34+ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets You Never Knew About the Show “Taxi”

Few classic sitcoms truly show the real spirit of New York City like Taxi. This popular TV show made fans laugh, cry, and fall in love with its unique characters. It also introduced many new Hollywood actors who later became famous.

But what happened off-screen was even more exciting. From surprising casting choices to strange actor contracts and real-life romances, there was a lot of behind-the-scenes drama.

If you’re a fan of celebrity gossip, old-school humor, and the golden age of TV, get ready to dive into some juicy secrets from one of the best New York City sitcoms ever made.

Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman’s On-Screen Relationship Continued Off-Screen

Hollywood love stories don’t get more real than this. Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman met while working on the classic New York sitcom Taxi, where they played Louie and Zena—on-screen lovers. But the romance didn’t stop there. Just like their characters, they got married in real life.

Their love story added emotional depth to their scenes, making viewers feel even more connected. Their marriage is now known as one of the most lasting Hollywood relationships, all starting from a TV show romance set in a busy NYC cab company.

Most of the Cast Hated Andy Kaufman

Celebrity drama behind the scenes can sometimes get intense. According to actor Judd Hirsch, many of the Taxi cast members found Andy Kaufman hard to work with. His odd methods, like staying in character off-camera and unpredictable behavior, caused friction.

But not everyone disliked him. Marilu Henner praised his talent, and Carol Kane even went to his funeral—showing that some truly respected his artistic side.

Tony Danza Was Frustrated That Andy Kaufman Was Often Late to Set

During the show’s production, TV star Tony Danza became frustrated with Andy Kaufman, especially when Kaufman kept arriving late. One day, he was late because he was meditating in his trailer.

Danza finally snapped—he grabbed a fire extinguisher, broke into Kaufman’s trailer, and sprayed him with foam! Surprisingly, Kaufman didn’t react, showing just how unpredictable he was both on and off screen.

Producers Quit the Show to Create “Cheers”

The people behind Taxi—director James Burrows and writers Glen and Les Charles—left after Season 3 to start something new. Their next project? The legendary bar sitcom Cheers, launched in 1982.

Set in Boston, Cheers became one of the most successful TV comedy shows in history. Their teamwork on Taxi helped them create another fan-favorite series full of laughs, love, and unforgettable characters.

Andy Kaufman’s Next-Door Neighbor Got Him the Role of Latka

You won’t believe this casting secret. Andy Kaufman landed the role of Latka on Taxi because of his neighbor, actor Robert Englund. Englund originally auditioned for a different part but ended up doing an impression of Kaufman.

The producers were intrigued and ended up casting Kaufman instead. It’s a classic case of unexpected casting in TV history.

Marilu Henner’s Audition Was So Good the Producers Rewrote Her Character

Marilu Henner’s audition was so strong that it changed the direction of her character, Elaine. Originally written as a middle-aged single mom, the producers were so impressed that they rewrote the role for Henner, who was only 25.

They made Elaine a younger mother with small kids. This is proof that a great audition can totally change how TV characters are written.

Producers Inspired the Characters Tony and Elaine

Did you know some Taxi characters were inspired by real people? Tony Banta and Elaine Nardo were named after producers Gloria Banta and Pat Nardo, who had worked on The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

It was a fun way to honor the team behind the scenes by making their names part of TV history.

Susan Kellerman Was Only Five Years Older Than Andy Kaufman

TV casting can be surprising! In Taxi, Susan Kellermann played the mother of Andy Kaufman’s character, Latka. But in real life, she was only five years older than him.

It’s a funny reminder of how TV magic often stretches age differences to tell a good story.

“Taxi” Was Inspired By an Article From “New York Magazine”

The hit TV show Taxi came from a real article! In 1975, New York Magazine published a story called “Night-Shifting for the Hip Fleet” by Mark Jacobson. The article talked about quirky NYC taxi drivers working late shifts.

TV creators James L. Brooks and David Davis saw the story and got inspired. After the end of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Brooks wanted a fresh idea—and this article gave him just that. The show’s setting was based on a real “hippie garage” in Greenwich Village, turning a true story into a legendary New York City sitcom.

Tony Danza’s Boxing Career Got Him His Role

Before Tony Danza became a famous TV actor, he was a professional boxer. While training at Brooklyn’s famous Gleason’s Gym, he knocked out Billy Perez in a match. That’s when producers Larry Gordon and Joel Silver noticed him.

Danza had a rugged look, with a black eye and broken hand from a recent fight. That raw energy made him the perfect fit for Tony Banta. His real-life fighting spirit helped him land the role during his Hollywood audition.

Tony Banta Was Originally Named Phil Ryan

Originally, the Taxi character was named Phil Ryan, an Irish heavyweight boxer. But after casting Tony Danza, who is Italian, the creators changed the character to better match Danza’s background.

Just three days into rehearsals, Danza learned his character was now “Tony Banta”—an Italian middleweight boxer, reflecting his own real-life identity.

Judd Hirsch Didn’t Want to Be in “Taxi”

Though now known as a TV legend, Judd Hirsch was mainly a Broadway and theater actor. He had done only a few TV roles, including a part on Rhoda, and wasn’t impressed with the medium.

So when offered the lead role on Taxi, he wasn’t excited. He was worried about being tied to a long series.

Judd Hirsch Made an Offer He Thought Producers Would Refuse

To avoid being locked into a long contract, Judd Hirsch told his agent to demand a very high salary—hoping the producers would say no. But instead, they agreed!

Even more surprising, they gave him top billing. His name appeared above the title of the show, a major honor in Hollywood TV contracts.

Judd Hirsch Was Late to Rehearsals Because He Was Conducting Business

Despite being a pro, Hirsch had a habit of running late. He often stayed busy with personal matters in his office, which delayed TV show rehearsals and annoyed other cast members.

Still, his strong performances made him one of the standout stars of Taxi.

Mandy Patinkin Auditioned for the Role of Alex Rieger

Before Judd Hirsch was cast as Alex Rieger, Broadway star Mandy Patinkin auditioned for the role. During the audition, he even read lines with Tony Danza.

Though Patinkin didn’t land the lead, he later appeared in the episode “Memories of Cab 804.” It’s a fun casting fact for Broadway fans and TV buffs alike.

Danny Devito’s Interesting Audition for Louie De Palma

When Danny DeVito came to audition for Louie De Palma, he came in hot—literally. He walked in, slammed the script on the table, and yelled, “Who wrote this s—?”

That bold move showed producers he was Louie. His wild entrance won him the part and helped shape one of the most iconic TV characters in comedy.

Tabloid Made People Believe Danny DeVito Quit Acting to Play Violin

In one Taxi episode, Louie De Palma plays the violin. A rehearsal photo from that scene was used by a tabloid magazine, which falsely reported that Danny DeVito quit acting to become a professional violinist.

The fake story fooled even his family, who called him in shock. It became one of the funniest celebrity rumor stories from the set of Taxi.

Bobby Wheeler Was Originally an African-American Character

In the early stages of Taxi, the character Bobby Wheeler was written as an African-American man. Blazing Saddles actor Cleavon Little was considered for the role, adding potential diversity in TV casting.

But the show went in a new direction after Jeff Conaway impressed producers with his audition. A key scene reading with Judd Hirsch helped him land the part, and Bobby Wheeler became the version we know today.

Andy Kaufman’s Only Came to Set Twice Per Week

Andy Kaufman didn’t want a full-time role on the show. He agreed to play Latka only if he had a special contract allowing him to work just two days per week—Tuesdays for rehearsals and Fridays for filming.

Although this light schedule was designed to accommodate him, Kaufman’s lateness often frustrated his co-stars. Still, the producers valued his unique humor and were willing to bend the rules for his comedic genius.

Kaufman’s Alter Ego Tony Clifton Was Given a Separate Contract

Kaufman’s alter ego, Tony Clifton, wasn’t just a character—he had a separate Hollywood contract, his own dressing room, and even a reserved parking spot.

Sometimes played by Kaufman’s friend Bob Zmuda, Clifton caused chaos on set. He showed up drunk, brought along women, and was frequently late. Eventually, this wild behavior got him fired from the show.

Andy Kaufman’s Big Confrontation With the Producers Got Tony Clifton Fired

Clifton was originally set to appear in the episode “A Full House for Christmas”. But his disruptive actions—ad-libbing lines, staying in his dressing room too long, and even fighting with other cast members—led to major delays.

The situation turned physical, and the producers had Clifton forcibly removed. It was a dramatic moment that highlighted Kaufman’s controversial style of performance art.

Jim Carrey Reunited the Cast

Jim Carrey starred as Andy Kaufman in the film Man on the Moon, which revisited Kaufman’s time on Taxi. The movie brought back original cast members like Jeff Conaway, Carol Kane, and Christopher Lloyd.

Danny DeVito played Kaufman’s manager in the film, linking his real-life experiences with a major Hollywood movie. Carrey’s performance captured Kaufman’s strange yet powerful personality.

Andy Kaufman Taught His Distinct Language to Carol Kane

Latka’s funny language on Taxi wasn’t just random sounds—it was something Andy Kaufman created himself. He even taught it to Carol Kane, who played his on-screen wife, Simka.

To help her learn, Kaufman invited Kane to dinner and made her speak only in Latka’s language the whole time. This level of method acting helped make their scenes feel more real.

Reverend Jim’s Loopy Persona Was Originally Intended for Tony Banta

At first, the goofy traits of Reverend Jim were actually written for Tony Banta. But after seeing Tony Danza’s performance, the producers realized he was better suited for a more serious and athletic character.

Since John Burns (played by Randall Carver) already filled the “nice but clueless” role, producers wrote him out after Season 1. This made space for Christopher Lloyd’s legendary Reverend Jim, a fan favorite with wild energy.

Christopher Lloyd Wore His Own Clothes When Portraying Reverend Jim

The messy look of Reverend Jim wasn’t a studio costume—it came from Christopher Lloyd’s own closet. His worn-out jeans, old shoes, and a jacket found by a neighbor all helped create Jim’s disheveled vibe.

When Lloyd came to audition in this outfit, the receptionist thought he was homeless and tried to turn him away! But that only proved he was perfect for the role. It’s one of the best examples of authentic TV wardrobe choices in sitcom history.

Original Theme Song Was Switched Out at the Last Minute

The original theme for Taxi was a jazz track called “Touchdown” by Bob James. But during one episode, producers used a different song from the same album, “Angela (Theme from Taxi)”, for a short date scene.

They loved how Angela captured the show’s emotional, thoughtful tone—so much that they replaced the main theme just before the premiere. That last-minute choice became one of the most iconic TV theme songs ever.

Tony Danza is Driving the Cab in the Opening Credits

In Taxi’s famous opening scene, the cab driving across the Queensboro Bridge is being driven by Tony Danza himself. It was filmed on his very first day of shooting.

A real New Yorker even tried to hail the cab, thinking it was legit! That authentic NYC moment made the intro unforgettable and perfectly reflected the show’s vibe.

Jeff Conaway’s Struggles With Addiction Impacted the Set of “Taxi”

Jeff Conaway, who played Bobby Wheeler, struggled with alcohol and substance abuse during the show’s run. One serious incident occurred when he was found passed out in his dressing room, causing delays in filming.

This event led to him being removed from the show, although he later claimed he left because of creative disagreements. Sadly, his addiction battle continued for years until his death in 2011.

Bobby Wheeler Was Written Out When Jeff Conaway Got Fired

After repeated issues due to Jeff Conaway’s health problems, the show’s writers started giving his lines to other characters. Eventually, Bobby Wheeler was written out completely.

Producer Sam Simon later explained on The Howard Stern Show that Conaway didn’t quit—he was officially fired due to ongoing issues that disrupted production.

“Taxi” Was Cancelled Twice By Two Different Networks

Taxi is one of the rare shows that got canceled twice. First dropped by ABC in 1982 after four seasons, it was picked up by NBC, who promoted it with the slogan, “Same time, better network.”

But even NBC canceled it after one more season. At the Emmy Awards, Judd Hirsch joked about the show’s rollercoaster ride and hinted it deserved more love from the networks.

“Taxi” Managed to Tackle Serious Subjects

While it’s remembered as a classic sitcom, Taxi also talked about serious topics like addiction, mental health, and personal struggles. Many cast members brought their real-life experiences into their performances.

The show’s mix of humor and hard truths helped make it a pioneer in using comedy to address real-life challenges, setting the tone for future TV dramas and sitcoms.

Most of the Cast Won Oscars for Other Roles

The stars of Taxi weren’t just great on TV—they were part of Oscar-winning movies too.

Eileen Brennan, a guest star, was nominated for an Oscar for Private Benjamin

Judd Hirsch was in Ordinary People (Best Picture, 1980)

Christopher Lloyd and Danny DeVito were in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

DeVito also starred in Terms of Endearment (1983)

Carol Kane was in Annie Hall (1977)

Tony Danza appeared in Crash (2004), a controversial Best Picture winner

These impressive credits show how much Hollywood talent came from Taxi’s cast.

Carol Kane’s Won Emmys for Her Role, While Andy Kaufman Didn’t

Carol Kane, who played Simka, earned two Emmy Awards for her role. But surprisingly, Andy Kaufman, who played her husband Latka, never won.

Even though he was nominated twice for a Golden Globe, he didn’t take home a trophy. Still, Kaufman’s role is remembered as one of the most unique in TV comedy history.

Show’s Taxi Cab Supplier Went Out of Business During Its Run

The famous yellow cabs used in Taxi were supplied by Checker Motors Corporation, a Michigan-based company known for building durable, high-mileage taxis since the 1950s.

Checker’s classic design made their cabs a perfect fit for the gritty, real-life style of New York City taxi culture. But by the early 1980s, most cab companies switched to mass-market vehicles, which were cheaper to maintain. Checker stopped making cabs in 1982, yet their iconic cars stayed on the streets—and in Taxi—for years, becoming a nostalgic symbol of a bygone era.

Jack Nicholson Told Danny DeVito Not to Star in “Taxi”

When Danny DeVito was offered a role on Taxi, he asked his friends Michael Douglas and Jack Nicholson for advice. Both stars told him to avoid TV, saying it might hurt his film career.

DeVito ignored them—and made one of the best career decisions in Hollywood. His role as Louie De Palma not only brought him fame but also earned him critical acclaim and a strong fan base, proving that great TV can launch long-term success.

Actor Who Portrayed Reverend Jim’s Dad Was Only 10 Months Older Than Him

In Season 3, Victor Buono played Reverend Jim’s father. But here’s the twist—Buono and Christopher Lloyd were born the same year, just 10 months apart!

This casting choice showed off Buono’s incredible talent for playing older roles, a perfect example of TV casting flexibility and the skill of the Taxi cast.

Marilu Henner Has an Extraordinary Memory

Marilu Henner has a condition called hyperthymesia, which gives her the power to remember almost every single day of her life in detail.

She can recall dates, events, and even conversations—making her a real-life memory expert. On the Taxi set, this ability made her a living archive, able to recount behind-the-scenes stories like no one else.

Christopher Lloyd Reunited With Danny DeVito on a Different Show

Years after Taxi, Christopher Lloyd and Danny DeVito teamed up again on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Lloyd played “Santa John #2” in a special holiday episode.

This TV reunion thrilled fans of both shows and reminded everyone of the strong friendships that began on Taxi and continued across decades in the entertainment world.

Jeff Conaway and Marilu Henner Reunited With Tony Danza on “Who’s the Boss?”

Tony Danza didn’t forget his Taxi family when he starred in Who’s the Boss? He invited Jeff Conaway and Marilu Henner to guest star in separate episodes in the mid-1980s.

These mini-reunions were a treat for fans and showed how strong the cast’s friendships were, proving that TV bonds often last beyond the set.