Tony Danza Talks
Actor Tony Danza is best known from his popular TV-sitcom stints on Taxi and Who's the Boss. More recently, the 53-year-old actor's done Broadway and headlined in Vegas. This fall, he'll launch his own self-titled daytime talk show on ABC. Yes, really. But why? While promoting it at the Television Critics Assoc. press tour in L.A., Danza himself didn't seem quite sure...
"Why did I want to?" he said. "This is something that's been on my mind a long time. And I think that, in some crazy sort of way, it worked out for me that I have a little bit of life experience now, because I'm a bit older. For the last 10 years, I've been playing a live act [as a] song-and-dance man. I've done everything from county fairs to Carnegie Hall. I think it's gotten me to a point where I'm better equipped [to work] live in front of an audience."
Our translation: This man needs a job with a steady paycheck!
When asked how his show will differ from all the other celebrity chatfests, Danza didn't offer much contrast. He said the show will broadcast live from New York, and will feature his take on current events and personal stories from his family life. Sounds a lot like Live with Regis & Kelly, which will be his lead-in in many TV markets. (In the past, Danza's filled in while Reege was on vacation.) Throw a little Wayne Brady Show in there, too (he'll occasionally sing and tap dance), and a sprinkle of Ellen (except he'll chitchat with his piano player, instead of a funky deejay).
Still, even if The Tony Danza Show won't be innovative television, the guy's well liked enough to make a respectable go of it. And he's enough of a showbiz insider to lure in some decent celebrity guests. "I'd like to try to get off the beaten path as far as guests go," he said. "I mean, don't get me wrong. You've got to get the big gets, and I want them. But there's a pool of celebrities who, whether they're not asked or because they choose not to, don't do talk shows. So I'd like to dip into that a little bit."
As for the big gets, Danza wouldn't name names, but he dropped one hint. "I was on Rosie's [talk-show] pilot, right?" he winked. "So I have a few favors that I think I can call in.
