JUST IN:Tony Danza Worried Fans Wouldn’t ‘Buy Me as the Bad Guy’ in Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Exclusive)

Tony Danza, a beloved actor best known for his roles in Taxi and Who’s the Boss?, is taking on a new and unexpected role in the hit series Power Book III: Raising Kanan. As a new addition to the cast in its third season, Danza portrays the character of “Sal Boselli,” a mobster who has a significant impact on Kanan Stark’s journey. However, Danza has admitted that, at first, he was worried that his longstanding image as a good-natured, family-friendly star might make it difficult for fans to accept him as the villain.

In an exclusive interview, Danza shared his initial hesitations about stepping into such a complex and morally ambiguous role. “I didn’t want to disappoint the fans, especially those who have seen me as this lovable guy in other shows,” he confessed. “I was concerned that people wouldn’t ‘buy me’ as the bad guy. But as soon as I got into the role, I realized how much fun it was to explore a different side of myself.”

Danza’s character, Sal Boselli, is far removed from the warm-hearted characters he’s portrayed in the past. Boselli is a feared member of a criminal organization who becomes entangled in the lives of Kanan Stark (played by Mekai Curtis) and his family. With his menacing demeanor, sharp mind, and willingness to do whatever it takes to maintain power, Sal presents a challenge for Kanan as he navigates the dangerous world of drugs and crime.

A Risk Worth Taking

For Danza, the decision to take on such a role was a big one. For years, he had cultivated a specific image in Hollywood as a charming, likable, and comedic presence. Fans of Taxi will always remember him as Tony Banta, the good-natured boxer with a heart of gold, while Who’s the Boss? made him a household name as the lovable and often goofy housekeeper, Tony Micelli. These roles cemented his reputation as a go-to actor for feel-good TV.

However, after decades of portraying these types of characters, Danza wanted to challenge himself creatively. “I wanted to stretch my abilities as an actor,” he admitted. “When Power Book III: Raising Kanan came along, I saw an opportunity to do something different. But, like any actor, I had doubts—am I too ingrained in the public’s mind as the ‘nice guy’ to be a convincing bad guy?”

Danza’s concerns about his casting in Raising Kanan were amplified by the fact that he would be entering the Power universe, a world filled with ruthless drug dealers, intense power struggles, and morally gray characters. Unlike his previous roles, where his characters typically had a sense of moral clarity, Sal Boselli is the epitome of the ambiguity that defines the Power franchise.

Transforming Into Sal Boselli

Despite his initial reservations, Danza was determined to bring something new to the table. He immersed himself in the role, learning about the mindset of mobsters and understanding the complex psychology that would drive a character like Sal Boselli. This deeper exploration of Sal’s psyche helped Danza create a character who was not just a one-dimensional villain, but rather someone with layers and motivations that made him believable.

“I did a lot of research to understand the inner workings of organized crime,” Danza explained. “I had to learn how someone like Sal would think and react. It wasn’t just about being tough or intimidating—it was about understanding the power dynamics, the betrayals, and the constant need to assert control.”

Danza also drew from his own life experiences to shape the character. As someone who’s been in the entertainment industry for decades, he could relate to the drive for success and the pressures of maintaining power, albeit in a very different context. This allowed him to bring a sense of authenticity to the role, even as he portrayed a man who was, in many ways, the antithesis of his public persona.

Fans’ Reactions and Acceptance

As the season of Power Book III: Raising Kanan progresses, fans have been given a chance to see Danza in a different light. Many have been pleasantly surprised by his transformation into Sal Boselli, with some viewers even expressing their approval of the casting choice. Danza has received praise for his ability to shed his familiar image and embody a character with such depth and danger.

“I think the audience is really starting to appreciate the nuances of Sal,” Danza said, with a hint of relief in his voice. “It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m really grateful for the fans’ support.”

However, Danza is well aware that it’s still early in his Power journey, and the true test will be how his character evolves in future seasons. As Sal Boselli becomes more involved in Kanan’s life and the violent world around him, Danza anticipates even more complex emotional arcs and intense confrontations.

“There’s a lot more to come with Sal,” Danza teased. “The best is yet to come. It’s been thrilling to play someone with so many conflicting sides, and I think the audience will see more layers unfold as the story progresses.”

Looking Ahead

As Danza continues to immerse himself in the world of Power Book III: Raising Kanan, he is confident that his fears about not being able to play the bad guy were ultimately unfounded. Fans who grew up watching him in family-friendly roles may have had doubts at first, but Danza’s performance proves that he’s capable of more than just comedy and charm. With Sal Boselli, Tony Danza has proven that he’s just as adept at playing the villain as he is at playing the hero.

For now, Danza is enjoying the challenge of playing an antagonist in such a popular and intense series. And as his character’s story continues to unfold, it seems likely that audiences will continue to be impressed by his dynamic portrayal of Sal Boselli, the complex mobster who’s far more than just a bad guy.

Conclusion

Tony Danza’s journey into the world of Power Book III: Raising Kanan has been an exciting and rewarding challenge. Although he initially worried that his image as the lovable good guy would make it difficult for fans to accept him in a villainous role, Danza’s performance as Sal Boselli has been met with critical acclaim. His portrayal of the ruthless mobster is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his willingness to embrace new and challenging roles. As the season unfolds, it’s clear that Tony Danza’s career has entered an exciting new chapter, one that allows him to show audiences a side they’ve never seen before.