Scott Baio was one of the hottest teen idols of the late '70s and early '80s. Just ask any girl who was in junior high at that time. He first appeared in television commercials (after announcing to his parents he wanted to be on TV) and as a model in kid's clothing ads. In 1976, he snagged in the lead role of the musical feature "Bugsy Malone" and a star was born. He moved onto the short-lived series "Blansky's Beauties" in 1977, and when that failed, jumped over to "Happy Days" as Fonzie's cousin, Chachi Arcola -- the role that made him famous.
While still on "Happy Days," Scott kept a busy schedule appearing in feature films like "Skate Town U.S.A., " "Foxes" and "Zapped" as well as some well-received, thoughtful TV movies like "The Boy Who Drank Too Much," "Stoned" and "Run, Don't Walk."
When "Happy Days" ended in 1984, Scott didn't miss a beat and went directly into the lead role in the TV sitcom "Charles In Charge," which lasted five seasons. He hasn't slowed down since, and has appeared in numerous TV series since including "Baby Talk" in 1991, "Diagnosis Murder" beginning in 1993 and "Before They Were Stars" in 1996. He was in the 1997 feature "Detonator" and has directed episodes of comedy series "Nick Freno" on the WB network.
Did you know:
- Baio was nominated for an Emmy award for his role in the 1980 TV movie "Stoned."
- Scott's cousins, Jimmy and Joey Baio, were also kid actors.
- Scott and "Happy Days" co-star Erin Moran were given their own series called "Joanie Loves Chachi" in 1982. When the show failed, the pair were welcomed back for the final season of "Happy Days."
