WTB? Questions

:: Billy's disappearance

The reason for Billy's departure was mentioned in Seer of Love. Tony and Angela explained, when they were speaking with a psychic, that Billy's grandmother, Mrs. Napoli, had completely recovered from her hip surgery and that she was able to take care of him again.

:: "Bower" house location

Fictional
3344 Oakhills Drive, in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Real
13 Onandaga Street in Rye, New York. Ever wonder how the "Bower/Micelli" house looks today? Several WTB?R members have seen the house firsthand. Visit the WTB?R Gallery to see some snapshots WTB?R member folle and I took.

Note: Tony Danza is not the driver in the opening credits sequence as they go from the Triborough Bridge into CT.

:: Filming locations

In Season 1, the show was filmed at Universal City Studios. Subsequent seasons were shot at Sunset-Gower Studios (ABC Television Center), in Hollywood, California.

:: Final season

Ratings
There are many reasons why the show tanked in the ratings in year 8. The money was already made with the number of reruns and ABC had other programs to champion. The show was no longer a priority for ABC. The ratings began to decline in Season 7. Marty and Blake lobbied for Tony and Angela to wed. They believed this could have led to a Season 9 and even a baby to keep things going. But as mentioned earlier, the Company would not allow this to occur. They cited the fate of The Mary Tyler Moore Show in low-rated reruns as an example of where a final episode doomed the syndication. Tony Danza also expressed that he was vehemently against having Tony and Angela marry, because it would have, in his eyes, changed the purpose of the show. Instead, the writers had Sam get married in the two-parter, Better Off Wed.

Scripts
Season 8 had to be virtually rewritten since the wedding for Tony and Angela was nixed. Allergic to Love had a twist as Tony has a reaction to the Lapidus plant (David Lapidus wrote the show.). The story with the grandmother was truly bizarre. The marriage of Hank and Sam was extremely hasty and none of the episodes (or characters) fit very well but by this time it was the 1990s and sitcoms were picking up by this time in terms of raunchiness.

:: Grover's disappearance

Grover the dog was first featured in Guess Who's Coming Forever? He was last mentioned in A Trip to the Principal.

:: Live studio audience

Except for two major instances, Who's the Boss? was filmed in front of a live studio audience. Two episode arcs were shot on-location, when the cast went to Malibu for the two-episode story on Michael Bower's remarriage (Custody) and the 2-episode trip to Mexico, where Angela loses her job (Angela Gets Fired). Other snippets, such as the street scene in SAMSCAR and the parking lot-based teaser in Selling Sam Short were also filmed on location, most likely shown to the audience via a monitor during tapings. Marty and Blake were the final editors and it is possible some laugh tracks were added, but the show was most always shot in front of an audience.

:: Nanny connection

Several episodes of The Nanny were virtual recreations of Boss scripts. The show benefited from WTB? vets in its production. On a related note, Fran Drescher, the star of The Nanny, had two guest parts on Who's the Boss?. She played Carol Patrice in The Heiress and Joyce Columbus in Charmed Lives (the pilot for a WTB? spin-off). Also, Judith Light and Fran Drescher are good friends.

The Nanny also seemed to recycle some of the old WTB? sets. For example, Maggie's bedroom has the exact same layout as Tony's bedroom, with new wallpaper.

:: Original title

Who's the Boss? was initially slated to be called You're the Boss.

:: Reunion

Actually, a WTB? reunion with the entire cast aired November 8th, 2005, on The Tony Danza Show! It was a milestone event for WTB?R, as the audience co-ordinator set aside 20 seats for members of the site. Through the generosity of several WTB?R members, I was able to attend! To watch he special, in its entirety, visit the WTB?R Gallery (must be registered to download).

If you are interested in seeing an actual Who's the Boss? reunion episode, please take a moment to sign WTB?R's petition, here. The petition (has over 2,500+ signatures) has already been mailed out to Tony's people and ABC, but more signatures will help, of course.

:: Spin-Offs

Yes, please see the Spin-Offs section for more information. Note: Section is temporarily closed for construction.

:: Theme Song (Brand New Life)

Credits
Lyrics | Larry Carlton, Blake Hunter, and Robert Kraft
Singer (Seasons 1-2) | Steve Wariner
Singer (Seasons 3-5) | Larry Weiss
Singer (Seasons 6-8) | Jonathan Wolff
Music Bits for in-between scenes (Seasons 6-8) | Jonathan Wolff

Download
The various opening and closing Who's the Boss? theme songs can be found right here on WTB?R! To listen to them, visit WTB?R Gallery (must be registered to download).

Lyrics
Seasons 1-2:
Long | There is more to life than what you're living. So take a chance and face the wind. An open road and a road that’s hidden, brand new life around the bend. There were times, I lost a dream or two, found the trail, and at the end was you. There’s a path you take and a path not taken. The choice is up to you my friend. The nights are long but you might awaken, to a brand new life, brand new life, brand new life around the bend.

Short | There is more to life than what you're living. So take a chance and face the wind. An open road and a road that’s hidden, a brand new life around the bend. The nights are long but you might awaken, to a brand new life, brand new life, brand new life around the bend.

Seasons 3-8:
Long | There’s a time for love and a time for living. So take a chance and face the wind. An open road and a road that’s hidden, brand new life around the bend. There were times, I lost a dream or two, found the trail, and at the end was you. There’s a path you take and a path not taken. The choice is up to you my friend. Nights are long but you might awaken, to a brand new life, brand new life, brand new life around the bend.

Short | There’s a time for love and a time for living. You take a chance and face the wind. An open road and a road that’s hidden, a brand new life around the bend. Nights are long but you might awaken, to a brand new life, brand new life, brand new life around the bend.

:: Tony & Angela's marriage

Unfortunately for fans, Tony and Angela did not get married (unless you count Tony and Angela Get Divorced). To find out how the show ended, check out the Show Synopsis. Note: Section is temporarily closed for construction.

:: WTB? in other countries

In the early 90s, WTB? was aired in around 70 countries. It was very popular in France, Germany, and Israel. Many of the same scripts from WTB? were used for a British version entitled The Upper Hand. The show was produced by Christopher Walker, who almost bought the rights to Married with Children instead.

Honor "Pussy Galore" Blackman played the "Mona"-type character in the UK. The "Tony" character is a soccer player. And in Britain, the show ended with a marriage - and they have made a reunion show too.

Marty and Blake wrote an original Upper Hand episode to get the characters married in Britain. Also, Katherine Helmond guested as the Fortune Teller in the "Seer of Love" episode -- British style. She came up with the concept that the Fortune Teller had a hacking cough, which made it even funnier.

:: WTB? in syndication

At the time of its initial syndication in 1989, it was the second largest $ package in TV history, right behind The Cosby Show. When the syndication package was marketed in 1989, it was a selling of Tony Danza all over the country with his picture on billboards, buses, etc. WTB? fetched $2.5 million per episode, which was another reason why the three pilots (Mona, Charmed Lives & Living Dolls) were sold into the package.

:: WTB? on VHS/DVD

Who's the Boss?: The Complete First Season is now available on DVD! It is a 3-disk set, featuring all 22 episodes of the first season. You can order it from Deep Discount DVD for under $30. No plans have been announced regarding a Season 2 set. If you'd like to see the remaining seven seasons on DVD, sign my petition here and register/vote at TV Shows on DVD.

Columbia House used to sell Who's the Boss? video tapes on a monthly basis. However, CH has since discontinued their video line-up, so eBay would be your best bet to find their VHS tapes.

:: WTB? on NBC

NBC turned down a pitch by Hunter and Cohan that eventually evolved into Boss. WTB? was developed for midseason '83-'84 on ABC, and The Cosby Show was developed for Fall of '84 on NBC.

:: Number of episodes

193 vs. 199
193 episodes of WTB? aired in prime time between '84 and '92. However, when Columbia Tri-Star sold the show into syndication, they sold everything but the kitchen sink in the deal. That included the pilots for Charmed Lives, Mona, and Living Dolls, which were produced (as you know) with Boss characters involved. These shows were otherwise just sitting around, but at $2.5 million per, represented easy money for the studio when they sold the show to the syndicators. Slap on the WTB? title sequence, and voila! An extra $7.5 mil in the bank.

Syndication
Another confusing aspect regarding the number of episodes filmed regards past statements Tony Danza has made. On several occasions, Tony has stated, quite adamantly, that 199 episodes of Boss were filmed. Thinking logically, it would make sense if he just got the number of shows mixed-up, because of the syndication deal. If there were actually 193 episodes, with 3 spin-off pilots added to the mix, that adds-up to 196, right? But, even when presented with that information, he still claims there are 199. Maybe there's 3 "lost" episodes the audience has never been privy to (not counting the skit on The Tony Danza Show's WTB? reunion)...

:: Pilot

Filming date
The Pilot was shot on 11/4/83, but didn't air until 9/84. If you look, Tony's hairstyle is much different from episode #1 to #2.

Filming locations
The opening scene of the Pilot, with Tony, Alyssa, and Rhoda was filmed on the backlot at Universal. (Alyssa says she remembers the tram driving by!) The rest of the pilot was shot on a regular soundstage.

When the creators made the "pitch" for Boss, it was with the intention of showcasing Tony Danza. At the time, Tony was in contention for two other projects. On the day of the Boss screen test with potential Angelas, he showed up at the wrong studio.

:: Pool in "Unsinkable Tony Micelli"

When Tony agrees to swim for Billy, the set designers actually constructed a legitimate swimming pool on the set. After the taping, it was promptly torn down.

:: Song in "Hit the Road, Chad"

Download
An .mp3 is available in the WTB?R Gallery (must be registered to download). A more polished version (non-Ray Charles) of Always a Friend can be obtained for a nominal fee. Please contact the song's author, Dennis Scott, for more information. Dennis can also direct you as to where to find the sheet music for the song.

Name & Lyrics
Always a Friend
By Dennis Scott - Written exclusively for Hit the Road, Chad.

You are always a friend, someone I can talk to.
Always a friend, someone I can always turn to time and again
when it seems as if my whole world is caving in.
You are always a friend, someone I believe in.
Always a friend, someone I've been needing so since I don't know when.
You've a shoulder I can lean on ev'ry now and then.
You're always a friend. We've been friends from the beginning.
I love the way you always smile at me. Hey, look at me I'm winning.
Now my only wish is that someday I will be always a friend,
someone who will always love you.
Always a friend, someone who'll be worthy of you right to the end.
What a sweet life I'll have going knowing that I've been always a friend.
I am always a friend, someone who will always love you.
Always a friend, someone who'll be standing by you right to the end.
Then it's you and me together, just the two of us forever,
'cause I see in you the love I always see in me.
Please let me be always a friend, always a friend, always a friend, always a friend.

:: Song in "Older Than Springtime"

Name & Lyrics
The name of the song Tony and Angela dance to in Older than Springtime is Steppin' Out, by Joe Jackson.

Now -
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the colour of the lights that shine
Electricity so fine
Look and dry your eyes

We -
So tired of all the darkness in our lives
With no more angry words to say
Can come alive
Get into a car and drive
To the other side

Me babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light

We -
Are young but getting old before our time
We’ll leave the t.v. and the radio behind
Don’t you wonder what we’ll find
Steppin out tonight

You -
Can dress in pink and blue just like a child
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
We’ll be there in just a while
If you follow me

Me babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light

:: Cast visits to WTB?R

I know for sure that Judith Light and Jonathan Halyalkar (Billy) have visited the site, as well as several of WTB?'s guest stars. One of the show's creator's, Martin Cohan, is also aware of the site. I, along with several other site members, have personally informed Tony about WTB?R.

:: Contact information

Here are the contact addresses for all of the main cast of Who's the Boss?, excluding Danny Pintauro, who does not have a recent contact address listed on the internet:

Tony Danza
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA. 90232

Judith Light
1888 Century Park East, 5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA. 90067

Alyssa Milano
P.O. Box 1326
Torrance, CA. 90505

Katherine Helmond
2035 Davies Way
Los Angeles, CA. 90046

Rhoda Gemignani
c/o Cunningham, Escott and Dipene
10635 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 130
Los Angeles, CA. 90025

:: Meeting the cast

I met Tony Danza in person and got his autograph at The Tony Danza Show. You can see pictures from that at WTB?R Gallery.

:: Rhoda Gemignani

Rhoda is Marty's sister and her married name aside, she is not Italian (Tony said she reminded him of one of his aunts). Rhoda attended the Friday night taping of every show. She was created as an infrequent visitor to the show as Mrs. Carmella Rossini. Most recently, Rhoda had a recurring role on Just Shoot Me!

The character of Rhoda Morgenstern on the Mary Tyler Moore show was named after none other than our own Rhoda Gemignani! And to top it off, when Rhoda got her own show, her father was named after our own Martin Cohan!

:: Set designer

Bob Breen was the set designer for Who's the Boss? Besides designing the set for Boss, he fashioned the sets for All in the Family, Maude, The Jeffersons, Good Times, Diff'rent Strokes, Married With Children, and more.

:: Show creators' TV credits

Martin Cohan is a San Francisco native who came to TV in its early days in the 50s. He knows all facets of the business. He wrote for The Odd Couple and The Mary Tyler Moore Show and later was producer of the Bob Newhart Show. Marty, among his many talents, was a director earlier in his career. His wife Dawn is a writer as well.

Blake Hunter, a public relations expert came to L.A. via his native North Carolina and New York. He was a writer/producer for WKRP in Cincinnati. Cohan & Hunter worked together in the later seasons of Diff'rent Strokes. This got them with the Lear/Tandem Productions. Thus, WTB? is a lineal descendant of the "high concept" shows which began with All in the Family.

:: Tony's refrences on the show

Many of Tony Danza's references on the show were rather autobiographical. His old Brooklyn neighborhood was East New York. He did go to St. Teresa's Church there, the Malverne High sweatshirt is of his Long Island alma mater, Bobby Governale is a real - life friend (I think he is mentioned by Danny DeVito in a Taxi episode too), in the Ray Charles episode he mentions his real wife's name (Tracy Robinson), the 8th season finale with him coaching in Iowa harks back to his own days at the University of Dubuque (he had a wrestling scholarship), he mentions his old high school English teacher (I think McMasters was the name), his father (Matty Iadanza) was really buried in the Jamaica Ave. Cemetery along the Queens/Brooklyn line near East New York, Samantha once talks about hearing from "Frank Lieberman" at school (Mr. Danza's then publicist) and this just goes on and on.