Recent social media claims announcing the death of beloved actor Danny DeVito have been confirmed as false. The 80-year-old star of Taxi, Batman Returns, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is alive, well, and continuing his work in the entertainment industry.
How the Hoax Started
The false reports surfaced around July 23–24, 2025, after a misleading Facebook post titled “Death of Danny DeVito” began circulating widely. Fact-checks reveal the story originated from satirical or parody sources, not legitimate news outlets. Similar death hoaxes involving DeVito have appeared before, with Reuters debunking identical claims back in 2021.
MediaMass and other fact-checking sites have since confirmed the latest reports are entirely fabricated. Fans across social media expressed frustration and disappointment over the misleading claims, with many noting the emotional toll such rumors have on both audiences and celebrities.
DeVito’s Ongoing Career
Despite the hoax, Danny DeVito remains professionally active and in good health. In March 2025, he attended a Taxi cast reunion at a major theatre gala, celebrating decades of success. He also recently marked the premiere of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17, sharing his excitement about the upcoming Season 18 and future creative projects.
Why Celebrity Death Hoaxes Spread
Celebrity death hoaxes often go viral due to the ease of sharing unverified content and the use of “news-like” formats on social platforms. DeVito’s long-standing popularity and absence of immediate public statements may have fueled the latest false reports.
Fan Reactions and Official Responses
Fans quickly took to online forums like Reddit to refute the hoax, with messages such as, “He’s absolutely alive … shame on those spreading lies,” and, “I nearly cried thinking we’d lost this comedy legend.” Representatives from DeVito’s team have also reassured the public that he remains in good health and fully engaged with ongoing projects.
The Takeaway
The viral claims of Danny DeVito’s death are baseless and unverified by credible sources. The actor continues to thrive in his career, working on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and new film ventures.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing it online. At 80, Danny DeVito remains not only alive but actively contributing to the world of film and television.