![scott baio](https://media.beliefnet.com/~/media/photos-with-attribution/entertainment/scott-baio-credit-tinseltown-shutterstock.jpg?as=1&w=390)
- Faith: Christian
- Career: Actor
- Birthday: September 22, 1960
Scott Baio is an actor known for playing Chachi Arcola on “Happy Days” and its spin-off “Joanie Loves Chachi,” the title character on “Charles in Charge,” Dr. Jack Stewart in “Diagnosis: Murder,” and the title role in “Bugsy Malone,” his onscreen debut. Baio has guest starred on various TV programs, appeared in several independent movies, and starred on the sitcom “See Dad Run.” Baio was born in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough of New York City in 1960, the son of Italian immigrants Rose and Mario Baio, who worked as his manager. He and his siblings were raised in Bensonhurst, and he attended Xaverians High School.
In 1976, Baio played the title character “Bugsy Malone” in the children’s musical directed by Alan Parker, which also co-starred Jodie Foster. Foster and Baio later worked together again in the teen girl drama “Foxes,” helmed by Adrian Lyne. When he was 16, Baio was cast as The Fonz’s cousin Chachi Arcola on “Happy Days.” During his time there, Baio earned two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for his lead performances in the TV movies “Stoned” and “All the Kids Do It.” He won two Young Artist Awards during the Third Annual Youth in Film Awards as Best Young Actor in a Television Special for “Stoned” and Best Young Comedian in Television or Motion Pictures for “Happy Days.” Baio also starred in the made-for-TV youth drama specials “The Boy Who Drank Too Much” and “Senior Trip.”
From March 1982 to May 1983, Baio starred with his “Happy Days” co-star Erin Moran in the show’s spin-off “Joanie Loves Chachi.” Unfortunately, the show was canceled after 17 episodes, and Baio returned to “Happy Days.” During this time, Baio, who played an aspiring singer on “Joanie Loves Chachi,” was signed to a record contract with RCA Victor, who used his TV role to push his music career. He released three singles and two albums, and his self-titled album peaked at number 181 on the Billboard 200, but his recording career never took off. In 1982, he appeared in “Zapped!” and starred as Francis Geminani in the special HBO presentation of “Gemini,” an adaptation of the Broadway comedy-drama “Happy Birthday, Gemini.” From 1979 to 1984, Baio made seven appearances on “Battle of the Network Stars: six as a competitor for ABC and one as co-host.
From 1984 to 1990, he starred in the comedy series “Charles in Charge.” In 1985, he was part of an ensemble cast for “Alice in Wonderland,” where he played Pat the Pig. From 1987 to 1991, he was the director of the children’s comedy series “Out of This World.” During the 1990s, Baio appeared in various TV programs, including the short-lived “Look Who’s Talking” small-screen spin-off “Baby Talk.”
What religion is Scott Baio?
Scott Baio identifies as a Christian. While his wife, Renee, battled brain tumors, Baio turned to his faith in God to help get him through. On the day they got the news of her diagnosis, Baio posted on Facebook, “Renee has been down some rough roads in her life, yet each time, with her strong faith in God, she comes through a better and stronger person. During this time, we ask for your prayers and support. My wife is my rock. She refuses to even shed one tear, nor will she question God's will. Renee, Bailey and I will get through this.”
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