Danny Pintauro, known for his role as a child star in the 1980s sitcom "Who's the Boss?", has responded to criticism regarding his work as an Amazon Flex delivery driver. Pintauro stated in a recent podcast appearance that his current earnings from this gig work exceed the residual payments he receives from his acting career.
Pintauro, now 50, gained widespread recognition at age eight alongside co-stars Tony Danza and Judith Light. The show aired for eight seasons, beginning in 1984. Due to the era in which the show was produced, Pintauro's original contracts did not anticipate the digital revenue streams available today, resulting in minimal residual income.
Speaking on the "Pod Meets World" podcast, Pintauro explained that his decision to share his work as an Amazon driver was met with confusion from some fans who questioned why a former sitcom star would engage in gig work. He clarified that acting is just one of several jobs he currently undertakes, identifying himself as a "gig actor" and noting that driving for Amazon has proven to be financially beneficial. He reported earning between $80 and $100 for a two-to-three-hour shift.
"We have to do what we have to do to survive. We have got to keep moving as humans," Pintauro said. "We're all doing it. I am not different from you in that sense. I don't make money from residuals."
Pintauro recalled a previous instance of public scrutiny after "Who's the Boss?" ended, when he was photographed working at Gap and faced mockery online. When he first announced his Amazon job in April, he posted a selfie from his delivery truck with a caption emphasizing the importance of staying active and taking available work. He stated, "The entertainment business has been soooo slow, so I’ve been doing what a lot of people do - figuring it out, showing up, and taking the work that’s there while I keep building the work I really want."
Pintauro's experience highlights a broader financial reality for many actors. Other former child stars have also spoken about meager residual payments. Andrew Keegan of "10 Things I Hate About You" noted receiving checks for as little as one cent. Jodie Sweetin from "Full House" also reported receiving a penny for a residual payment. Veteran actor Ted McGinley, with a career spanning decades on shows like "Happy Days" and "Married... with Children," admitted to accumulating a stack of one-cent checks, explaining that residuals diminish over time.
In contrast, the cast of the sitcom "Friends" continues to earn substantial residual income. Lisa Kudrow revealed that she and her co-stars collectively receive approximately $20 million annually from the show's global syndication. Kudrow reflected on the show's enduring success, attributing it to the quality of the production and the performances, particularly referencing the late Matthew Perry.