Former child star Danny Pintauro is reflecting on his life and career as he steps back into the spotlight after a long absence from acting. Known for his role as Jonathan on the beloved sitcom *Who’s the Boss?*, Pintauro, now aged 50, has expressed mixed feelings about his time on the show, which aired several decades ago.
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In a candid interview with *Entertainment Tonight*, Pintauro discussed the complexities of revisiting his past. “When I think back about Jonathan, I have mixed feelings,” he shared. The show featured a single father, played by Tony Danza, who becomes the housekeeper for a powerful advertising executive, portrayed by Judith Light. Pintauro’s character was the young son of Light’s character, Daniel, navigating the intricacies of adolescence in a lively household.
Following the conclusion of *Who’s the Boss?*, Pintauro took a significant step back from the entertainment industry to pursue academic studies at Stanford University. Graduating in 1998, he later faced a pivotal moment when approached by a tabloid, which intended to publish a story revealing his sexuality. “I got a call from the *National Enquirer* saying, ‘We’re doing this story,’” he recounted. At that moment, he felt as if his life was about to change dramatically.
Pintauro’s emotions regarding the show stem from his personal experiences at the time. Reflecting on his youth, he said, “Overall, obviously, the experience was amazing… but I was going through a lot at the time, secretly.” He expressed how difficult it was to navigate his identity amidst a broader societal narrative that was often negative towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the struggles of that period, Pintauro has found his voice and happiness in the years since. He married his husband, Wil Tabares, in 2014, signifying a personal triumph in his journey. Returning to the screen in 2022 with a role in Lifetime’s *A Country Christmas Harmony*, Pintauro is eager to make his mark as an adult actor.
In addition to his acting pursuits, Pintauro has taken on various gig jobs to sustain himself, including work as an Amazon driver. During a recent appearance on the podcast *Pod Meets World*, he discussed his involvement in multiple gigs, jokingly calling himself a “gig actor.” He elaborated on the challenges that come with re-establishing his career after a decade-long break, mentioning the changes in the television industry, particularly in Los Angeles since 2021, where production levels have significantly declined.
Pintauro emphasised the reality of life after *Who’s the Boss?*, especially when it comes to financial expectations regarding residuals from the show. “People often overestimate what residuals from a sitcom in the ’80s and ’90s look like,” he stated. He clarified that while he had invested his earnings wisely, substantial amounts were also spent on his education and navigating early adulthood.
As Pintauro embarks on this fresh chapter, he remains grounded in the realities of the entertainment landscape. His story resonates with many who remember the challenges of growing up in the public eye while grappling with personal issues. With a renewed commitment to acting and a determination to redefine his career, Pintauro’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions.
In closing, the former child star seems optimistic about the future, appreciating both his nostalgic ties to *Who’s the Boss?* and his current pursuits. As he reintroduces himself to audiences, Pintauro continues to embrace the lessons learned through his formative years, both on and off the screen.