Scott Baio, who joined the Happy Days cast as Chachi in 1977, became a household name at just 16. Unlike many actors who hit it big early and faded, Scott has kept the momentum going. Not only did he star in the spinoff Joanie Loves Chachi, but he also headlined Charles in Charge and Diagnosis: Murder. He’s made guest appearances on beloved shows like The Nanny and Arrested Development and even directed episodes of Out of This World. This guy’s been everywhere!
Scott Baio's Latest Venture: A Not-So-Nice Guy in God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust
Scott’s newest project? The film God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust, set to release in theaters on September 12, produced in partnership with Great American Pure Flix and Fathom. Here’s the twist—this time around, Scott’s playing a character that’s not exactly the lovable sweetheart we’ve come to know. “I had some pretty good banter with Samaire [Armstrong], making fun of her and teasing her,” shares Scott, now 63, with Closer. “If the dialogue is sharp and you can bring an attitude, playing a creep becomes surprisingly easy.”
A Closer Look at God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust
Scott dives into the details: “It’s part of the God’s Not Dead series. This one’s about a pastor running for Congress and another politician who doesn’t believe in religion. The film dives deep into the fact that a lot of Christians don’t vote, and maybe they should.”
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And let’s be real, this topic couldn’t be more relevant today. “It’s an important movie for the country,” Scott adds. “Hopefully, it’ll resonate with a lot of people.”
From Commercials to Hollywood: Scott Baio’s Journey Begins
Scott’s career kicked off early. “I started doing commercials when I was 9, and then I auditioned for a movie called Bugsy Malone at 13. That’s when things really took off. Garry Marshall, the genius behind Happy Days, saw me and brought me to Hollywood,” he recalls.
The Impact of Happy Days
When Scott joined Happy Days at 16, his life changed in ways he never imagined. “It made me insanely famous. I was seen by 35 to 40 million people every week. Back then, there were only three networks, so my face was everywhere. People followed me around; it got tricky to go out. But hey, everyone was always super nice to me,” he reminisces.
A Memorable Moment from Happy Days
Scott shares a fun memory from the set: “During one episode, I’d sneak offstage just enough so the cameras couldn’t see me and shoot spitballs at Henry Winkler. One time, I completely covered the back of his leather jacket with spitballs. In retaliation, during the next scene where I was on camera but he wasn’t, he started whacking me with a piece of wood. There was a curtain separating us, but let me tell you, he gave me a workout that day!”
“It was a blast! Ron Howard was amazing, and Erin Moran and I were super close. We spent a lot of time together off-set, going to movies and dating. She even drove me around because she got her license first. Erin was such a sweet person, and we had incredible chemistry both on and off the screen,” he adds.
Why Has Scott Baio Thrived While Others Haven’t?
“Maybe it’s because I’ve always been easy to work with,” Scott muses. “There was never any drama. I just showed up, had fun, joked around, and made the best of it. I avoided drugs, alcohol, and trouble. I kept my nose clean, and that’s helped me stay in the game.”
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Proud Achievements and Personal Life
“I’m proud of the longevity of my career,” Scott says. “That’s been my biggest accomplishment.”
When it comes to his personal life, Scott credits his marriage to Renee, whom he’s been with since 2007, to mutual respect and understanding. “The key to a happy marriage is giving each other space,” he explains. “Sure, I can be a bit selfish sometimes, but my wife gently keeps me in check. She’s from Tennessee, and she’s always been supportive. Being a good dad and husband is something I take seriously.”
Scott Baio as a Dad
Scott’s daughter has shown no interest in following her dad’s footsteps into acting. “She was in a couple of episodes of See Dad Run and a faith-based movie called Courting Mom and Dad, but I tried steering her away from the business. She’s a talented golfer attending a sports academy in Florida, and my goal is to help her make it onto the LPGA Tour.”
As a dad, Scott admits to being strict but present. “I spend a lot of time with my daughter, Bailey, and I’m incredibly proud of her. She’s a faithful, Christian young lady, and I couldn’t ask for more. I might be 64, but I still run around like a kid, keeping up with her.”
Scott also credits his daughter for teaching him patience and a new kind of love. “Bailey has taught me that sometimes you’re just guessing when it comes to parenting. You don’t always know the right move, but you do your best. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from her.”
