Summary
Highlights
The podcast opens with anticipation for Danny DeVito's arrival, who humorously struggled with directions despite detailed instructions. Upon his eventual entry, the conversation quickly shifts to his stance on Christmas music, revealing his cynical view of Christmas's commercial origins and challenging the traditional narrative of Jesus's birth. He also touches upon his hesitation with DNA testing services like 23andMe due to privacy concerns.
Danny DeVito recounts how he came to join 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.' He explains that a former colleague, John Landgraf, sent him the initial eight episodes. DeVito and his family loved the outrageous humor, leading him to accept a role in the show, provided the character was organic and not just a celebrity cameo. He discusses the initial skepticism from others about him taking on a cable show after his success with 'Taxi,' but emphasizes the importance of following his gut feeling. His children's enthusiasm for the show also played a significant role in his decision, especially his daughter Lucy.
DeVito shares a vivid memory of 'Taxi' being canceled, despite its critical acclaim and Emmy wins, which he learned while preparing to host Saturday Night Live. He describes the cast's devastation and their decision to get drunk and lament the cancellation. He also recounts the iconic first appearance of his character, Louie De Palma, on 'Taxi,' and the immediate, overwhelming impact of widespread fame when 40-50 million people watched the show. He contrasts this with the current media landscape, noting that such a phenomenon is no longer possible.
DeVito reveals his surprising past as a hairdresser, a career his sister encouraged him into. He humorously describes his experience at beauty school, surrounded by women, and his progression from sweeping floors to styling hair for 'old ladies.' He then shares a peculiar and darkly comedic anecdote about being asked to style the hair of deceased clients for their coffins. This leads to a story about how a makeup class he took eventually led him to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, marking the beginning of his acting career. He discusses how a seemingly failed play led directly to his role in 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' where he reunited with William Devane and met his future wife, Rhea Perlman.
DeVito discusses the evolution of his 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' character, Frank Reynolds. He notes that the character became 'deeper' and more 'extreme' over time, driven by his desire to push the envelope with outrageous storylines. He shares his enjoyment of being thrown out of windows, losing his memory, and other physically demanding and absurd scenarios. The hosts play a montage of memorable Frank Reynolds moments, including the iconic 'man in the couch' scene, the 'Rum Ham' incident, and his various alter egos like 'Man Spider' and 'Mantis Toboggan.'
The clip package continues with Frank's 'Donkey Brains' certificate and his recount of a traumatizing therapy experience as a child that led him to a 'nitwit school' where he met a 'frog kid.' DeVito shares his approach to playing a drunken character, emphasizing research and understanding the nuances of how intoxicated people speak and move. He demonstrates the slow, pointed speech, highlighting the commitment to portraying the absurdity without winking at the audience.
The hosts reflect on Danny DeVito's ability to play despicable characters while remaining beloved by audiences. DeVito attributes this to the inherent fun of playing such roles. The podcast wraps up with the hosts promising more outrageous and funny moments for Frank Reynolds in the upcoming season, expressing their appreciation for DeVito's contribution to the show and his willingness to embrace its unique brand of humor.