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![The Cast of 'Taxi']()
From 1978 to 1982, viewers were entertained by the antics of six NYC taxi drivers and their cranky dispatcher. The popular series won 18 Emmy awards and many loyal fans. But where are the Sunshine Cab Company employees now? (At left, art from the season two DVD, available here.)![Sunshine Cab Company]()
The actors' comedic talents made 'Taxi' a huge hit, and the show kick-started quite a few careers.![Danny_DeVito_Then_dsfd]()
DeVito played the shady Louie De Palma, head dispatcher. The actor’s first big role was in the film ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ but ‘Taxi’ made him famous.![Danny_DeVito_Now_sdfs]()
‘Taxi’ launched DeVito’s Hollywood career, and the actor quickly became a movie star. After the series, DeVito had roles in the films ‘Terms of Endearment,’ ‘Romancing the Stone,’ ‘Other People’s Money,’ and ‘L.A. Confidential.’ He co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Twins’ and ‘Junior’ and played The Penguin in 1992’s ‘Batman Returns.’ DeVito, 65, has been married to Rhea Perlman since 1982 and the actors have three children together. In 1999, DeVito produced and co-starred in a ‘Man on the Moon,’ about his ‘Taxi’ co-star Andy Kaufman. He’s also directed six films, including ‘Hoffa,’ ‘Matilda,’ and ‘Death to Smoochy.’ (Not his finest hour.) The actor currently hosts a documentary channel, Jersey Docs, and is a cast member on FX series ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.’ He’s even in something right now! Devito is currently on the big screen in the romantic comedy ‘When in Rome.’ (Also not his finest hour.) (AP)![Tony_Danza_Then_kljl]()
Playing to type, the one-time pro boxer played Anthony Mark “Tony” Banta, a sweet, dumb boxer.![Tony_Danza_Now_fsdf]()
After the show, Tony, now 59, starred in another hit series: ‘Who’s the Boss.’ After its run, he made guest appearances on TV shows and appeared in several TV movies. In 2004, he hosted the ‘Tony Danza Show’ which was canceled after 2 seasons. After that he made the move to Broadway, starring in ‘The Producers’ as Max Bialystock from 2006-2007. In 2010, Danza starred in a new reality series called ‘Teach,’ in which he taught a 10th Grade English class. He later wrote a book on his experiences, "I Want to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had." (REUTERS)![Marilu_Henner_Then_kljkl]()
Henner, who got her start on Broadway, played Elaine Nardo, a divorced mother of two and aspiring artist.![Marilu_Henner_Now_dsf]()
After ‘Taxi,’ the actress went on to do films like ‘Johnny Dangerously,’ ‘Noises Off,’ and ‘Man on the Moon,’ a movie about her ‘Taxi’ co-star Andy Kaufman. From 1990-1994, she appeared on the TV series ‘Evening Shade.’ In 1994 she hosted her own talk show, ‘Marilu.’ Now 58, Henner has written eight books on diet on health. In her autobiography, 'By All Means, Keep on Moving,’ she discusses dating two of her ‘Taxi’ co-stars: Judd Hirsch and Tony Danza. From 2005-2007 she hosted ‘America’s Ballroom Challenge’ and in 2008 she was a contestant on ‘The Celebrity Apprentice.’ Henner is on her third marriage and has two children. (AP)![Christopher_Lloyd_Then_kljk]()
Former hippie Rev. Jim Ignatowski was once a straight-laced Harvard student. Like Danny DeVito, Lloyd’s first big role was in the movie ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’![Christopher_Lloyd_Now_kjlk]()
Now 72, Lloyd is known for his many iconic characters, beginning with ‘Taxi’’s Rev. Jim Ignatowski (a role for which he was awarded two Emmys). Other famous characters include Doc Brown in the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy, Judge Doom in ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit,’ and Uncle Fester in ‘The Addams Family’ movies. The actor now does mostly voice work for kids’ movies like ‘The Tale of Despereaux.’ He’s been divorced four times. (AP)![Jeff_Conaway_Then_kjlk]()
Known for his role as Kenickie in 1978 film ‘Grease,’ Conaway was cast in ‘Taxi’ as high energy driver Robert “Bobby” Wheeler. He left the series in season four.![Jeff_Conaway_Now_kjlk]()
After ‘Taxi,’ Conaway appeared in movies like ‘Jawbreaker’ and ‘Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.’ From 1989-1990 he appeared on soap ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ and he played Sgt. Zack Allen on the sci-fi series ‘Babylon 5.’ Conaway was unfortunately best known for his participation in reality shows like ‘Celebrity Fit Club’ and ‘Celebrity Rehab,’ where he’s publicly battled substance abuse addiction. Once married to Olivia Newton-John’s older sister Rona, Conaway married Keri Young in 1990. Conaway died at the age of 60 in 2011 from complications from pneumonia and a degnerative brain condition. (VH1)![Judd_Hirsch_Then_kljk]()
Pessimist and recovered compulsive gambler Alex Rieger was the show's calm in the center of the storm. Hirsch won two Emmys for the role. While on 'Taxi,' the actor was also nominated for an Oscar for the 1980 film ‘Ordinary People.’![Judd_Hirsch_Now_sdf]()
Since ‘Taxi,’ Hirsch has worked steadily, appearing on series like ‘Dear John,’ ‘Without a Trace,’ and ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.’ He’s acted in movies like ‘Independence Day’ and ‘A Beautiful Mind.’ Now 75, the actor is twice divorced and has two children. He currently stars in CBS series 'Numb3rs.' (AP)![Andy_Kaufman_Then_kljkl]()
A stand-up comedy routine led to Kaufman’s character Latka Gravas, an immigrant mechanic from a strange land.![Andy Kaufman 1949-1984]()
The actor famous for his inventive performance art died of cancer at age 35. He was immortalized in the film 'Man on the Moon' by his ‘Taxi’ co-star Danny DeVito, who produced the film about Kaufman's unique life.Then/Now: The Cast of 'Taxi'
Whatever happened to the Sunshine Cab Company's quirky crew?
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- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Taxi'
