Danny DeVito recalls 1980s ‘Taxi’ cast parties

Actor Danny DeVito has shared recollections of the intense after-hours celebrations following filming for the sitcom ‘Taxi’ during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Speaking on the ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, DeVito described the gatherings as ‘ragers’ that lasted until sunrise, characterizing the era's atmosphere with the phrase ‘crudité and cocaine.’

The festivities frequently included high-profile guests beyond the show's regular cast. DeVito noted that Robin Williams and members of the ‘Laverne & Shirley’ cast were regular attendees, while John Belushi and early ‘Saturday Night Live’ personalities also made appearances. He specifically mentioned that Michael Jackson was a fan of the series and would often watch recordings from a booth rather than sitting with the audience.

DeVito, who earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role as Louie De Palma, noted that the cast typically finished filming around 10:30 or 11:00 PM before transitioning immediately into these celebrations. Despite the late nights, he remarked that the primary concern for the cast was returning to work by noon on Monday.