Danny DeVito’s Wild ‘Taxi’ Parties in the 1980s

After the cameras stopped rolling on the sitcom “Taxi,” Danny DeVito and his castmates indulged in unforgettable parties that lasted all night. DeVito shared his memories of these gatherings during a conversation on the “All the Smoke” podcast.

These events were extravagant and reflected the era’s unique atmosphere. DeVito described how music played from dusk till dawn, accompanied by “crudité and cocaine,” painting a vivid picture of the ’80s party scene.

“But getting back to the parties, those were like ragers,” he shared. “Like we would have, like, crudité and cocaine… basically it was the ’80s. It was, like, crazy.”

The guest list was impressive, featuring stars beyond the “Taxi” cast. Robin Williams and Michael Jackson were among those who attended. Jackson preferred to watch from the booth rather than sit with the audience. Other notable attendees included members from “SNL” such as John Belushi and performers from “Laverne & Shirley.”

DeVito said the celebrations started immediately after filming ended, as the night’s work transitioned seamlessly into party mode.

“So then we would transition right from the show that we finished, like, 10:30, 11. And immediately go up and blare the music… until the sun came up,” DeVito recalled.

The star stressed that their main concern was to be ready for work by noon on Mondays. His performance as Louie De Palma, the abrasive dispatcher in “Taxi,” earned him both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe. This role marked his breakthrough in Hollywood.

The show, which aired from 1978 to 1983, featured actors like Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Christopher Lloyd, Jeff Conaway, and Andy Kaufman. Working on “Taxi” was a formative experience for DeVito, thanks to the dedicated and humorous writers who supported the cast tirelessly.

“And it was one of the greatest experiences for the beginning of anybody’s career, because you were working with writers who were nose to the grindstone, never give up, dedicated, funny a– people,” DeVito stated.

Following “Taxi,” DeVito built a diverse career in entertainment, acting in films like “Twins,” “Batman Returns,” and “Matilda.” Since 2006, he has endeared himself to a new generation as Frank Reynolds on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”