Who is Danny Pintauro? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Daniel John Pintauro

Age: 48 Years, 48 Year Old Males

Born Country: United States

Actors American Men

U.S. State: New Jersey

More Facts

education: Stanford University, Middlesex County College

Recommended For You

Recommended Lists:

Actors Who Are In Their 40s

Childhood & Early Life

Daniel John Pintauro was born on January 6, 1976, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. He is the only child of an Italian–Polish father, John J. Pintauro, who worked as a manager. His mother, Margaret L. Sillcocks, worked as an agent.

He majored in drama from 'Stanford University,' graduating in June 1998. He was also an 'Eagle Scout.'

Pintauro played the trumpet as part of the 'Leland Stanford University Marching Band.'

Continue Reading Below

Recommended Lists:

American Film & Theater Personalities

Capricorn Men

Career

Pintauro made his acting debut with the fictional character 'Paul Ryan' in the ‘CBS’ soap opera 'As the World Turns.' The role was originally played by Canaan Crouch. Pintauro replaced him in January 1983. His last appearance as 'Ryan' was on February 10, 1984, after which he was replaced by Elden Ratliff, on February 13, 1984.

Pintauro then played 'Tad Trenton' in the horror film 'Cujo,' based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. He was seen as 'Ben Beniker,' one of the gang members in the 1985 drama feature 'The Beniker Gang.'

His first prominent role on TV was that of 'Jonathan Bower' in the ‘ABC’ sitcom 'Who's the Boss?' (1984 to 1992). Meanwhile, he appeared in TV commercials for 'Lipton Lots-A-Noodles Cup-A-Soup' and 'Quacker Corn Bran.'

Pintauro also appeared as 'Alex' in two episodes of the ‘NBC’ fantasy–drama 'Highway to Heaven' and as 'Billy McKenzie' in the 1987 TV movie 'Timestalkers.'

After 'Who's the Boss?' ended, his acting career went downhill. His appearances became infrequent. During this time, he performed in some stage productions, such as 'The Velocity of Gary' and 'Mommie Queerest.'

He took a career break in 1994, to attend 'Middlesex County College' in Edison, New Jersey. He later studied English and theater at 'Stanford University.'

Pintauro made a comeback in 2001. He participated in a TV child-star special episode of the 'BBC Two' game show 'The Weakest Link.' He was voted off in round 4. Pintauro was next seen as 'Stefan' in the indie feature film 'The Still Life,' starring Jason Barry and written, directed, and produced by Joel A. Miller.

He also appeared as 'Puck' in a production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' staged at a small theater in Ithaca, New York (August 2001).

From February 11, 2004, to April 11, 2004, he performed as 'Tony Whitcomb' in Paul Portner's play, 'Shear Madness,' staged at the 'New Theatre Restaurant' in Overland Park, Kansas.

Continue Reading Below

In 2010, he made an appearance in an episode of the 'ABC Family' drama 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager.' In 2015, he appeared in the 'Oprah Winfrey Network' reality series 'Oprah: Where Are They Now?' and played 'Greg' in the 2016 web series 'Unsure/Positive.'

Pintauro has also worked as a sales representative for 'Tupperware' and a restaurant manager in Las Vegas. He currently works as a vet tech at 'Austin Pets Alive,' a non-profit organization that organizes programs to combat the killing of companion animals.

Family & Personal Life

In 1997, Pintauro came out as gay, through the tabloid named 'National Enquirer.' The tabloid had initially threatened to taint his public image. However, even after coming out, he openly admitted that he did not support the LGBT community, a statement he continues to regret.

In April 2013, he got engaged to his boyfriend, Wil Tabares. This was followed by a wedding ceremony in April 2014.

In 2016, Pintauro and his husband relocated to Austin, Texas.

As part of the 'Toy Mountain Campaign' for underprivileged children, he made donations to Howard E. "Rocky" Stone, the founder of the 'Hearing Loss Association of America.'

Pintauro is extremely nostalgic about 'Who's the Boss?' and still enjoys watching its old episodes.

In 2015, while on Oprah Winfrey's show, Pintauro revealed that he was HIV positive. He revealed that he had contracted the disease through unprotected oral sex in 2003, which had in turn resulted from his addiction to methamphetamine.

His addiction to crystal meth had hampered his immune system and his sense of judgment, which eventually led him to indulge in risky sexual activities. Back then, he was dealing with a messy break-up after a 2-year relationship.

Pintauro quit drugs in 2005. On Oprah's show, he stated that he was finally ready to speak out in public about his HIV status to destigmatize the disease among homosexuals. His efforts were highly appreciated, and people warmly accepted his act of coming out.

Pintauro now prominently advocates for pre-exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP), a daily treatment to reduce HIV transmission to a larger extent.

He initially wanted to be a veterinarian but ultimately turned toward acting with an ultimate goal of becoming a filmmaker.

Pintauro's husband initially worked at a resort named 'Travaasa,' which has now been shut down. His husband also briefly owned a bonsai business and then eventually joined 'Austin Pets Alive.' He now works at a bank and is a professional flamenco dancer.

Pintauro has been approached to host a popular karaoke night at the downtown club 'Rain on Mondays.'

Pintauro and his husband currently live in a rented duplex in Allandale. They own three rescued dogs. One of them, named Bacon, was adopted from 'Austin Pets Alive.'

Trivia

A man was charged with harassing Pintauro by writing him letters. The man committed suicide in 1990.

Danny Pintauro Biography