A classic Hollywood ‘what if’ moment was hilariously revisited when Tony Danza playfully denied ever finding Valerie Bertinelli’s phone number, which she famously left in his glove compartment years ago, all while teaching Drew Barrymore how to make his legendary ‘date sauce’ on her popular talk show.
The worlds of classic television and modern-day talk shows delightfully collided when Tony Danza and Valerie Bertinelli, beloved co-stars from the iconic sitcom Who’s the Boss?, reunited on The Drew Barrymore Show. What started as a cooking segment quickly turned into a laugh-out-loud trip down memory lane, with Bertinelli confronting Danza about a long-ago romantic gesture that he claims to have completely missed.
The Glove Box Gambit: Valerie Bertinelli’s Bold Confession
The segment began with Valerie Bertinelli, 65, candidly recounting a hopeful romantic attempt from years past. She revealed to host Drew Barrymore and the audience that she once left her phone number in Tony Danza’s, 74, car glove box, nurturing hopes for a budding romance. Her efforts, however, were seemingly in vain.
“He never called me!” Bertinelli exclaimed, drawing gasps from the audience. Drew Barrymore, ever the relatable host, humorously commiserated, saying, “They never do, by the way,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Tony Danza’s Playful Denial and the Infamous ‘Date Sauce’
The plot thickened when Tony Danza himself joined the two ladies for a cooking segment. Drew Barrymore wasted no time in posing the much-anticipated question to the Who’s the Boss? icon: “Did you ever find Val’s phone number in your glove box?”
The Drew Barrymore Show/YouTube
From left: Drew Barrymore, Tony Danza, and Valerie Bertinelli share a laugh on The Drew Barrymore Show.
Danza’s response was swift and comedic: “No, I did not! I think she’s full of baloney!” Bertinelli, taking his denial in stride, wrapped her arm around his shoulder, adding another layer of playful banter. “This is a sauce you never made for me, even though I left my number in your glove box. Date sauce,” she quipped, as detailed by People.
A Taste of Nostalgia: What is Danza’s ‘Date Sauce’?
Amidst the laughter, Tony Danza shared the secrets of his popular “date sauce.” He explained that he used the sauce to garnish various dishes, including meatballs, pasta, and short ribs. The sauce originated from his desire to invite women to his home for a meal, a clever culinary courtship strategy.
“I used to say, ‘Hey, come over. I’ll cook something. And I cooked this stuff,’” Danza reminisced. He clarified that for actual dates, he simplified the process: “It was just a quick sauce, made some macaroni, a salad and ‘Hey! What are we doing next?’ You know, that kind of thing!” The sauce itself involves hand-crushing whole tomatoes, which Danza even grew on his New York City windowsill, combining them with tomato paste, sautéed red pepper flakes, garlic, and onions.
The Enduring Legacy of Who’s the Boss?
The playful interaction between Tony Danza and Valerie Bertinelli resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the enduring chemistry that made Who’s the Boss? a beloved sitcom. The show, which ran from 1984 to 1992, captivated audiences with the unique dynamic between Danza’s character, Tony Micelli, a retired baseball player turned live-in housekeeper, and Bertinelli’s character, Samantha Micelli (Danza’s daughter), alongside Judith Light’s Angela Bower and Katherine Helmond’s Mona Robinson.
The series explored themes of family, gender roles, and the complexities of modern relationships, earning multiple awards and a lasting place in pop culture history. The recent reunion on The Drew Barrymore Show also brought back memories of long-standing fan desires for a revival, a project that has seen various stages of development with Danza and co-star Alyssa Milano over the years, though a recent attempt at Amazon Freevee was reportedly halted.
Beyond the Screen: Danza and Bertinelli’s Personal Lives
Both actors have had extensive careers and personal lives beyond their Who’s the Boss? roles. Valerie Bertinelli was famously married to late Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen from 1981 to 2007, and later to financier Tom Vitale from 2011 to 2022. She recently revealed finding love again with a writer, emphasizing her newfound joy.
Tony Danza was married to Rhonda Yeoman from 1970 to 1974 and to film producer Tracy Robinson from 1986 to 2013. His career has spanned television, film, and Broadway, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
Why This Moment Matters to Fans
For dedicated fans of Who’s the Boss?, seeing Tony Danza and Valerie Bertinelli share such a lighthearted, nostalgic moment is more than just entertainment; it’s a cherished connection to their favorite classic show. It’s a reminder of the magic these stars created together and the enduring appeal of their characters.
The “date sauce” story, in particular, adds a delightful, personal touch, sparking conversations and playful “what if” scenarios among the fan community. This reunion proves that the chemistry and camaraderie between these classic television icons remain as strong and engaging as ever.
