Controversial 1980s Teen Heartthrob Will Speak At Essex County Restaurant

CALDWELL, NJ — Former TV heartthrob Scott Baio — who's drawn new attention in recent years for controversial political posts on social media — will appear at an Italian restaurant in New Jersey on Thursday as part of his "How Did I Get Here?" speaking tour across the country.

Baio became widely known as the cousin of "Fonzie" on TV's Happy Days, then played a nanny in the syndicated sit-com "Charles in Charge" in the early 1980s. He appeared in films and after-school specials, and starred in the short-lived but popular "Joanie Loves Chachi" on TV.

Baio earned the most ire in 2017 when he shared photos fueling a lie that deaths at a school shooting were faked — something for which Baio publicly apologized.

He and former castmate Henry Winkler have made news recently for battling over politics on social media.

"Chachi" will appear Thursday at Calandra's Il Vecchio Cafe, a restaurant and event venue known for its Italian dishes and baked desserts, at 234 Bloomfield Ave.in Caldwell.

The show will take place at 5 p.m.

"Scott Baio shares the ins and outs of his journey as a philanthropist, actor, producer, writer & director. Come say hello to this heart throb on Thursday, March 10th!" says the announcement on the website. "Q&A Session to Follow. Come say hello after the show!"

Find out more and get tickets here.

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