A dwarf is defined as a person whose stature is 4′10″ or less. Danny DeVito is exactly 4′10″ on the dot. But his height is not due to dwarfism but a more rare growth disease called “multiple epiphyseal dysplasia”, or “Fairbanks disease”.
As a result of the disease, DeVito basically has normal-sized bones that stopped growing longer earlier than usual. Both his parents are normal-sized people and so he has the head of a six-footer with the relatively thick bones of an average height man, only much shorter. He also suffers from flat feet, mild scoliosis and has the unusually short, thick fingers (Brachydactyly) often seen in people with Down’s Syndrome.
Fairbank’s disease causes those afflicted to waddle, rather than walk, due to their flat feet and shorter-than usual legs. Their torso tends to be normal-sized and at times even a little larger than normal. They are the Bassett Hounds or Corgis of the human race, but otherwise healthy — Danny DeVito is 80 and in fine health.