Rhea Perlman – Biography, Age, Height, Family, and Net Worth

Rhea Perlman is a name synonymous with sharp wit and unforgettable television. For eleven seasons, she commanded the screen as Carla Tortelli, the acerbic barmaid on the beloved sitcom Cheers. That role earned her four Emmy Awards and a permanent place in pop culture history. But her career extends far beyond the bar of Boston’s favorite watering hole.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Perlman has transitioned seamlessly from a television icon to a respected film actress and children’s author. Her recent, critically praised performance as Ruth Handler, the creator of the Barbie doll, in Greta Gerwig’s 2023 blockbuster Barbie, introduced her to a new generation of fans. Her personal life, particularly her long-term marriage and later separation from actor Danny DeVito, has also been a subject of public interest for decades.

This profile examines the life, career, and family of this celebrated actress, drawing on verified biographical sources to separate fact from speculation.

Who is Rhea Perlman? (Biography Overview)

Overview Grid

Key Insights

• Rhea Perlman is an Emmy-winning actress best known for playing Carla Tortelli on Cheers for 11 seasons.
• She was married to actor Danny DeVito for 35 years (separated in 2017, not divorced).
• Perlman made a notable cameo in the 2023 blockbuster film Barbie.
• She is also a children’s author, having written the Otto Undercover book series.
• She is of Polish and Russian descent and holds a BA from Hunter College.
• She has a younger sister, Heide Perlman, who is a television writer and producer.
• Her birth sign is Aries.

Snapshot Facts

Who is Rhea Perlman Married To? (Family and Relationships)

Rhea Perlman is married to actor Danny DeVito. The couple met on January 17, 1971, at a performance of the play The Shrinking Bride. They married on January 28, 1982, and have three children together. The family formerly resided in Beverly Hills, California, and owned a vacation home in Interlaken, New Jersey.

Are Rhea Perlman and Danny DeVito Still Married?

Yes, they are still legally married. The couple separated in 2012 (though some sources cite 2017), but they have not finalized a divorce as of 2025. They remain close and have been seen together publicly on numerous occasions.

Does Rhea Perlman Have Children?

Yes, she has three children with Danny DeVito:

• Lucy DeVito (born 1983) – An actress known for her work on the TV series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
• Grace (Gracie) Fan DeVito – She tends to keep a lower public profile.
• Jacob Daniel DeVito – He also maintains a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.

Is Rhea Perlman Related to Ron Perlman?

No, she is not related to actor Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy). This is a very common misconception based on their shared surname. They have no known familial connection.

What Movies and TV Shows Has Rhea Perlman Been In? (Career and Iconic Roles)

The Role That Defined a Generation: Carla Tortelli

Rhea Perlman’s breakout role remains her most famous. She played the feisty, cynical, and endlessly quotable waitress Carla Tortelli on the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1982 to 1993. She appeared in all 275 episodes across 11 seasons. Her performance earned her four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series out of ten nominations, as well as nominations for six Golden Globe Awards.

Rhea Perlman in Matilda

In 1996, she co-starred in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda. She played Zinnia Wormwood, the hilariously neglectful and self-absorbed mother of the title character. The film was directed by her husband at the time, Danny DeVito.

Rhea Perlman’s Role in Barbie

In 2023, Perlman took on a poignant and critically praised role as Ruth Handler, the real-life creator of the Barbie doll, in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. Her brief but powerful scene provided the emotional core of the film, introducing her to a massive new audience.

Other Notable Film and TV Work

• Canadian Bacon (1995): Appeared in Michael Moore’s political satire.
• The Sessions (2012) and Poms (2019): Significant supporting roles in these films.
• Author: She is also the author of the Otto Undercover children’s book series.
• TV Guest Roles: She has guest-starred on shows like The Mindy Project, The Goldbergs, and many others.

What is Rhea Perlman Doing Now? (Current Status and Net Worth)

Is Rhea Perlman on Instagram?

Yes, she is active on Instagram under the handle @perlmonster. She often shares personal photos, behind-the-scenes content from her career, and posts about her family and social causes.

What is Rhea Perlman’s Net Worth?

Her net worth is estimated to be around $60 million, a figure built primarily from her long-running success on Cheers and subsequent film and television roles.

Timeline of Key Life and Career Events

1. 1970s: Begins her acting career with minor TV roles.
2. 1982: Cast as Carla Tortelli on Cheers; marries Danny DeVito.
3. 1993: Cheers ends after 11 seasons; Perlman wins 4 Primetime Emmy Awards.
4. 1996: Co-stars in the film Matilda as Matilda’s mother.
5. 2000s: Appears in various TV guest roles (The Mindy Project, The Goldbergs).
6. 2017: Separates from Danny DeVito after 35 years of marriage.
7. 2023: Appears in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
8. 2025: Continues acting and maintains an active Instagram presence.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear

Background and Cultural Context

Rhea Perlman’s role as Carla Tortelli remains her most significant cultural legacy. The character’s brash independence and sharp tongue made her a standout on one of the most acclaimed sitcoms of all time. However, her recent role in Barbie has successfully bridged a generational gap, introducing her talents to younger viewers who may not be familiar with her Cheers work.

The high public interest in her relationship with Danny DeVito reflects their status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved pairings. Even though they are separated, their close friendship and frequent public appearances together continue to generate significant search interest.

The persistent confusion with actor Ron Perlman is a common point of interest, as many people assume a familial connection based on their shared surname.

Sources and Key References

“Rhea Perlman is best known for playing the waitress Carla Tortelli on the television sitcom Cheers, a role that earned her four Emmy Awards.”

Wikipedia

“Perlman has appeared in films such as Matilda (1996), Canadian Bacon (1995), and The Sessions (2012).”

IMDb

For a comprehensive list of her credits, including critic and audience scores, you can also visit her Rotten Tomatoes page. Her Emmy history is detailed on the official Emmys website.

Summary of Rhea Perlman’s Journey

Rhea Perlman is a distinguished actress and author who has enjoyed a career spanning over five decades. From her Emmy-winning run on Cheers to her poignant role in Barbie, she has consistently demonstrated range and depth. Her personal life, especially her long and evolving relationship with Danny DeVito, remains a point of public fascination. For more on her family, you can also read the Tony Shalhoub – Biography, Net Worth, Wife and Career Facts article which covers another celebrated actor from a similar era.

Frequently Asked Questions