5 Shocking Ways Danny DeVito’s Rick And Morty Cameo Changes Everything (Including His New Show With Dan Harmon)
The convergence of two comedic powerhouses—the anarchic, sci-fi chaos of Rick and Morty and the iconic, unpredictable energy of Danny DeVito—is no longer a fan fantasy. As of the latest run of episodes, the legendary actor has officially entered the multiverse, delivering a surprise cameo that was as bizarre, filthy, and memorable as the show’s most beloved moments. This isn't just a brief guest spot; it’s a deeper, ongoing collaboration with series co-creator Dan Harmon that is reshaping the landscape of adult animation in late 2025.
The appearance of Danny DeVito in Rick and Morty Season 8, Episode 6, titled “The CuRicksous Case of Bethjamin Button,” was a genuine shock to fans, largely going unannounced by the show’s social media channels. His role as the unhinged Dr. Dogballs was short, sweet, and perfectly aligned with the actor’s signature brand of chaotic comedy, immediately linking him to the show’s most depraved guest stars. This collaboration is a significant milestone, solidifying the actor's place in the Harmon-verse and setting the stage for a much larger, darker project.
Danny DeVito: Full Biography and Career Profile
Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. is an American actor, comedian, director, and producer whose career spans over five decades, making him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and enduring figures. Known for his short stature, energetic delivery, and distinctive raspy voice, DeVito has built a monumental career across film, television, and voice acting, frequently playing lovable rogues and comedic antiheroes.
- Full Name: Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.
- Born: November 17, 1944
- Birthplace: Neptune Township, New Jersey, U.S.
- Height: 4 ft 10 in (147 cm)
- Key Television Roles: Louie De Palma in Taxi (1978–1983, winning a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award), Frank Reynolds in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2006–present).
- Key Film Roles: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), Terms of Endearment (1983), Romancing the Stone (1984), Twins (1988), Batman Returns (1992, as The Penguin), Matilda (1996, also directed).
- Key Voice Roles: Philoctetes ("Phil") in Disney’s Hercules (1997), The Lorax in Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (2012), Uncle Dan in Migration (2023), and now Dr. Dogballs in Rick and Morty.
- Production Company: Jersey Films (responsible for hits like Pulp Fiction, Gattaca, and Erin Brockovich).
His work on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia as the depraved but oddly endearing Frank Reynolds has cemented his status in modern cult comedy, making his transition into the equally chaotic world of Rick and Morty a natural fit.
1. The Bizarre Cameo as Dr. Dogballs in Season 8
The most immediate and shocking development is Danny DeVito’s official entry into the *Rick and Morty* universe. DeVito provided the voice for the character Dr. Dogballs in a recent episode of Season 8.
Dr. Dogballs is introduced as the eccentric, mad scientist responsible for creating "Earthworld," a theme park of horrors. The character’s name alone—Dr. Dogballs—is a perfect example of the show’s juvenile yet brilliant dark humor, and the role itself was brief but impactful. DeVito’s signature gravelly voice lent a sense of familiar, unhinged authority to the character, who is described in the episode as a "mad, zoophilic scientist." This short tenure on the show immediately placed him among the ranks of A-list guest stars who have lent their voices to the series, including Susan Sarandon, Christian Slater, and Keith David.
The surprise element of the cameo, where his appearance was not heavily promoted, amplified the fan excitement. For many, it felt like a deliberate nod to his cult status as Frank Reynolds, a character who would feel right at home with Rick Sanchez’s nihilistic adventures.
2. The Dan Harmon and DeVito "Shared Universe" Expands
The appearance of Danny DeVito on *Rick and Morty* is not a one-off event; it’s a clear signal of an expanding creative partnership with series co-creator and executive producer Dan Harmon. This collaboration extends far beyond the Adult Swim hit and into a new, highly anticipated FX animated series called Little Demon.
Little Demon is a half-hour animated comedy that solidifies the connection between DeVito and the creative style that defines Harmon’s work. The show centers on a reluctant mother, Laura, who was impregnated by Satan 13 years prior. The mother and her antichrist daughter, Chrissy, attempt to live an ordinary life in Delaware, constantly thwarted by Satan’s attempts to gain custody of his daughter.
DeVito is the star of Little Demon, voicing the Devil himself. The show also features a remarkable family affair, as DeVito's real-life daughter, Lucy DeVito, voices Chrissy, the antichrist daughter, and his son, Jake DeVito, is an executive producer. Furthermore, Aubrey Plaza, known for her deadpan delivery, voices the mother. This project is a major new pillar in the 'Harmon-verse' of adult animation, showing that the creative mind behind Rick and Morty is building a new home for high-concept, dark comedy, with DeVito as a central figure.
3. The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Crossover Connection
Danny DeVito’s role as Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (IASIP) is one of the most beloved and outrageous characters in television history. His cameo in Rick and Morty is part of a noticeable trend of IASIP actors crossing over into the mad multiverse.
Just a few weeks prior to DeVito’s appearance, his IASIP co-star Charlie Day (who plays Charlie Kelly) also made a surprise guest appearance on Rick and Morty. Day voiced a trash-themed character in an episode, continuing a pattern of the show's creators tapping into the talent pool of other celebrated, boundary-pushing comedies. This double-duty casting of two core members of "The Gang" from IASIP—DeVito and Day—suggests a strong mutual respect between the creative teams. Fans have long speculated that Frank Reynolds and Rick Sanchez share a similar nihilistic, chaotic spirit, and these cameos act as a fun, unofficial crossover that delights the dedicated fan bases of both shows.
4. A New Era of Voice Acting for a Hollywood Veteran
While DeVito is a seasoned voice actor, known for iconic roles like Phil in Hercules and The Lorax, his work on Rick and Morty and Little Demon represents a distinct shift into the realm of adult-oriented, boundary-pushing animation.
The character of Dr. Dogballs, as a "zoophilic scientist," is far more grotesque and morally ambiguous than his previous animated roles. This willingness to embrace the darker, more vulgar side of comedy aligns perfectly with the tone of Rick and Morty. It also contrasts sharply with the family-friendly nature of his Disney and Dr. Seuss roles. This pivot is a testament to DeVito's versatility and his commitment to working on projects that challenge comedic norms, proving that at 81, he is still willing to take on the most bizarre and unexpected roles in the industry.
5. What This Means for Future Rick and Morty Guest Stars
The successful and surprising integration of an actor of Danny DeVito’s caliber, along with other high-profile guest stars like Charlie Day, sets a high bar for future seasons of Rick and Morty. It confirms that the show, even after numerous seasons and creative shifts, remains a highly desirable destination for Hollywood’s biggest names looking to flex their comedic muscles in an uncensored environment.
The fact that DeVito is now the star of Dan Harmon’s new series, Little Demon, suggests a deeper, more personal connection to the show's head creative. This opens the door for other actors in Harmon’s orbit—from the Community cast to other major comedy veterans—to make similar, unexpected appearances. The DeVito cameo is a powerful endorsement, signaling to the world that the *Rick and Morty* writers are not only capable of landing top-tier talent but are also willing to give them the most unhinged characters imaginable.
Ultimately, the casting of Danny DeVito as Dr. Dogballs is more than just a fun cameo; it’s a foundational piece of a growing animated empire built by Dan Harmon, with DeVito now a key player. From a brief, shocking appearance in the multiverse to starring as the Devil himself, DeVito’s collaboration with the Rick and Morty team is a thrilling development for fans of dark, intelligent, and utterly chaotic comedy.
Detail Author:
- Name : Martin Herman
- Username : jess80
- Email : smith.janiya@treutel.net
- Birthdate : 1995-04-08
- Address : 1862 Leanne Roads Hillsmouth, DE 26949
- Phone : 631.942.9707
- Company : Lockman LLC
- Job : Power Plant Operator
- Bio : Sunt sunt tempore veritatis cupiditate est voluptatem exercitationem. Dolor modi ullam tempore velit eum id. Neque porro culpa eum non qui omnis.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/dhackett
- username : dhackett
- bio : Sapiente quos minima sit consequuntur.
- followers : 6438
- following : 2120
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/dhackett
- username : dhackett
- bio : In quaerat dolor alias placeat autem qui. Cum iste et commodi aliquid iusto in. Est vero dolores et harum eius earum quisquam.
- followers : 4896
- following : 2101
