Was Danny DeVito In A Music Video? Unpacking His Hilarious Cameos
It’s a question that pops up quite often, and honestly, it’s a fun one to think about: Was Danny DeVito in a music video? For many, the idea of this beloved actor, known for his distinctive voice and memorable roles, showing up in a pop song’s visual story might seem a little surprising, yet it happened. His appearances often bring a touch of unexpected charm and humor, making those videos truly stand out. Indeed, his unique presence has graced some truly famous musical productions over the years, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
You know, Danny DeVito has a pretty long and interesting career, spanning from the 1970s right up to today. He’s appeared in a whole bunch of live-action and animated comedies, making us laugh with his characters. From his early, very notable part in the sitcom *Taxi* to his later film roles, he just has a way of making any scene his own. So, it makes a lot of sense, in a way, that his special brand of acting would find its way into the world of music videos.
Actually, his involvement in music videos isn't just a fleeting thing; he’s been part of some iconic ones. We're talking about videos that have been seen by millions, featuring some truly big names in music. These appearances, perhaps surprisingly, show off his versatile appeal, proving he can fit right into the vibrant, often quirky, world of music video storytelling. We'll take a closer look at these moments, exploring just how his presence made those videos even more special, you know?
Table of Contents
- Danny DeVito: A Brief Look
- Danny DeVito's Music Video Appearances
- Frequently Asked Questions About Danny DeVito in Music Videos
Danny DeVito: A Brief Look
Danny DeVito is an American actor and filmmaker who has been active in film since the 1970s. One of his earliest and most notable roles was in the sitcom *Taxi*. He has also directed a number of films, including *Throw Momma From the Train*, *Matilda*, and *Death to Smoochy*. He's just got this very unique energy, you know, that makes him memorable in whatever he does.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
| Occupation | Actor, Filmmaker |
| Active Years | Since the 1970s |
| Notable TV Role | Louie De Palma (Taxi) |
| Notable Film Roles | Ralph (Jewel of the Nile), The Penguin (Batman Returns), Frank Reynolds (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) |
| Directing Credits | Throw Momma From the Train, Matilda, Death to Smoochy |
| Music Appearances | Yes, in several music videos |
Danny DeVito's Music Video Appearances
Danny DeVito has, in fact, popped up in a handful of music videos, often adding his signature touch of humor or a surprising presence. Since the dawn of the MTV era, celebrities have made cameo appearances in music videos. Of course, adding a famous face to your video in the '80s most likely boosted its popularity, and that’s a trend that, you know, just kept going. His appearances are quite varied, showing his willingness to get involved with different kinds of artists and projects. Here's a look at some of his most notable music video credits.
"When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" by Billy Ocean (1985)
This is, arguably, one of his most famous music video cameos, and it's from 1985. Danny DeVito appeared in Billy Ocean's music video for the single "When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going." He wasn't alone, either; he was joined by his *Romancing the Stone* and *Jewel of the Nile* co-stars, Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. It was one of the songs from the movie *The Jewel of the Nile*, which was the 1985 sequel to *Romancing the Stone*. The video is notable for the appearances of the film’s stars, who humorously participate as backup singers, miming to the song’s lyrics. It's a very fun watch, even today.
The video itself became quite popular, and it reportedly boosted the popularity of the venue where it was filmed. Interestingly, the video was initially banned on Top of the Pops because the actors were not, in fact, musicians. This ban just shows how different the rules were back then, and how, you know, a bit strict they could be about what counted as a proper music video. Despite that, the video went on to be a memorable part of 80s pop culture, with DeVito, Douglas, and Turner adding a distinct, playful vibe to the whole thing. It really captured the spirit of the film, in a way.
"Victory" by Puff Daddy (1998)
Yes, Danny DeVito also made an appearance in Puff Daddy's 1998 music video for "Victory." While the details of his role in this particular video are not as widely known or as extensively described as his other cameos, his credit in such a high-profile hip-hop video from that era is quite interesting. It shows, perhaps, a broader reach for his acting talents beyond just comedic roles. The "Victory" video was, you know, a big production for its time, typical of many late 90s hip-hop visuals. His presence, even if brief, would have added a unique touch to the narrative, whatever it was. It's just another example of how his appeal crosses different genres and audiences.
"Mojo" by Peeping Tom (2006)
In 2006, Danny DeVito appeared in the music video for "Mojo" by Peeping Tom. Peeping Tom is a project by Mike Patton, known for his experimental and diverse musical endeavors. This appearance, you know, might be less mainstream than his others, fitting with the band's alternative sound. His involvement in such a project highlights his willingness to collaborate with artists who push boundaries and explore different forms of expression. It’s pretty cool, actually, to see him in something a little bit outside the usual. The video for "Mojo" is likely to be as unconventional and intriguing as the music itself, with DeVito contributing to its unique atmosphere.
"Steal My Girl" by One Direction (2014)
One of Danny DeVito's most recent and widely recognized music video appearances came in 2014, when he starred in One Direction's video for their hit single, "Steal My Girl." This video was quite the production, and it's pretty wild, too. One Direction, which includes Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson, recruited the Hollywood legend to star in the clip. They appear both baffled and amused by his character, which adds a lot to the video's humor. The video opens with the cuties on set in the middle of the desert, awaiting the director of their music video.
In the video, DeVito plays the singers’ director, who meets them in the middle of the desert. One Direction’s new video director, played by DeVito, declares in the clip, “Today, we bring life to the desert.” Indeed, the desert becomes more lively when One Direction is around, and DeVito’s character certainly helps with that. He joins the band members in the California desert to "direct" the music video for their latest single. In the (sort of bizarre) video, Danny DeVito plays a director who tags each of the One Direction boys with a symbol — like power or mystery, you know, adding to the quirky storyline.
The "Steal My Girl" music video has everything, literally everything. We’re talking Maasai tribesmen, sumo wrestlers, acrobats, monkeys, and that thing where a bunch of people dance silly around professional ballerinas. And, of course, Danny DeVito. It's a chaotic, fun, and very memorable video. When asked about that One Direction video he recently appeared in, he apparently cited introducing a bunch of pretty British pop stars to his weird foot as one of his motivating factors. That’s just classic DeVito humor, isn't it? It’s directed by Ben Turner and Gabe Turner, not DeVito himself, even though he plays the director in the story. This particular video is a great example of a celebrity cameo that truly elevates the entire production, making it even more entertaining. Learn more about One Direction's music videos on our site, and perhaps explore more about the art of celebrity cameos in music history.
"Wear My Hat" by Phil Collins
There's also a mention of Danny DeVito having a hilarious cameo in Phil Collins’ music video for ‘Wear My Hat.’ While specific details about his role in this video are not provided, the fact that it’s highlighted as "hilarious" suggests it's another instance where DeVito brought his unique comedic timing and presence to a musical visual. Phil Collins, a legendary musician, would have undoubtedly appreciated DeVito's ability to add a memorable touch to his work. It’s just another piece of the puzzle, showing the breadth of his unexpected appearances in the music world, you know, over the years. This cameo, like the others, contributes to his interesting legacy of pop culture moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Danny DeVito in Music Videos
Did Danny DeVito direct the "Steal My Girl" music video?
No, Danny DeVito did not actually direct the "Steal My Girl" music video. He played the role of the director within the video's storyline, but the actual directors were Ben Turner and Gabe Turner. DeVito has, however, racked up a number of directing credits in films like *Throw Momma From the Train*, *Matilda*, and *Death to Smoochy*, but not for music videos. So, it's just a fun acting part, you know, for the video.
What other famous actors were in Billy Ocean's "When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" video with Danny DeVito?
In Billy Ocean's "When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going" music video from 1985, Danny DeVito appeared alongside his co-stars from *The Jewel of the Nile*: Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. They all humorously participated as backup singers, miming to the song’s lyrics. It was, you know, a pretty big deal to have such prominent film stars in a music video back then, and it made the video truly iconic.
Has Danny DeVito ever sung in a public performance?
Yes, Danny DeVito has, in fact, sung in a public performance. He was noted for singing on Saturday, April 28, 2016, at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park during his appearance at the Asbury Park Music + Film Festival. So, while he's primarily known for his acting, he does have some vocal talent that he's shared with an audience, which is pretty cool, actually. It just adds another layer to his already very diverse career.
Danny DeVito ama la música y estas son sus cinco canciones favoritas
Danny DeVito's Hyperpop Music Debut | Stable Diffusion Online
danny devito sitting by a window Prompts | Stable Diffusion Online
