Tony Danza
on New York, Jack Nicholson, and potato chips
He’s most well known for his iconic roles on the long-running TV series “Taxi” (197883) and “Who’s the Boss?” (1984-92), but Tony Danza has also starred on Broadway and, for the past nearly 30 years, has been a touring musician, bringing a mix of jazz, classics, Broadway numbers, and other genres to audiences around the country. On Aug. 23, Danza (who is also a New York Times best-selling author) will appear with his fourpiece band at the annual Cape Cod Jazz Festival at the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club in Harwich on Cape Cod. Admission is free. “I haven’t played this festival before, but I’m very excited for it,” said Danza, 72, during a recent phone call. He said the show, “Tony Danza: Standards and Stories,” resonates with audiences. “It’s a throwback, sort of like the old variety shows . . . only I’m the host and all the acts,” said the Brooklyn native, who sings, plays the ukulele, and tap dances. “I think we’re usually kind of a surprise. I mean, even though I’ve been doing this for quite a while, I don’t think most people know what I do.” He added: “The act is better than they think it’s going to be. It’s just a lot of fun and I can’t wait to show people what we have.” We caught up with Danza, a New York City resident who has three children and two grandchildren, to talk about all things travel.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? To tell you the truth I really love New York. And I travel so much that it’s nice to be home.
Where was the first place you traveled to after COVID restrictions were lifted? I went to see my family in Los Angeles.
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your
own? I have a terrific travel agent.
Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation? That’s a tough one. But unplugging is very important.
Do you use all of your vacation
time or leave some on the table? I am an actor, so my schedule is always in flux. So I don’t have any specific vacation time.
What has been your worst vacation experience? I don’t really remember an experience that would classify the whole vacation as a disaster.
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? Most of my traveling is for work and so usually it’s a learning experience. But when I do travel to relax, I do relax.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation? I have a book on Abraham Lincoln, entitled “Lincoln: A Life of Purpose and Power” by Richard Carwardine, on my nightstand and is ready to travel.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? Jack Nicholson. Enough said.
What is the best gift to give a traveler? Money.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip? I am a potato chip freak. Lately, there’s been a move toward truffle potato chip: white and black truffle potato chips — my new favorite.
What is the coolest souvenir
you’ve picked up on a vacation? I was in South Africa and bought a wood carving of a rhinoceros that I treasure.
What is your favorite app/website for travel? Don’t have a favorite app.
What has travel taught you? Patience.
What is your best travel tip? Be patient.