Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade – Episode: RE-RELEASE - Danny DeVito

Release Date: July 9, 2025

In this special re-release episode of "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade," longtime friends Dana Carvey and David Spade sit down with the multifaceted actor and director Danny DeVito. The episode delves deep into Danny's illustrious career, his early struggles, his enduring friendships in Hollywood, and his latest creative endeavors.

Early Career and Auditioning Stories

The conversation kicks off with Danny reminiscing about his early days in New York, highlighting the challenges he faced while auditioning for roles.

[04:21] Danny DeVito:
"I stuck my head in the door and there were an actor, a director, and a writer who immediately saw something in me. I didn't have an equity card, but that audition landed me a part in 'Shoot Anything with Hair that Moves.' It was the beginning of something great."

Danny shares his first Off Broadway experience, emphasizing the grit and determination required to break into the industry during the 1960s. He recounts his apartment hunt, securing a modest one-bedroom for $50 a month on Madison Avenue, and the vibrant, albeit challenging, environment of midtown New York during that era.

Navigating Hollywood and Building Friendships

Danny discusses his relationships with iconic figures like Jack Nicholson and Michael Douglas, illustrating the camaraderie and mutual support that fueled their careers.

[23:01] Danny DeVito:
"Jack was like a guy from Jersey. We were born in the same hospital, figured out we'd all be sure and well, hey, I'll be damned."

He reflects on meeting Michael Douglas at Paramount and their subsequent collaboration on projects like "Romancing the Stone" and "War of the Roses." Danny emphasizes the importance of having trustworthy friends in the demanding world of show business.

Saturday Night Live and Cold Reading

The trio delves into Danny's experiences with Saturday Night Live (SNL), particularly his rare role as a host. Danny praises Dana for her exceptional cold reading skills during live performances.

[25:34] Danny DeVito:
"It was a lot of fun to sit in that room with all you crazy people and just go through the pile of scripts, picking what suited you best."

He likens the SNL environment to the old-school showbiz atmosphere of the Marx Brothers, highlighting the collaborative and dynamic nature of live television comedy.

Iconic Roles and Directorial Ventures

Danny shares insights into some of his most memorable roles, including Oswald Cobblepot (The Penguin) in "Batman Returns" and his directorial work on "Matilda."

[36:40] Danny DeVito:
"I had fun doing The Penguin. The makeup was intense, almost five hours initially. Oswald was written like an opera, and the character was all of it—so slapping his flippers off the walls, burying things everywhere."

He also discusses his innovative Matilda Symphony Project, where he narrates the film live with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, offering a unique blend of cinema and live performance.

Collaborations with Andy Kaufman and Jim Carrey

The episode highlights Danny's eclectic collaborations with comedic geniuses like Andy Kaufman and Jim Carrey.

[40:24] Danny DeVito:
"Seeing Andy do stand-up was bizarre but unforgettable. He was hysterical, turning red with anger, booking people into wrestling matches right there in the hallway."

Regarding Jim Carrey, Danny recounts the challenging yet rewarding experience of working on "Man on the Moon," where he produced the movie and navigated Carrey's intense method acting.

[45:39] Danny DeVito:
"Working with Jim was off the charts fun. Even though he was always in character on set, off set he was a quiet, sweet guy."

Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Ongoing Projects

Danny returns to discuss his role in "Always Sunny in Philadelphia," expressing his admiration for the show's longevity and the dynamic among the cast members.

[52:18] Danny DeVito:
"The guys on Always Sunny are a lot of fun to work with. They're a bunch of lovable oddballs, and it's been a great job that keeps giving."

He also previews his upcoming Matilda Symphony Project, detailing the collaboration with composer David Newman and the involvement of actors like Pam Ferris.

[55:13] Danny DeVito:
"In the Matilda Symphony Project, I narrate the movie live with the orchestra. It's a challenging yet exhilarating experience to blend narration with live musical performance."

Reflections on Success and Struggles

Dana Carvey poses a thoughtful question about reflecting on early struggles after achieving success. Danny responds candidly about how those challenging times were tough but not necessarily fond memories.

[14:20] Danny DeVito:
"Those days were struggles, but not the best. They were tough, but you were so focused on getting the job that you didn't really notice how tough it was until afterward."

David Spade adds his perspective, relating it to his own experiences in the entertainment industry, emphasizing resilience and perseverance.

Closing Remarks and Future Endeavors

As the episode winds down, Danny discusses the legacy of Ivan Reitman, reflecting on their planned projects and the impact of Reitman's passing.

[30:42] Danny DeVito:
"Ivan was a brilliant director and made a big difference in my life. Arnold and I are working on other things together, keeping his legacy alive."

The hosts wrap up by highlighting Danny's continuous commitment to creativity and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.

Notable Quotes

• Danny DeVito on Auditioning:
  "I stuck my head in the door and there were an actor, a director, and a writer who immediately saw something in me."
  [04:21]

• Danny DeVito on Friendship with Jack Nicholson:
  "Jack was like a guy from Jersey. We were born in the same hospital, figured out we'd all be sure and well, hey, I'll be damned."
  [23:01]

• Danny DeVito on SNL Hosting:
  "It was a lot of fun to sit in that room with all you crazy people and just go through the pile of scripts."
  [25:34]

• Danny DeVito on The Penguin:
  "Oswald was written like an opera, and the character was all of it—slapping his flippers off the walls."
  [36:40]

• Danny DeVito on Early Struggles:
  "Those days were struggles, but not the best. They were tough, but you were so focused on getting the job that you didn't really notice how tough it was until afterward."
  [14:20]

Conclusion

This episode offers a rich tapestry of Danny DeVito's journey through the entertainment industry, highlighting his resilience, creative spirit, and the invaluable friendships that have shaped his career. Dana Carvey and David Spade expertly guide the conversation, allowing listeners to gain deep insights into the life and mind of one of Hollywood's beloved figures.

Whether you're a fan of Danny DeVito, avid follower of "Always Sunny in Philadelphia," or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of showbiz, this episode is a must-listen for its engaging storytelling and heartfelt reflections.