DeVito Returns To The Small Screen

(AP)  Danny DeVito who hasn't starred in a TV series since "Taxi" ended its run in 1983 will return to the small screen next year in the FX comedy "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

"Getting the news from FX that our show got a second season pickup was fantastic," said series creator Rob McElhenney in a statement Wednesday. "Getting the news that Danny has signed on to co-star feels like we just hit the lottery."

DeVito will play a retiree who has moved back to Philadelphia to spend time with his children.

The series' second season is set to debut in June. DeVito, 61, will co-star in all 10 episodes. He will be able to shoot his scenes within a period of 10 to 15 days, the network said.

"Taxi" began its run in 1978. DeVito played Louie De Palma, a New York City dispatcher who bullied and insulted his drivers.

After the series ended, he turned his attention to producing ("Get Shorty," "Man on the Moon") and directing ("Throw Momma From the Train," "The War of the Roses," "Hoffa").

His screen credits include roles in "Romancing the Stone," "Twins" and "Batman Returns."