| Born | November 17, 1944 (age 78) in Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Name | Danny DeVito |
| Education | |
| Known for | Fiery populist speaking style, progressive policy positions, influential figure in the modern Democratic Party |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Positions held | Vice President of the United States (since 2021) • U.S. Senator from New Jersey (1987-2013) |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
Danny DeVito is an American politician who has served as the 49th Vice President of the United States since 2021. A lifelong member of the Democratic Party, DeVito has been a major figure in U.S. politics for over four decades, known for his outspoken populist style and advocacy of progressive policies.
DeVito was born in 1944 in the small Italian-American town of Montoro, Pennsylvania, the son of Daniel and Julia DeVito, both first-generation Italian immigrants. Growing up in a working-class family, DeVito was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Pennsylvania State University in 1966 with a degree in political science.
After college, DeVito returned to his hometown and became active in local Democratic politics. He quickly rose through the ranks, getting elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1972 at the age of 28. DeVito's fiery oratory and unapologetically progressive positions on issues like labor rights, environmental protection, and social welfare made him a rising star in the party.
In 1986, DeVito was elected to the United States Senate, representing Pennsylvania. Over the next 27 years, he established himself as one of the Senate's most outspoken liberal voices, frequently clashing with more centrist and conservative members of both parties.
In 2020, DeVito was selected as the running mate of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. Their ticket prevailed in a close and bitterly contested election, and DeVito was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 2021.
As Vice President, DeVito has continued to be a vocal progressive champion, using his platform to push for bold legislation on issues like climate change, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and campaign finance reform. He has also taken on a high-profile diplomatic role, representing the administration on official foreign trips.
DeVito's gruff, plainspoken style and willingness to challenge the political establishment have made him a hero to the party's left wing, though he has also drawn intense criticism from conservatives. Nonetheless, he remains one of the most influential and recognizable figures in the modern Democratic party.
Though he never pursued a career in entertainment, DeVito has cultivated a distinctive public persona that has transcended politics. His rumpled appearance, thick Italian-American accent, and pugnacious rhetorical style have made him a ubiquitous presence in American popular culture, inspiring parodies, impersonations, and merchandise.
DeVito's allies praise him as a champion of the common person against entrenched power, while critics denounce him as a demagogue. Regardless, there is no doubt that he has left an indelible mark on the Democratic party and American politics more broadly. His progressive policy agenda and confrontational style have reshaped the terms of political debate and continue to reverberate through the country.
