Power Book III: Raising Kanan star Tony Danza says getting older has made him “want to be friendlier” and teases a finale that left even the cast in shock.
For more than four decades, Tony Danza has remained one of America’s most enduring television stars. From his breakout role as boxer-turned-housekeeper Tony Micelli on the Emmy-winning sitcom Who’s the Boss? to fan favorites like Taxi, Danza has built a career on portraying characters with grit, warmth and unmistakable charm. He has introduced himself to a new generation as a mob boss Stefano Marchetti in the Power universe. He’s found his way to the Hip-Hop generation.
When AllHipHop caught up with Danza, the conversation with Ricardo Hazel quickly pushed beyond television. The veteran actor reflected on how age has softened his outlook, why villains need a little humanity, and even teased the conclusion to his latest season of Power. The former teacher has spent years championing arts education, mentoring young performers and investing in programs that give teenagers vast opportunities.
Danza even shared a heartfelt story about a young student who joined his free acting program for all the wrong reasons before discovering a life-changing passion. This interview is red carpet gold.
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AllHipHop: You’ve taught generations of people lessons through shows like Who’s the Boss? As a younger actor you played one type of role, and now you’re playing an older character. How do you stay a genuinely good guy without coming across as an “old guy” who’s out of touch? You’re always involved in positive things. What’s the secret?
Tony Danza: I don’t know about you, but as I get older, I just want to be friendlier. I had those years already. I think that’s what happens. You mellow.
AllHipHop: I think that likability is what makes your character work. Even though he’s not exactly a great guy, people still find themselves rooting for him.
Tony Danza: That’s what’s important. You never want a character to be one note. Everybody knows he’s a bad guy, but every once in a while he can be lovable. That’s what gives him flavor.
AllHipHop: This season is building toward a huge climax. Without giving too much away, what can fans expect? Does your character win, lose or break even?
Tony Danza: Well, he’s got a great adversary in Joey Pants, so there’s going to be a lot of trouble there. I’ve been saying this at every table read. People were literally screaming in shock. Actors were saying, “What? Are you kidding? No!” I imagine the audience is going to have that same reaction. They’re going to be very surprised.
AllHipHop: Before I let you go, is there anything I should’ve asked you about? Has Power opened more doors for you?
Tony Danza: You know what I’m really excited about? I’m working on something here in New York called the Stars of Tomorrow Project. It’s a free program for New York City high school students. We teach acting, voice, dance and wellness.
One story always sticks with me. A kid came into the program when he was 16. I asked him if he wanted to go to college. He said, “No. My grandfather made a life. My father made a life. I want to do the same.”
I said, “Okay, it’ll probably be tougher today, but what about acting?”
He said, “I’m not really into acting.”
So I asked, “Then why’d you come?”
He said, “Well… it’s free. And I figured there might be girls.”
He was right about that. (Laughs.)
We kept him in the program. He eventually graduated from SUNY Purchase, and now he’s playing Romeo in Shakespeare in the Park.
AllHipHop: That’s an incredible story. That’s part of your legacy. It’s not just the television work. It’s the lives you’re helping shape and the positive energy you’re putting into the world.
Tony Danza: Thank you. I appreciate that.
Power Book III: Raising Kanan is currently running on Starz.
