea spoke openly about her friendship with Danny even after their breakup. An audience member asked about the writer’s reasons for believing her bond with Danny was positive:

“Why do you think it’s so easy for you to stay friends with your ex Danny DeVito, but difficult for so many other couples in Hollywood?”

In response, Rhea said that she and Danny had always loved each other and that they had three wonderful children together. She went on to say that the couple agreed on practically everything important and 40 years of marriage contributed to their positive union.

The mother of three added that she talks to Danny daily. Comparing the last five years of their marriage to the years of their separation, Rhea noted that her relationship with Danny had improved:

Our connection is greatly improved because tense situations are no longer present and in your face.

The kids went through a rough transition, but things settled down in the end.

The producer also mentioned that although she and Danny did not want to divorce, they lived separately and saw each other often.

Rhea thought the set up was fantastic, she felt like she was reunited with her best friend:

“We have the ability to work together or independently. I’m really grateful that Danny and I were able to go through some tough times to have this different kind of connection. We agree on so many things that it makes sense, even though I believe it’s quite unusual .”

Rhea added that her children were always her first priority. Grace’s mother stated that although “Cheers” has helped her career, her children are what she values ​​most in life:

“Cheers” may have been everything when I first started my profession, but family is the most important thing in the world. I would be devastated if my relationships with my children were disrupted.”

The producer said that she now looks forward to working and traveling more. She admitted that she was excited about traveling because there are so many places she would like to see but has never been to:

“I’d really like to visit a lot of places. I haven’t been to Japan yet. I’ve never traveled that much of South America before. Unlikely as it may seem, I’ve never been to Australia. So that’s one thing I’m looking forward to, being in a beautiful environment.”

The “Cheers” actress last appeared in the 2020 big-budget film “Marvelous And The Black Hole.” Kate Tsang wrote the screenplay while Carolyn Mao was producing the film.

Rhea lives in a Malibu, Los Angeles, beach house. She hired Carter’s Design, a Los Angeles-based design firm led by lead designer Genevieve Carter, to create a well-designed home.

In 2016, Genevieve designed the house while Rhea and Danny were still married. The designer described the two as her friends:

Rhea Perlman at the premiere of STX's "Poms" in Los Angeles, California on May 01, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

I think Rhea and Danny are friends. I respect their giving nature and am grateful that we both value using ethically sourced materials and local artisans.”

While working on the home, Genevieve and her team tried to develop a design that would capture the relaxed California dream vibe and surrounding natural recreation.

The lead designer expressed her desire to build a home that would reflect the family’s wide range of artistic endeavors:

Danny, Rhea, and their children appreciate both feelings equally as they are all actively involved in various artistic endeavors.

My intention was to create a calm and cozy environment that would encourage and support these abilities.”

According to Genevieve, they had to redo the entire house, which included whitewashed bricks, new floors, and tiles. They also installed new light fixtures, and new furniture, and updated the bathroom sinks.

The house reflected Genevieve’s concept, with a carefree atmosphere emanating from the dining room and living room, and the furnishings of the rooms add an artistic touch. The couple’s daughter Gracie painted a lot of pieces on the walls.

Above, sandblasted Douglas fir beams contributed to the calm color scheme of the house. The designer declared her passion for beams, which she says she based most of her design decisions on. As the Pacific Ocean served as their muse, Genevieve also recognized the benefits of living near it.

Elegant furnishings, which included plush Cisco Home sofas and a bold Nicky Kehoe farmhouse table, mirrored the center of the house. Sample French bistro seating surrounded the table, and living room windows offered views of the inviting beach.

In addition, the beach house was accentuated with patina and texture, and floor textiles created a joyful atmosphere. Genevieve noted that the house symbolizes the free spirit of individuals:

“Danny and Rhea are incredibly welcoming and generous to an eclectic mix of friends and family, and the ultimate goal was to create a home that supports these ideals; a place that is both welcoming and restorative.”

The comic enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time in this beach hut surrounded by nature. Through her social networks, she provides her admirers with behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life. In one picture on Instagram, Rhea can be seen holding two cake pans full of freshly baked cakes while smiling.

The actress also seems to enjoy gardening, as seen in a photo she shared on Instagram of herself using a shovel for green vegetables. Rhea is seen in the photo wearing only a vest and cap over her curly hair.

Rhea also posts pictures of the surrounding landscape from her beachfront property. A bird sits on one of her wild metal bird feeders, and her compound is illuminated by yellow flowers in her outdoor garden.

The mother of three children, who likes to spend time with her granddaughter, has come to terms with the “grandmother’s life”. Rhea exhibited in New York in 2013 with her granddaughter Grace and daughter Grace. All three looked very similar. They were at a special CBGB show at the ArcLight Hollywood.

The comedian’s granddaughter wore her hair in a ponytail, but Rhea and Grace had curly locks that hung down to their shoulders.

The small child smiled in the warmth of the protective embrace of two adults.

Most of the actress’s life after “Cheers” is spent in her house on the beach with her rescue dog Zorro.

However, she also has her own residence in Chelsea, which allows her to stay close to her daughter, actress Lucy.

A screengrab of (L-R) producer Carolyn Mao, director Kate Tsang, Rhea Perlman, moderator Kim Yutani, Leonardo Nam, and Miya Cech at the "Marvelous And The Black Hole" Virtual Premiere on January 31, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Rhea Perlman’s off-screen life is as rich and varied as her career. While her professional achievements have brought her recognition and financial success, it is clear that her true passions are her personal life and relationships. Despite the challenges of navigating a long marriage with its complexities and breakups, she and Danny DeVito have formed an enduring bond that transcends normal marital norms. Their decision not to divorce and instead maintain a friendship and co-parenting relationship illustrates their deep connection and mutual respect.

In addition to family life, Rhea’s interests in gardening, cooking, and spending time with her granddaughter represent a woman who appreciates the simple joys in life. Her ability to balance her Hollywood career with the tranquility of her beach house and city life in Chelsea near her daughter Lucy underscores her ability to manage both her public persona and her private needs.

As Rhea Perlman approaches her 75th birthday, she continues to embody the spirit of resilience and grace, proving that life can truly be rich and fulfilling outside of the spotlight. Her story is proof that personal happiness and fulfillment often come from the relationships we cultivate and the passions we pursue outside of our professional accomplishments. Whether tending a garden, sharing moments with family, or keeping love alive in a unique marital arrangement, Rhea Perlman remains a living example of living life on your own terms.

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