Danny DeVito, 68, was born in New Jersey. He trained as a hairdresser before studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 1975, he appeared in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and, in 1978, starred in the hit TV series Taxi. As well as acting, he directs – Hoffa, The War Of The Roses – and his company, Jersey Films, produced Pulp Fiction, Matilda and Get Shorty. Last year he made his West End debut in The Sunshine Boys, and next month he will receive a special tribute at the Dublin International Film Festival. He has three children by his wife, the actor Rhea Perlman, from whom he recently separated.

When were you happiest?

I have been very fortunate in my life. I have had a lot of happiness. I have a great family and I work a lot, and that's what I like to do.

What is your greatest fear?

That we will trust all of our leaders and they will drag us into the abyss.

What is your earliest memory?

I was a baby under a pink blanket on the front porch of my home and my father picked me up in his arms.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am self-centred. I just adore myself.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Greed, fear and the duplicitous nature of most political leaders.

Property aside, what's the most expensive thing you've bought?

In the 90s I bought a BMW.

What is your most treasured possession?

My life.

What would your super power be?

To have people do things the way I want.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

If I were naked, I would say the heel of my left foot.

What makes you unhappy?

Poverty.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?

An honest human being.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

I don't think they are born yet.

What is your most unappealing habit?

I am very impatient.

What is your favourite word?

"Fuck."

What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?

An apple.

What is the worst thing anyone's said to you?

"John Lennon is dead."

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Popcorn.

What is the worst job you've done?

Cleaning the butts out of an ashtray in a hotel.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

That the US, Britain and all these other bozos are still fighting wars all over the world.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

To when I started making it with girls. I'd probably get laid a lot more.

When did you last cry, and why?

On stage.

How often do you have sex?

Not often enough.

What is the closest you've come to death?

I was once in the same airport as Dick Cheney. He's the devil, right?

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

If I had that super power.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Staying alive.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

There's no certainty.

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