Danny Pintauro, who gained fame as a child actor on the 1980s television hit “Who’s the Boss?”, has candidly discussed the evolution of his career, which has taken a surprising turn in recent years. The 50-year-old actor has recently taken up a role as an Amazon driver, sharing his thoughts on the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and the financial realities that accompany it.
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In a heartfelt Instagram post, Pintauro, who starred in “Who’s the Boss?” from 1984 to 1992, showcased a picture of himself with a car loaded with Amazon packages. He accompanied the image with a caption reflecting on the challenges he has faced: “Working hard while ‘not working.’” Pintauro emphasised that the entertainment sector has been sluggish lately, prompting him to seek alternative income sources. “I’ve been doing what a lot of people do — figuring it out, showing up, and taking the work that’s available while I keep building the work I really want,” he noted, referring to his drive of picking up 38 packages in one day.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Pintauro elaborated on his decision to work as a driver. He remarked on the difficulties of re-entering the acting world after a decade-long hiatus, particularly as the industry has undergone significant changes. “Returning to acting after a ten-year break is an uphill battle,” he explained, highlighting the stark decline in television production in Los Angeles since 2021. Pintauro noted that while there used to be between 60 and 100 pilots produced each season, now only a handful are being made, making it increasingly challenging for actors to secure roles.
Pintauro also touched on the common misconception regarding the financial benefits of his previous work on “Who’s the Boss?” “People overestimate what residuals from a sitcom in the ’80s and ’90s look like,” he said. He clarified that a considerable portion of his earnings was invested and also used to fund his education at Stanford University. “It’s not like there’s just been endless money sitting there,” he remarked, underscoring the reality many former child actors face regarding financial stability.
This openness about his current life and career choices reflects Pintauro’s desire to normalise the ups and downs of working in the entertainment industry. He states, “There’s no shame in staying in motion while the entertainment business finds its footing.” Pintauro outlined his various endeavours, which include auditioning, teaching at the Young Actors Theatre Camp, running his coaching studio named The Resonant Actor, and creating custom book nooks for clients.
Following the conclusion of “Who’s the Boss?”, Pintauro took a step away from acting to attend Stanford, where he graduated in 1998. His return to the profession commenced in 2022 with a key role in the Lifetime film “A Country Christmas Harmony.” Reflecting on his journey, Pintauro remarked on the trauma he experienced after the show ended, which included being outed as gay by the press in 1997, battling addiction, and receiving an HIV diagnosis. He candidly expressed his initial belief that being a child actor was all he was destined to be, but he has since realised that “possibilities are out there.”
Pintauro’s former co-stars, including Judith Light, Tony Danza, and Alyssa Milano, have shown support for him throughout his journey. In a recent interaction on social media, Milano commented on one of his posts, encouraging him with a simple, “Yesssss. Must keep moving.” Such encouragement, alongside Pintauro’s determination, highlights the resilience required to forge a path in an industry that can often seem intimidating.
As Pintauro navigates this new chapter in his life, he continues to underline the importance of transparency and adaptability. His experiences reflect a broader narrative shared by many in the entertainment industry, where certainty in job security is increasingly rare. Despite these challenges, Pintauro’s commitment to pursuing his passions, along with his candidness about both past struggles and present endeavours, serves as an inspiring reminder that life after stardom can lead to new and fulfilling opportunities.