**Rhea Perlman, a name associated with humor, charm, and dramatic prowess, has been onscreen for decades, mesmerizing viewers with her many roles. She is well-known for her parts in blockbuster sitcoms like Cheers and films like Matilda and Barbie, and her lasting influence on Hollywood is widely acknowledged. In this post, we’ll look at her remarkable life and profession, personal milestones, and much more.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Rhea Jo Perlman (@perlmonster) |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1948 (age 76) |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Alma Mater | Hunter College (BA) |
| Occupations | Actor, Writer |
| Years Active | 1972–present |
| Height | 5 ft 0 in (1.52 m) |
| Spouse | Danny DeVito (m. 1982; sep. 2017) |
| Children | 3, including Lucy DeVito |
| Father | Philip Perlman |
| Relatives | Heide Perlman (sister) |
Rhea Perlman has been a beloved figure in Hollywood for decades. With her sharp comedic timing and memorable performances, she became a household name through the sitcom Cheers and continued to impress in films like Matilda and Barbie. Beyond her roles, Perlman’s life story is equally captivating.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 31, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, Rhea Jo Perlman grew up in a Jewish household with roots in Poland and Russia. Her father, Philip Perlman, worked at a doll parts factory but later became a character actor. Rhea’s sister, Heide Perlman, also thrived in the entertainment industry as a writer and producer.
***Childhood and Family***
Rhea Perlman was born on March 31, 1948, in the bustling neighborhood of **Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in **Bensonhurst, another vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood known for its close-knit community and cultural diversity. Rhea was raised in a **Jewish family with roots in Russia and Poland. Her father, **Philip Perlman, was an immigrant from Poland who worked as a manager at a doll parts factory, reflecting the hard-working and industrious spirit that characterized many immigrant families of that era. Her mother, **Adele Perlman, was a bookkeeper, providing a stable and supportive home environment for Rhea and her younger sister, **Heide Perlman.
***Education and Early Interests***
Rhea’s early education took place in local Brooklyn schools, where she developed a passion for acting and drama. She attended Hunter College in New York, where she pursued her love for the performing arts and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968. During her college years, Rhea was actively involved in theater productions, honing her craft and preparing for a future career in acting.
***Career Beginnings***
After graduating from Hunter College, Rhea Perlman began her acting career with small roles in off-off-Broadway plays. Her early work included performances in various experimental and avant-garde theater productions, which allowed her to showcase her talent and versatility. Despite the challenges of breaking into the highly competitive world of acting, Rhea’s persistence and dedication eventually paid off.
***Breakthrough Role***
Rhea’s big break came when she was cast as Carla Tortelli, the sharp-tongued and lovable waitress on the hit television show “Cheers.” The show premiered in 1982 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, running for 11 seasons and earning numerous awards. Rhea’s portrayal of Carla earned her four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, solidifying her status as a talented and beloved actress.
***Family Connections in the Industry***
Rhea’s younger sister, Heide Perlman, is also a prominent figure in the television industry. Heide is a writer, story editor, and producer who has worked on several successful TV shows, including “Cheers” and “Frasier.” The Perlman sisters have collaborated on various projects, showcasing their shared talent and strong family bond.
During the mid-1980s, Rhea’s parents, Philip and Adele Perlman, moved to Los Angeles to be closer to their daughters. Philip Perlman even made several appearances as an extra on “Cheers,” adding a personal touch to the show’s legacy. His presence on set was a testament to the close-knit and supportive nature of the Perlman family.
Rhea Perlman’s Perosnal Attributes
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet (1.52 meters) |
| Unique Attribute | Recognized for her petite stature |
| Screen Presence | Larger than life; commanding performances that showcase her boundless talent |
Iconic Role in Cheers
In 1982, Perlman started playing the sardonic, quick-witted barmaid Carla Tortelli in Cheers, which would make her famous. Producer and cocreator James Burrows, who previously collaborated with Perlman on Taxi, cast her as Carla, the source of many of the show’s finest one-liners. The character works in a fictitious Boston pub owned by a former MLB pitcher (played by Ted Danson), and the program revolves on the lives of the many staff and customers.
Cheers had modest ratings at first, but it steadily gained popularity and is now largely regarded as one of the finest American comedies. During the show’s 11-year run, Perlman got 10 Emmy Award nominations for best supporting actress in a comedy series, four of which she won (1984-86 and 1989).
Perlman’s family also appeared in the episode. Her younger sister, Heide Perlman, wrote and produced many episodes, while their father, Philip Perlman, featured in 162 episodes of the series, portraying a variety of roles. Despite multiple cast changes, Rhea Perlman stayed on Cheers until its termination in 1993. She portrayed Carla in many TV episodes, including St. Elsewhere, The Simpsons, and Frasier, a famous Cheers spin-off starring Kelsey Grammer. In 1987, Perlman starred in an episode of the short-lived program The Tortellis, as Carla’s former husband.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2006 | 10 Items or Less | Mrs. D | |
| 2022 | 13: The Musical | Grandma Ruth | |
| 2023 | Barbie | Ruth Handler | Nominated – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture |
| 2008 | Beethoven’s Big Break | Patricia | |
| 2007 | Bloom | Ma | Short film |
| 1995 | Canadian Bacon | Honey | |
| 1996 | Carpool | Martha | |
| 2008 | Cat Dragged In | Woman in Street | Short film |
| 1992 | Class Act | Ms. Simpson | |
| 1990 | Enid Is Sleeping | Mavis | |
| 2020 | Funny Face | Fernie | |
| 2018 | Half Magic | Linda | |
| 1972 | Hot Dogs for Gauguin | Woman on Ferry | Short film |
| 2015 | I’ll See You in My Dreams | Sally | |
| 2017 | Lemon | Esther | |
| 1982 | Love Child | June Burns | |
| 2007 | Love Comes Lately | Riesel | |
| 2021 | Marvelous and the Black Hole | Margot | |
| 1996 | Matilda | Zinnia Wormwood | |
| 1985 | Molly and the Skywalkerz: Happily Ever After | Rose Johnson | Voice; Television film for PBS, later VHS video |
| 1989 | Molly and the Skywalkerz: Two Daddies? | Rose Johnson | Voice; Television film for PBS, later VHS video |
| 1986 | My Little Pony: The Movie | Reeka | Voice |
| 1982 | National Lampoon’s Movie Madness | The Little Jewish Prostitute | |
| 2001 | Old Love | Short film | |
| 2019 | Poms | Alice | |
| 2016 | Sing | Judith | Voice |
| 1996 | Sunset Park | Phyllis Saroka | |
| 1979 | Swap Meet | Mother | |
| 1991 | Ted and Venus | Grace | |
| 1991 | The Last Halloween | Mrs. Gizborne | |
| 2012 | The Sessions | Mikvah Lady | |
| 2011 | The Trouble with Bliss | Maria | Scenes cut |
| 1992 | There Goes the Neighborhood | Lydia Nunn | |
| 1992 | To Grandmother’s House We Go | Shirley | |
| 1993 | We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story | Mother Bird | Voice |
| 2023 | You People | Bubby |
Relationship with Danny DeVito
Rhea Perlman married actor ****Danny DeVito in 1982 after meeting him in 1971. The couple, who share three children, have had a rollercoaster relationship with multiple separations but have chosen to remain close friends rather than divorcing. Their dynamic partnership has been a source of fascination for fans.
Awards
- Four Primetime Emmy Awards for Cheers
- Multiple Golden Globe nominations
- Recognition as one of the greatest TV characters by NBC
Rhea Perlman’s Net Worth
Rhea Perlman, a celebrated actress best known for her role as Carla Tortelli on the iconic sitcom “Cheers,” has amassed an estimated net worth of ***$60 million. This impressive figure is the result of a long and successful career in television, film, and writing. Here’s an in-depth look at how she built her wealth and the key factors contributing to her net worth.
***Television Career
Rhea Perlman’s breakthrough came with her role as Carla Tortelli on “Cheers,” which aired from 1982 to 1993. The show was a massive hit, running for 11 seasons and earning critical acclaim. Rhea’s performance as the feisty waitress won her four ***Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Her salary from “Cheers” was substantial, contributing significantly to her overall net worth.
***Writing Career
Rhea is also a successful children’s book author. She has written a series of books about a young girl named Otto, which have been appreciated for their humor and engaging storytelling. While her writing career may not be as financially lucrative as her acting, it still adds to her net worth and showcases her versatility.
***Other Television Work
##”The Mindy Project” (2014-2017): She played Annette Castellano, a recurring role that brought her back into the limelight.
##”Pearl” (1996-1997): She starred in this sitcom as the titular character, Pearl Caraldo.
***Real Estate and Investments
While specific details about Rhea Perlman’s real estate holdings are not widely publicized, it is common for successful actors to invest in property. Real estate can be a substantial part of an individual’s net worth, providing both a residence and an investment. Rhea and Danny DeVito have owned several properties over the years, including homes in Los Angeles.
