Viewers Can Expect the Unexpected When 'The Tony Danza Show' Returns to Daytime With Incredible Surprises on September 12, 2005

Viewers Can Expect the Unexpected When 'The Tony Danza Show' Returns to Daytime With Incredible Surprises on September 12, 2005

Danza Kicks Off Season Two With the Help of Kelly Monaco, Carmen Electra, and Other Great Guests for Danza With the Stars; Tony Launches a Year-Long Fitness Initiative; and Makes a Difference in Kids' Lives With School Makeover Projects

NEW YORK, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Tony Danza, one of America's most recognized and endearing television personalities, returns to television this fall for the second season of "The Tony Danza Show," a nationally syndicated talk show produced live from New York (check local listings). Audience members and home viewers won't want to miss the season premiere on Monday, September 12, which will feature fun and unexpected surprises joined by celebrity guests, including Kelly Monaco ("General Hospital," "Dancing With the Stars"), actor Jon Cryer, actress Carmen Electra, actor Kyle MacLachlan and musical guest The Bacon Brothers, featuring actor Kevin Bacon.

The only freshman talker to return for a second season, "The Tony Danza Show" will continue to feature a dynamic mix of celebrities, athletes, musical performers and informational segments on fashion, food and lifestyle. Additionally, Tony will introduce viewers to people who have accomplished the extraordinary, especially kids who deserve the spotlight for performing feats of kindness or courage. He also will go beyond the studio and travel to America's living rooms ... viewers may find him on their own doorstep!

Newly-named executive producers, television veterans David Perler and Jill Blackstone, have planned a fun-filled season with spontaneous segments that celebrate the show's live format, including sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes, and pieces that speak to the day's news and events. Throughout the new season, the show will allow viewers to participate as never before. "We had enormous success last year with segments that allowed our viewers to interact with Tony," noted Perler. "Some of our ongoing features like the 'Desperate Housewives Rescue' and 'Worst TVs in America' were extremely popular because they allowed Tony to truly get up close and personal with his fans."

Blackstone added: "What makes people feel at home with Tony is nearly three decades of familiarity, yet audiences remain interested in learning much more about him. This season will give us a platform to accomplish that with Tony sharing more about himself."

During the first week, Tony kicks off Danza With The Stars. Who better to launch the weeklong contest than "GH's" own Kelly Monaco, who danced her way into America's hearts as the champion of the popular ABC series? Danza will pair off with guests for dances like the Mambo, Quickstep, Paso Doble, Fox Trot and Tango.

Tony will also launch the family fitness challenge and take his love of exercise to a whole new level. Three families from across the country will begin a year-long fitness regimen with Danza and Jorge Cruise, an AOL fitness expert and best-selling author. Whether the kids are struggling with their weight or parents don't have time to work out, Tony and Jorge will stand by their sides as they work their way toward health and happiness.

Tony's love of kids and education will be shared with the creation of the school makeover project, in which Tony will hit the road each month to give back to a school or teacher in need. First up is the restoration of a school music program consisting of 400 kids, sharing a total of three instruments. Tony will take on the renovation of their music room and surprise these gifted musicians with 80 additional instruments, which could make all the difference in their curriculum.

And throughout the season, Tony will introduce viewers to some very special correspondents, culled from his viewing audience! Those interested in becoming the show's future gadget guru, fix-it phenom, movie critic or other kind of contributor can send a videotaped (VHS) submission of no more than three minutes in length to:

The Tony Danza Show Attn: Special Correspondent Ansonia Station P.O. Box 230767 New York, NY 10023-0013

"The Tony Danza Show" is distributed by Buena Vista Television. Executive Producers are David Perler and Jill Blackstone.

Source: Buena Vista Television

CONTACT: Kim Harbin, or Lesley Cerwin, or John Kiehle, all of Buena Vista Television, +1-818-460-6262; or Sheila Feren, or Amy Lopiano, or Emily Spitale, all of FerenComm, +1-212-983-9898

------- Profile: Ent