Tony Danza is a multifaceted American talent known for his work as an actor, television personality, tap dancer, former professional boxer, and teacher.
Raised in a working-class Italian-American family, Danza first gained widespread recognition for his roles in two iconic television sitcoms: Taxi (1978–1983) and Who’s the Boss? (1984–1992).
Beyond television, Danza has built a diverse career spanning film, Broadway, and even education, cementing his status as a beloved figure in American entertainment.
Danza’s journey began in Brooklyn, where he lived until age 14 before moving with his family to Malverne, Long Island.
Siblings
Tony has one sibling, a younger brother named Matty Iadanza Jr., born in 1954.
Matty Jr. has largely stayed out of the public eye compared to his famous brother, carving out a quieter life as a restaurant owner in Los Angeles.
The brothers share a close bond, rooted in their shared upbringing in Brooklyn and later Long Island.
Career
Before stepping into the spotlight, Danza was a professional boxer with an impressive record of nine wins and three losses, seven of which were knockouts.
His athletic background paved the way for his big break when a producer spotted him training in a New York gym and cast him in Taxi.
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The sitcom, which aired from 1978 to 1983, became a critical and audience favorite, marking Danza’s entry into Hollywood.
Following Taxi, Danza starred in Who’s the Boss?, a show that ran for eight seasons and consistently ranked in the Nielsen Top 10.
Playing Tony Micelli, a single father and housekeeper, Danza showcased his comedic timing and charm, further solidifying his status as a television star.
His film career includes roles in movies like The Hollywood Knights (1980), Angels in the Outfield (1994), Crash (2004), and Don Jon (2013), demonstrating his range across genres.
Danza also made his mark on Broadway, earning praise for performances in productions like The Iceman Cometh (1999) and Honeymoon in Vegas (2013–2014).
His talents extend beyond acting—he’s a skilled tap dancer and singer, performing in his live show Tony Danza: Standards & Stories, where he blends music from the Great American Songbook with personal anecdotes.
In a surprising turn, Danza explored teaching in 2009–2010, co-instructing a 10th-grade English class in Philadelphia for the A&E reality series Teach: Tony Danza, later documenting the experience in his book I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had.
Accolades
For his work on Taxi and Who’s the Boss?, Danza received four Golden Globe nominations, highlighting his skill as a comedic actor.
In 1998, he won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Performer in a New Television Series for The Tony Danza Show (1997), a short-lived sitcom distinct from his later talk show of the same name.
His guest role on The Practice in 1998 earned him an Emmy nomination, showcasing his dramatic chops.
Danza’s impact on television was immortalized in 1988 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard.
Beyond awards, his Broadway performances have garnered critical acclaim, with outlets like The New York Times praising his charisma and stage presence.
