Tony Danza's Birthday: A Look Back At The 'Who's The Boss?' Cast Then And Now

The beloved sitcom "Who's The Boss?" was a staple of 80s and 90s television, captivating audiences with its blend of humor, heart, and iconic characters. At the center of it all was Tony Danza, the charismatic and talented actor who brought the lovable, yet tough-as-nails, Tony Micelli to life. As we celebrate Tony Danza's birthday, let's take a look back at the "Who's The Boss?" cast then and now.

Tony Danza's Birthday: A Look Back

Born on April 21, 1949, in Brooklyn, New York, Tony Danza is a true New York City boy through and through. With a career spanning over five decades, Danza has proven himself to be a talented and versatile actor, capable of playing a wide range of roles. From his early days as a professional boxer to his breakout role as Tony Micelli, Danza has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

The Rise of "Who's The Boss?"

Premiering in 1984, "Who's The Boss?" was created by Martin Cohan and Blake Hunter, and it quickly became a ratings success. The show revolved around the lives of a working-class couple, Tony Micelli (Tony Danza) and Angela Bower (Judith Light), and their efforts to balance their careers and family life. The show's success can be attributed to the strong chemistry between the lead actors, as well as the show's relatable characters and storylines.

The Original Cast

The original cast of "Who's The Boss?" included:

• Tony Danza as Tony Micelli
• Judith Light as Angela Bower
• Alyssa Milano as Samantha Micelli
• Danny Pintauro as Jonathan Bower

This talented group of actors brought the show to life, delivering memorable performances and iconic moments that are still widely quoted today.

The Cast's Early Days

The cast of "Who's The Boss?" had a lot to learn before the show's premiere. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Alyssa Milano recalled:

"We were all so green, we didn't know what we were doing. We were all just trying to figure it out as we went along."

Despite the initial nerves, the cast quickly formed a strong bond, both on and off screen. In an interview with People Magazine, Judith Light shared:

"We became like a family. We'd have dinner together, go out to the bars, and just hang out. We were all just trying to have fun and enjoy ourselves."

The Cast's Breakout Roles

The success of "Who's The Boss?" led to breakout roles for the cast members. Alyssa Milano went on to star in the hit series "Who's the Boss?: The Movie," while Danny Pintauro appeared in several films and television shows. Tony Danza, meanwhile, continued to work in film and television, appearing in a range of projects including "Taxi" and "Everybody Hates Chris."

Tony Danza's Post-"Who's The Boss?" Career

After "Who's The Boss?" ended its run in 1992, Tony Danza continued to work in film and television. He appeared in a range of projects, including:

• "Taxi" (1994-1995)
• "Everybody Hates Chris" (2006-2007)
• "Last Day of Summer" (2007)
• "I Love You Too" (2009)

While the role of Tony Micelli will always be his most iconic, Danza has proven himself to be a talented and versatile actor, capable of taking on a wide range of roles.

The Cast's Reunion

In recent years, the cast of "Who's The Boss?" has reunited on several occasions. In 2013, the cast gathered for a reunion special, "Who's The Boss?: 30th Anniversary Reunion," which aired on NBC. The special featured the original cast members, including Tony Danza, Judith Light, Alyssa Milano, and Danny Pintauro, as they reminisced about their time on the show and their experiences working together.

A Look Back at the Cast's Reunion

The reunion special was a joyous celebration of the show's 30th anniversary, featuring a range of memorable moments and hilarious anecdotes. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Alyssa Milano shared:

"We just had a great time, laughing and joking around. It was like no time had passed at all."

The reunion was a testament to the enduring popularity of "Who's The Boss?" and the strong bond that the cast members shared during their time on the show.

Tony Danza's Impact on Popular Culture

Tony Danza's iconic performance as Tony Micelli has left a lasting impact on popular culture. His character's wisecracking humor and tough-but-lovable persona have become ingrained in the zeitgeist, and continue to influence comedy and sitcoms to this day.

The Legacy of Tony Micelli

Tony Micelli's legacy extends far beyond the screen. His iconic status has made him a beloved figure among fans, and his influence can be seen in a range of characters and comedians. In an interview with The A.V. Club, Alyssa Milano shared:

"Tony Danza is a comedy legend. He's a true original, and his influence can be seen in so many comedians and actors."

Tony Danza's impact on popular culture is a testament to his enduring talent and charisma, and his continued relevance in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

As we celebrate Tony Danza's birthday, it's clear that his impact on the entertainment industry will be felt for years to come. The "Who's The Boss?" cast has become an iconic part of American pop culture