40 Celebrities We Need To Keep Safe From 2016

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 30: Actor Danny DeVito speaks onstage at ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ screening during day 3 of the TCM Classic Film Festival 2016 on April 30, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. 25826_009 (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Turner)

36. Danny DeVito

To be frank, I don’t think Death will ever quite catch up to Danny DeVito. Never say never, I know, but it just doesn’t seem plausible. The man is the human embodiment of a firecracker if ever there was one. He might not have the key to immortality like some (ahem, Thomas Brodie-Sangster), but his spirit is absolutely legendary.

From Matilda to Hercules to his one-episode spot as a stripper on Friends, DeVito is a pure, unadulterated joy. Even when his character is a grump or nasty piece of work, DeVito is so electric onscreen that you can’t help but love him. He’s the guy you want to know. And if you can’t know him, you’ll watch him do practically anything—I mean, DeVito could recite his grocery list and I’d be riveted. He has a fun, approachable ease. So while I’d personally still be intimidated to meet him, I’d just go with his natural charisma and shake his hand if I ever got the chance.

The thing about Danny DeVito really is that he’s just a cool guy. Maybe it’s not a traditional type of cool, but it’s a relatable, down-to-earth kind that makes him all the more appealing. And, honestly, DeVito makes the song “One Last Hope” from Hercules what it is, and can we really do better than that? I think not.

-Katie

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