Danny Pintauro, known for playing Jonathan Bower on Who’s the Boss?, says he’s working five jobs to survive—despite early fame. Speaking on the Pod Meets World podcast, he described an Amazon delivery gig alongside other work, and explained he doesn’t earn res
When Danny Pintauro walks out to do another shift, it’s not the sound of a laugh track following him—it’s the reality check that fame doesn’t always pay the bills.
On the Pod Meets World podcast, the 50-year-old Who’s the Boss?. alum said he’s currently working five jobs to make ends meet. The most visible piece of that grind is his part-time work for Amazon Flex. a gig that he said represents only one part of his income. “(Amazon is) one of the five different gig jobs that I’m doing right now,” Pintauro said. “We’re gig actors. Acting is the gig. It’s one of the six gigs.”.
His comments landed months after a photo of him delivering Amazon packages went viral online. The image helped spark a wider conversation about how many child stars end up facing financial instability after early success. Pintauro didn’t soften the message. “We have to do what we have to do to survive,” he said.
Pintauro also made clear that one of the biggest safety nets people assume comes with a hit sitcom isn’t there for him. He said he doesn’t make residual income from Who’s the Boss?. Instead. he builds his finances through multiple sources: working as an acting coach. teaching workshops. delivering work. and building and selling dioramas.
The picture matches what other former child stars have described in their own posts and interviews—money coming in fast. then disappearing under the weight of decisions. circumstances. and time. Christy Carlson Romano said in a 2021 YouTube video that she “made and lost millions of dollars” after making substantial money as a Disney star. and she now relies on multiple revenue streams after losing her millionaire status.
Aaron Carter also described a major financial collapse. He told Us Weekly that he filed for bankruptcy and carried more than $150,000 in debt after tax issues and career setbacks. He was later reported to have passed away after accidentally drowning in a bathtub after taking substances.
Jodie Sweetin, a Full House star, similarly faced money troubles after childhood fame and addictions that consumed large portions of her earnings and residual checks (via Complex). She later rebuilt her career and celebrated years of sobriety.
And Lindsay Lohan has spoken publicly about money problems as well, including a federal tax lien in 2012 after she reportedly owed more than $93,000 in unpaid taxes, according to E! News.
Pintauro’s story ties those threads together with a blunt, lived-in detail: the jobs aren’t a headline stunt, they’re a routine. For him, the gig economy isn’t a trend—it’s what keeps life moving day to day.
Danny Pintauro Who’s the Boss? Amazon Flex Pod Meets World child stars gig jobs acting coach dioramas financial struggles residual income
Five jobs?? dude shouldve just kept investing like everyone says.
I saw that Amazon pic too, people were clowning him but now it’s like… yeah residuals aren’t guaranteed. Residuals should be tho? why wouldnt he have them.
Wait so he’s doing Amazon Flex and acting coach and dioramas?? I don’t even know what dioramas sell for lol. Also the article says he doesnt make residuals from Who’s the Boss, but I thought sitcom residuals were automatic? maybe they lied on TV contracts or something.
Child stars always get screwed but like… this is why I don’t trust the industry. He was the boss’s son or whatever and now he’s delivering boxes?? sounds like tax stuff or “bad decisions” like that Lindsay Lohan thing. Not saying he did anything wrong, just feels like the money vanishes the second fame hits. Also dioramas?? that’s random, he could’ve just done more acting instead of gig-ing.