With former "Who's The Boss" child star Danny Pintauro's recent disclosure of being HIV positive, mixed feelings have been expressed by his former co-stars, including "Taxi" actor Tony Danza who has been disappointed, but supportive.
Having grown up in the spotlight as Jonathon Bower of the 80s sitcom, Pintauro told Oprah Winfrey in her "Where Are They Now" segment that it had been a struggle to go public with the diagnosis, but that he finally made up his mind to help others by coming out.
Discussing the diagnosis in length with E! News, Pintauro spoke of the reactions of his co-stars adding that telling them has been as difficult as telling family members.
The former child star said Danza who knew about his condition, prior to his public announcement, had been "disappointed" when he first heard the news.
Pintauro who calls the "Angels In the Outfield" actor his "other father" explained that it was only a natural reaction for the co-star and said like all fathers, the actor reacted in the same way to bad news, adding "I cannot ask him to not be disappointed." However, Pintauro said despite Danza's disappointment, he has remained supportive and offered help.
In addition, Pintauro said "Sunday's At Tiffany's" actress Alyssa Milano had extended a warm message to him when she failed to reach him by phone. Pintauro said he was looking forward to speaking with the actress saying, "part of the responsibility is to make sure the person I'm talking to about it is OK, because that's just as important as I feel about it."
Pintauro told the channel about the stigma surrounding HIV saying unprotected sex is "not sexy" warning others in the gay community about being healthy.
Meanwhile co-star Judith Light who plays Pintauro's onscreen mother in the sitcom has voiced her support calling his move, as "proactive." The 66-year-old actress has said, Pinaturo's announcement has brought back the spotlight on a condition that is not being spoken about and she is "proud of him" for coming out, Daily Mail reported.