“This is the end, these guys killed me”: Not Batman, Danny DeVito Claimed He Nearly Died After Director Made Him Drown Because of His Unique Body Shape in Longest Running Sit-Com Series
Danny DeVito is known for his remarkable acting prowess and distinctive physical appearance. Despite standing at just 4 feet 10 inches tall, he has made an indelible mark in the entertainment industry with his talent. DeVito’s acting career began in the early 1970s, with small roles in films and on television.
Danny DeVito
It was his breakout role as Martini in the 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest that brought him to the forefront of the industry. DeVito took on the iconic role of The Penguin (Oswald Cobblepot) in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns. The perfect example of his unparalleled talent is his work on the hit sitcom – It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. However, the show nearly cost him his life while filming one iconic scene.
Charlie Day, who plays Charlie Kelly in the television show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, explained how Danny DeVito nearly drowned during an appearance on Conan show. They all held hands underwater in the season 11 finale, The Gang Goes to Hell: Part Two, and DeVito needed to be weighed down so he would sink.
Charlie Day said,
“Danny’s incredibly buoyant, like a buoy. And when the shot was over and we were all trying to get back to the surface for air, we all quickly got through the water, but because we weighed him down, he sort of got halfway and was going nowhere. And that look of panic in his eyes of like, ‘This is the end, these guys killed me.’”
Danny DeVito
DeVito said, “It was a good experience. I have lived a good life and it flashed before my eyes in that scene.”
Fortunately, safety drivers were on standby when the scene was being filmed, and DeVito could get out of the tank without any harm.
Danny DeVito’s Iconic Role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is a long-running American sitcom known for its dark humor, outrageous plotlines, and unforgettable characters. Among the show’s ensemble cast, one name stands out as an absolute fan favorite: Danny DeVito. DeVito’s performance as Frank Reynolds, the morally bankrupt and utterly deranged character, has become a cornerstone of the series.
Danny DeVito
DeVito’s performance as Frank is nothing short of remarkable. He fully commits to the character’s unhinged nature, delivering lines and physical comedy with unbridled enthusiasm.
DeVito embraced this aspect of the character, often appearing disheveled, sweaty, and in various states of undress. This transformation added a layer of absurdity to the character and showcased DeVito’s dedication to his craft.
Watch It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia on Disney+
Prantik Prabal Roy is a writer at Fandomwire. With an experience of over 4 years in content writing industry and a Master's degree in English literature, he continues to write about your favorite Hollywood celebs and keeps a close watch on their every move to provide intriguing perspectives for the readers. He likes reading, watching movies and traveling. When not working, you will find him obsessing over Leonardo DiCaprio and reading some books on space and sports.