The world of show business is often romanticized, with fans assuming that actors and actresses lead glamorous lives, earning substantial incomes from their past roles. However, a recent revelation by Danny Pintauro, a former star of the 1980s sitcom 'Who's the Boss?', offers a stark contrast to this perception. Pintauro, who played the role of Jonathan Bower, has taken on a side gig as an Amazon delivery driver, shedding light on the harsh reality of residual pay for actors.
In an interview with Fox News, Pintauro discussed the challenges of balancing his acting career with his delivery job. He noted that the entertainment industry has become increasingly competitive, forcing actors to seek additional income streams. This shift, he believes, has moved away from the notion that working a regular job is a downfall.
Pintauro's decision to become an Amazon Flex delivery driver is driven by the flexibility it offers, allowing him to manage his audition schedule. He shared that fans often assume he still earns a substantial income from his time on 'Who's the Boss', but this is far from the truth. The actor explained that residuals, which are payments received from the sale of TV shows and DVDs, have significantly diminished over the years.
One of the main issues, according to Pintauro, is the lack of clarity in residual payment structures. He pointed out that DVD compilations were non-existent in the 1980s, and there were no provisions in the contracts to address this. Additionally, reruns were rare, further reducing the potential for residual income. When a network or streaming service purchases the series, Pintauro receives a payment, but this amount decreases with each subsequent purchase.
For instance, Pintauro mentioned that he earns only five to six cents per episode for Season 1, which has been purchased numerous times. This means that he doesn't receive additional payments for the show's repeated airings. The actor also revealed that he used a significant portion of his residual money to fund his education at Stanford University, where he earned a degree in drama, and to support himself in the years following his acting career.
Pintauro's transparency about his delivery job is a refreshing change from the typical Hollywood narrative. He has openly shared his experiences, including a post on Instagram where he delivered 38 packages and emphasized the importance of staying active. This honesty highlights the financial struggles that many actors face, even those with successful past roles.
In conclusion, Danny Pintauro's journey from a sitcom star to an Amazon delivery driver provides a unique perspective on the reality of residual pay in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder that the glitz and glamour of Hollywood often mask the financial challenges that actors face, even decades after their initial success.
