At just nine years old, this determined boy set his sights on becoming an actor. With unwavering support from his parents, he began attending interviews, eventually landing small roles in commercials.
His first big break came in 1976 when he beat out 2,000 other hopefuls to star in the musical comedy “Bugsy Malone,” playing the titular child gangster. This achievement marked the start of a promising career.
Frankie Valli with his wife and the young star at the premiere of “Bugsy Malone” on September 12, 1976. | Source: Getty Images
The following year, his popularity skyrocketed when he was cast as Chachi Arcola, the cousin of The Fonz, in the hit sitcom “Happy Days.”
The famous actor posing for a portrait in New York City circa 1970s. | Source: Getty Images
The “Joanie Loves Chachi” actor’s role in “Happy Days” endeared him to audiences nationwide and solidified his place in television history.
The “Happy Days” star circa 1978. | Source: Getty Images
As his career gained momentum, his family decided to move to Hollywood, enabling him to meet the demands of his burgeoning success.
The ’80s heartthrob photographed in 1978. | Source: Getty Images
During his tenure on “Happy Days,” which ran from 1977 to 1984, he also appeared in several notable films, including “Skatetown U.S.A.,” “Foxes,” and “Zapped!”
The famous actor smiling in a candid photo during the taping of “Battle of the Network Stars” circa 1981. | Source: Getty Images
His fame as a teen idol grew rapidly, and he became one of the most recognizable faces of the early 1980s. After “Happy Days” concluded, the actor transitioned to CBS to star in “Charles in Charge.”
The actor with his “Charles in Charge” co-stars circa 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Years after his incredible success as a young actor, the Hollywood star reflected on entering the entertainment industry at such a young age and whether or not this affected his childhood. He shared such reflections during a 2015 interview with The Washington Times.
Interestingly, he spoke about how he didn’t fully consider himself to be a “child actor,” despite the fact that he started acting at age nine.
The 80s heartthrob with Brooke Shields during an event circa 1978. | Source: Getty Images
“A child is five or six,” the actor explained. He also described his early years as relatively normal, though he acknowledged missing out on traditional teenage experiences like high school dances, proms, and fraternities.
His life changed dramatically when he was 13 and landed his role in “Bugsy Malone.” “That changed everything. I was brought to Los Angeles,” he said.
The famous actor and Lance Kerwin posing as their characters from “The Boy Who Drank Too Much” in Los Angeles, California on February 6, 1980. | Source: Getty Images
Despite spending decades in the industry, the star has an unconventional view of acting. “There are two different kinds of actors. There are people who take it just so damn seriously. Then there are guys like me that just get up and love doing it,” he divulged.
Early on, he relied on his energy and natural charisma rather than method acting. While he eventually grasped the craft, he never fully embraced the more intense aspects of the profession.
Erin Moran posing with the famous actor as their characters from “Joanie Loves Chachi” circa 1982. | Source: Getty Images
He recalled advice from late legendary filmmaker Gary Marshall, who told him, “It’s gotta be fun. If it’s not fun, go home.” The actor continues to embody that philosophy, viewing acting as something to enjoy rather than obsess over.
The 80s heartthrob at the American Image Awards in New York City in 1982. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, he continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles and even stepping behind the camera to direct episodes of “The Wayans Bros.” and “Unhappily Ever After.”
Offscreen, he found love with Renee Sloan, a former stuntwoman and actress, whom he married in 2007. However, their life together was not without challenges.
Renee Sloan and the “Happy Days” actor at an LG Mobile TV party in 2007. | Source: Getty Images
After finding out that they were expecting twins in 2007, the couple sadly lost one of their babies 11 weeks into their pregnancy, a loss Renee eventually came to accept as part of her journey. Fortunately, they successfully welcomed the twin who managed to survive, their daughter, Bailey Deluca Baio.
However, their happiness was quickly interrupted by alarming news. Just a day after bringing Bailey home, a call from their pediatrician revealed that her newborn screening had flagged a potential health issue.
The famous actor and his daughter Bailey at a press conference to promote the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation at UCLA in Westwood, California on September 5, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
The test indicated a rare and potentially fatal metabolic condition called glutaric acidemia type 1, or GA-1. The diagnosis left Renee and her husband in a prolonged state of anxiety.
The “Happy Days” star and his daughter at the Boom Boom Room’s Children’s Gifting Wonderland event in Los Angeles, California on January 10, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
For more than two months, they were forced to wait for further tests, unsure if their daughter was battling a life-threatening condition. At just 10 weeks old, Bailey endured a series of medical evaluations that finally brought clarity—she did not have GA-1.
Despite their relief, the memory of those harrowing weeks left a lasting impression. But rather than putting the experience behind them, the couple decided to take action.
The actor with his wife and daughter at the Giggles ‘N’ Hugs opening party at Westfield Century City Mall in Century City, California on December 3, 2010. | Source: Getty Images
They opened up about Bailey’s misdiagnosis, determined to spread awareness about the importance of expanded newborn screening. They also founded a foundation that seeks to educate parents about newborn testing and the serious conditions it can detect.
The ’80s heartthrob, his wife and kid at Nickelodeon’s 26th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California on March 23, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
While she suspected that Bailey might carry the GA-1 gene, Renee chose to focus on the blessings she had rather than the unanswered questions surrounding her miscarriage—turning their pain into purpose.
The famous actor with his wife and daughter at an annual charity golf tournament in Woodland Hills, California on September 21, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
Back in 2015, Renee’s doting husband shed more light on the charity the two had founded inspired by what happened to their beloved daughter.
Before they discovered that Bailey was falsely diagnosed with the rare metabolic disorder, Renee had connected with a community of families dealing with similar issues during her time researching and reaching out to people about the disorder.
“When we got the all-clear, I was like, ‘Great! Let’s move on.’ My wife said, ‘No. I can’t move on. All these people need help.’ That’s how it started,” recalled Bailey’s dad.
The organization provides essential supplies for children facing serious medical conditions. This includes specialized wheelchairs and expensive medical formulas that insurance companies often refuse to cover. One way in which the parents have raised money for their foundation was via a charity golf tournament.
Battling Brain Tumors and Overcoming Adversity
In 2010, the couple’s resilience was tested once more when Renee was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, which led to three successful lumpectomies.
Then, in 2015, she was diagnosed with meningioma brain tumors, which she described as “benign tumors that grow on the outer casing of the brain.”
The ’80s heartthrob and his wife at the third U.S. presidential debate in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 19, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Her health battle was a difficult journey for their family, but they faced it with faith and determination. “I will tell you my faith in God is greater than the fear of the unknown,” Renee said.
Her symptoms began with intense migraines, initially thought to be hormone-related. When the brain tumor diagnosis was confirmed, her husband struggled with the fear of losing her.
He reflected, “It was all about our kid. I would’ve been devastated for our daughter, because she’s everything to us, so that would’ve crushed her.” Their daughter, Bailey, was seven years old then, and Renee recalled the heartbreaking moment when she had to stay strong for her family.
The “Happy Days” star and his wife at the Last Chance for Animals 33rd Annual Celebrity Benefit Gala in Beverly Hills, California on October 14, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
“Before we told our daughter, he had put his head on my shoulder in the kitchen and he wept, and our daughter witnessed this, and she said, ‘Mommy, why are you making Daddy cry?'” Renee shared.
The famous actor and his wife spotted out in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
“‘You need to apologize. You apologize for making Daddy cry.’ So I bit the inside of my mouth and I said, ‘I’m sorry, Daddy, for making you cry.’ You just got to be strong,” the former actress continued.
In 2017, she shared more about her ongoing health struggles on X. “Besides having 2 meningioma brain tumors, in Oct 2017 I also learned I have Microvascular Brain Disease,” she wrote.
Her husband responded with a heartfelt message, “Unfortunately, this is true. Renee is forever my rock, my life & my soulmate! Toughest person I know.”
Throughout these challenges, Renee remained a source of strength for her family. “I’m tough in a different way,” her husband, who took a break from acting for a few years, said. “She’s life tough.” Despite the uncertainties and hardships, their faith and resilience kept their family together.
A Proud Father, Loving Husband, and New Life in Florida
Over the years, Scott Baio‘s life has transformed in ways he never imagined, and today, his greatest pride is his family. His daughter has grown into a confident young woman and even has her own Instagram account.
Scott Baio at the Chiller Theatre Expo 30th Anniversary Fall 2021 event in Parsippany, New Jersey on October 29, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
In October 2024, she gave followers a glimpse into her exciting life, writing, “I had such a great time at the 2nd annual Sequin and Saddle Gala. Where my dad was the keynote speaker.”
