50 Facts About Tony Danza

Early Life and Education

Tony Danza's journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood is filled with fascinating twists and turns. Let's explore his early years and educational background.

1. Birth and Upbringing: Born Anthony Salvatore Iadanza on April 21, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York, Tony Danza's roots are deeply Italian. His mother, Anne (Cammisa), was an Italian immigrant, while his father, Matty Iadanza, also hailed from Italian descent.

2. Growing Up: Danza spent his formative years in Malverne, Long Island. Here, he developed a passion for both sports and the arts, setting the stage for his diverse career.

3. Education: A wrestling scholarship took Danza to the University of Dubuque in Iowa. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in history education, initially planning a career in teaching.

4. Boxing Career: Before acting, Danza was a professional boxer. He competed in the New York Golden Gloves in 1975, boasting a record of 9-3 with nine knockout victories, seven of which were in the first round.

5. Professional Boxing: From 1976 to 1979, Danza fought as a middleweight. Known for his aggressive, walk-in slugging style, he quickly became a crowd favorite.

6. Name Change: During his boxing days, Danza adopted the moniker "Dangerous" Tony Danza, reflecting his fierce fighting style.

Rise to Fame

Tony Danza's transition from the boxing ring to the television screen was nothing short of spectacular. Here's how he became a household name.

7. Discovery: While training in a New York boxing gym, Danza was discovered and cast in the ABC series "Taxi" (1978-1983). This role marked his entry into television history.

8. Taxi: Playing Tony Banta in "Taxi," Danza showcased his comedic talent. The show was a massive hit, running for five seasons and cementing his place in TV history.

9. Who’s the Boss?: Following "Taxi," Danza starred in "Who’s the Boss?" (1984-1992). This show ran for eight seasons and broke syndication records, making Danza a star.

10. Emmy Nomination: Danza earned an Emmy nomination for his guest-starring role in "The Practice" (1997), highlighting his versatility as an actor.

11. Broadway Performances: Danza's talents extended to the Broadway stage. He earned critical acclaim for his performances, including a notable role in the revival of "The Iceman Cometh."

12. Honeymoon in Vegas: Danza received rave reviews for his performance in the Broadway musical comedy "Honeymoon in Vegas." The New York Times called his performance "sly genius" and a "career high."

Television Credits

Tony Danza's television career is rich and varied. Let's look at some of his notable TV roles and appearances.

13. The Tony Danza Show: From 2004 to 2006, Danza hosted his own talk show, "The Tony Danza Show," broadcast live in New York.

14. Family Law: Danza appeared in CBS’ dramatic series "Family Law" (2000-2002), showcasing his dramatic chops.

15. The Practice: His role in David E. Kelley’s award-winning series "The Practice" (1998) earned him an Emmy nomination.

16. There’s Johnny: Danza starred in "There’s Johnny" (2017), a series currently streaming on Hulu.

17. Hudson Street: He starred in and executive-produced the ABC comedy series "Hudson Street."

18. Saturday Night Live: Danza has hosted "Saturday Night Live" multiple times, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.

19. Award Shows: He has hosted numerous award shows, including the 2001 Miss America Pageant and the 2003 People’s Choice Awards.

Film Career

Tony Danza's filmography is as impressive as his TV career. Here are some highlights from his time on the big screen.

20. Taxi (Film): Danza appeared in the film adaptation of "Taxi," released in 1983.

21. Angels in the Outfield: He starred in the family comedy film "Angels in the Outfield" (1994).

22. She’s Out of Control: Danza appeared in the comedy film "She’s Out of Control" (1985).

23. Hollywood Knights: He starred in the comedy film "Hollywood Knights" (1980).

24. Don Jon: Danza appeared in the romantic comedy-drama film "Don Jon" (2013).

25. Crash: He starred in the drama film "Crash" (2004).

26. A Brooklyn State of Mind: Danza appeared in the drama film "A Brooklyn State of Mind" (2008).

Music and Theater

Tony Danza's talents extend beyond acting. His contributions to music and theater are noteworthy.

27. Standards & Stories: Danza has released a self-titled album and performs in his live show "Tony Danza: Standards & Stories," combining music, storytelling, and more.

28. Charisma on Stage: The New York Times praised Danza’s live performances, calling him a "live wire" who tap-dances, plays the ukulele, and tells stories.

29. Broadway Revival: Danza has been part of several Broadway productions, including the acclaimed musical comedy "Honeymoon in Vegas."

30. Theater Performances: His Broadway performances have earned critical acclaim, with The New York Times comparing him to his idol, Frank Sinatra.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Tony Danza's commitment to giving back is as impressive as his career. Let's explore his philanthropic efforts.

31. Charity Work: Danza is active in various NYC-based charities and community programs, recognized for his commitment to helping others.

32. Inspire Award: In 2010, Danza received the Inspire Award from AARP The Magazine for his innovative thinking, passion, and perseverance.

33. Make a Difference Day Awards: In 2013, USA Today honored Danza at their National Make a Difference Day Awards for his charity efforts.

34. Hausman Humanitarian Award: At the 2019 ADAPT Leadership Awards, Danza was honored with the Hausman Humanitarian Award for his community contributions.

35. Community Programs: Danza is involved with The NYC All Stars Program and serves as a board member of NYC P.A.L., enriching the lives of others.

Personal Life

Tony Danza's personal life is as intriguing as his professional one. Here's a glimpse into his world.

36. Marriage and Children: Danza is married to Tracy Robinson and has three children. His family life inspires his philanthropic endeavors.

37. Journaling Practice: Since 1994, Danza has maintained a daily journaling practice, writing a page in a Tiffany leather journal each day.

38. Health and Fitness: Despite his age, Danza remains committed to fitness, maintaining eight-pack abs into his 70s.

39. Career Longevity: With a career spanning almost 50 years, Danza continues to work on exciting projects, including recent Broadway and TV performances.

40. Legacy: Danza’s legacy extends beyond his on-screen presence, inspiring many with his philanthropic efforts and commitment to health.

41. Italian and Slovak Ancestry: Danza's heritage includes Italian and Slovak roots, influencing his career choices and personal values.

42. Awards and Nominations: Throughout his career, Danza has received numerous awards and nominations, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nods.

43. Music Album: Danza released a self-titled music album, showcasing his vocal talents and versatility as a performer.

44. Teaching Background: Before acting, Danza considered a teaching career, earning a bachelor’s degree in history education.

45. Boxing Legacy: Danza’s boxing career, though short-lived, left a lasting impact. He was known for his aggressive fighting style.

46. Documentary Appearance: In 2013, Danza appeared in a documentary about a historic concert for Hurricane Sandy Relief at Madison Square Garden.

47. Charity Gala Performance: Danza has performed at various charity galas, including the International Myeloma Foundation’s annual comedy gala.

48. The Stars of Tomorrow Project: Danza is involved with The Stars of Tomorrow Project, supporting emerging talent in the entertainment industry.

49. Power Book III: Raising Kanan: Danza has been filming Season 4 of the STARZ series "Power Book III: Raising Kanan," praising the show as one of the best on television.

50. Continued Success: At 73, Tony Danza remains an active and influential figure in the entertainment industry, ensuring his enduring success and legacy.

Tony Danza: A Multifaceted Icon

Tony Danza's journey from a Brooklyn kid to a beloved actor and former professional boxer is nothing short of remarkable. With roles in iconic TV shows like "Taxi" and "Who’s the Boss?", he’s cemented his place in entertainment history. Beyond acting, Danza's talents shine on Broadway, in music, and even in the boxing ring. His commitment to philanthropy and community programs showcases his big heart, earning him numerous awards and recognitions.

Danza's daily journaling practice and dedication to fitness reflect his disciplined approach to life. At 73, he remains active in the industry, proving age is just a number. His legacy is a blend of talent, hard work, and generosity, making him an enduring figure in the hearts of many. Tony Danza’s story is one of versatility, resilience, and unwavering charm.