Danny DeVito‘s bold audition for Taxi role in 1978 nearly cost him the opportunity that defined his early television career and eventually led to his Emmy win. His unforgettable tryout for the role of Louie De Palma was both risky and unconventional, setting the stage for a decades-long career in Hollywood.
Early Career and the Unexpected Beginning
Before he became a household name, Danny DeVito was one of many actors seeking memorable roles, building experience audition by audition. Despite the image we have today of DeVito as a veteran actor celebrated for his comedy and wit, his early years were marked by uncertainty and the constant search for work. Fresh from his role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, DeVito pursued the opportunity to play the dispatcher in Taxi—a new show spearheaded by a celebrated team, including James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis, and Ed. Weinberger.
Unlike many seasoned television actors, DeVito was relatively unfamiliar with industry norms at the time. Nevertheless, he found himself encouraged by a casting director to attend the Taxi audition, despite the character not immediately resonating with him. DeVito saw an opportunity but knew he needed to stand out to get noticed among a crowded field of hopefuls seeking the role of Louie De Palma, a cantankerous dispatcher for a fictional New York cab company.
The Audition That Became Legendary
DeVito’s approach to his audition was anything but ordinary. Determined to leave a lasting impression on the panel of accomplished creators assembled in the audition room, DeVito added an experimental touch to his performance. He later recounted the audacious moment in an interview with GQ, recalling how he chose to push boundaries and break expectations:
“I went in, and I read the script. It was like a great part, really cantankerous, telling people what to do.”
Rather than simply delivering lines, DeVito infused the audition with his unique energy. He included commanding moments, such as ordering people to put their hands down—embracing the essential brusqueness of the character. But it was his desire to stand out that inspired his next move, a moment he would remember for years to come.
“So I figured to get this part, I wanted to do something they would remember me by. So I walked in with the script and they were all sitting around, and I said, ‘One thing I want to know before we start, who wrote this s**t?’ And I threw it on a coffee table.”
This bold gesture brought the room to a sudden halt—a moment DeVito described as filled with uncertainty and fear. The silence was quickly broken, however, as the creative team burst into laughter, turning what could have been a disaster into a career-defining performance.
“There was this moment of terror where I just walked, and then all of a sudden, like everybody just laughed their a**es off.”
That laughter not only won him the part but also set the tone for his relationship with the writers and fellow cast members. DeVito’s willingness to risk embarrassment for the sake of authenticity and humor became part of his reputation. He later reflected that such boldness did not guarantee success in every audition, but in this instance, it was exactly what the show creators wanted.
Louie De Palma: A New Television Icon Emerges
Upon securing the role, Danny DeVito brought Louie De Palma to life with a mix of gruffness and offbeat charisma. The character quickly found a place in pop culture history, earning DeVito critical acclaim and eventually an Emmy Award. Taxi’s ensemble, including the likes of Judd Hirsch and Marilu Henner, helped propel the show to widespread popularity over its five-season run.
The confidence DeVito displayed during his audition did more than land him a part—it transformed his career. It redefined the kind of roles he would be offered and opened new doors, both in television and film. DeVito would go on to star in well-known films such as Twins and Batman Returns, demonstrating a range that few could have predicted prior to his breakout role on Taxi.
Reflecting on his journey during various interviews, DeVito has shared how his stature and comedic intensity helped shape his performances and the reactions of his colleagues. His willingness to take chances cemented his standing as a compelling character actor and comedic force in Hollywood.
Audition Style That Set a Personal Precedent
The story of DeVito’s bold Taxi audition did not remain an isolated moment in his career. Rather, it became a blueprint for his audition process in the years that followed. In interviews with outlets like AARP and the New York Post, DeVito discussed how his disregard for strict casting descriptions and reliance on performance authenticity became his calling card:
“You audition all the time. I never looked at the log line [when auditioning for a role] like: ‘Audition for male, six foot four,’ you know, ‘250 pounds,’ I’d go for the audition. I don’t care what the description is. Once I get in the room, I’m going to do what I’m going to do. Like with ‘Taxi.’”
The principle to defy typecasting and bring his own style to audition rooms carried DeVito into countless new projects, whether on television or in major films. After Taxi, he was no longer limited to be a supporting player; his confidence and comedic edge helped him land roles that would become household favorites for generations of viewers.
The Continuing Influence of DeVito’s Audacious Approach
Danny DeVito’s daring audition for the iconic Taxi role continues to resonate as a powerful example for aspiring actors and Hollywood insiders alike. His journey from uncertain hopeful to Emmy-winning star is rooted in a willingness to take risks and act from instinct—a lesson that stands as inspiration decades later. Creatives like James L. Brooks and Stan Daniels remember the impression DeVito made, which altered the character of Louie De Palma and shaped the show’s comedic voice.
Taxi, now available for streaming on Paramount+ in the US, remains a testament to the enduring appeal of bold, character-driven comedy. DeVito’s experience demonstrates the value of authenticity and courage in the entertainment industry, qualities that continue to fuel his reputation. Even at 80, Danny DeVito’s career remains a story of taking chances, defying expectations, and leaving a mark that endures long after the audition room has emptied.
