Danny DeVito Admits He Had a Crush on 'Goddess' Michelle Pfeiffer During ‘Batman Returns’ Filming

Danny DeVito shared that he had a serious crush on Michelle Pfeiffer while filming Batman Returns in 1992.

In a recent Variety “Actors on Actors” conversation, DeVito sat with Colin Farrell to discuss their careers and their experiences playing Penguin in their respective Batman films. According to DeVito, Pfeiffer had his knees buckling whenever they shared a scene.

“She was a goddess,” DeVito confessed. “If I knew she was going to be in a scene that day … Oh God, I’d get all flustered.”

Farrell jokingly asked if DeVito at least brushed his teeth on those days, prompting laughter from the legendary actor who admitted he’d go to great lengths to impress Pfeiffer. DeVito played the Penguin opposite Pfeiffer’s iconic Catwoman and Michael Keaton’s Batman in Tim Burton’s beloved superhero sequel.

“I got all flushed. Put extra makeup on—‘Give me another pound of makeup.’ God almighty,” he said. “And I lusted after her. I loved her.”

When Farrell pressed him for more details, DeVito said, “It was not me. It was the Penguin … It was Oswald that was lustful," referring to the villain's true identity, Oswald Cobblepot.

Farrell, who played the Penguin in 2022’s The Batman, teased DeVito about his bold admission, even asking if Pfeiffer ever called security on him.

“I kind of feel like she liked it," he said with a grin. "She liked Oswald.”

Regarding the the film, DeVito his affinity for the over-the-top role and its theatrical nature.

“I loved it because it gave you a freedom that burst out," he said. "The music and sets and the whole thing … Oswald’s realm and his minions and his passion. I loved that.”

Despite a grueling three-hour transformation process, DeVito said he’d “absolutely” play the Penguin again.