This '80s Heartthrob Lost One of His Twins & Supported His Wife Through Her Brain Tumor Battle

From teen idol to devoted family man, this ’80s TV star has lived a life of triumphs and trials. Discover how he supported his wife through her health battles, overcame a devastating loss, and now finds joy as a proud father and husband at 64.

At just nine years old, this determined boy set his sights on becoming an actor. With unwavering support from his parents, he began attending interviews, eventually landing small roles in commercials.

His first big break came in 1976 when he beat out 2,000 other hopefuls to star in the musical comedy “Bugsy Malone,” playing the titular child gangster. This achievement marked the start of a promising career.

Frankie Valli with his wife and the young star at the premiere of “Bugsy Malone” on September 12, 1976. | Source: Getty Images

The following year, his popularity skyrocketed when he was cast as Chachi Arcola, the cousin of The Fonz, in the hit sitcom “Happy Days.” The role endeared him to audiences nationwide and solidified his place in television history.

The “Happy Days” star circa 1978. | Source: Getty Images

As his career gained momentum, his family decided to move to Hollywood, enabling him to meet the demands of his burgeoning success. During his tenure on “Happy Days,” which ran from 1977 to 1984, he also appeared in several notable films, including “Skatetown U.S.A.,” “Foxes,” and “Zapped!”

The ’80s heartthrob photographed in 1978. | Source: Getty Images

His fame as a teen idol grew rapidly, and he became one of the most recognizable faces of the early 1980s. After “Happy Days” concluded, the actor transitioned to CBS to star in “Charles in Charge.”

The actor with his “Charles in Charge” co-stars, circa 1984. | Source: Getty Images

Over the years, he continued to work in the entertainment industry, taking on various roles and even stepping behind the camera to direct episodes of “The Wayans Bros.” and “Unhappily Ever After.”

Offscreen, he found love with Renee Sloan, a former stuntwoman and actress, whom he married in 2007. However, their life together was not without challenges.

Renee Sloan and the “Happy Days” actor at an LG Mobile TV party in 2007. | Source: Getty Images

After finding out that they were expecting twins, the couple sadly lost one of their babies at 11 weeks, a loss Renee eventually came to accept as part of her journey. Fortunately, in 2007, they were overjoyed in welcoming their daughter, Bailey.

However, their happiness was quickly interrupted by alarming news. Just a day after bringing Bailey home, a call from their pediatrician revealed that her newborn screening had flagged a potential health issue.

The famous actor and his daughter Bailey at a press conference to promote the Save Babies Through Screening Foundation at UCLA on September 5, 2008, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images

The test indicated a rare and potentially fatal metabolic condition called glutaric acidemia type 1, or GA-1. The diagnosis left Renee and her husband in a prolonged state of anxiety.

The “Happy Days” star and his daughter at the Boom Boom Room’s Children’s Gifting Wonderland event on January 10, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

For more than two months, they were forced to wait for further tests, unsure if their daughter was battling a life-threatening condition. At just 10 weeks old, Bailey endured a series of medical evaluations that finally brought clarity — she did not have GA-1.

Despite their relief, the memory of those harrowing weeks left a lasting impression. But rather than putting the experience behind them, the couple decided to take action.

The actor with his wife and daughter at the Giggles ‘N’ Hugs opening party at Westfield Century City Mall on December 3, 2010, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images

They opened up about Bailey’s misdiagnosis, determined to spread awareness about the importance of expanded newborn screening. They also founded a foundation that seeks to educate parents about newborn testing and the serious conditions it can detect.

The ’80s heartthrob at Nickelodeon’s 26th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards on March 23, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

While she suspected that Bailey might carry the GA-1 gene, Renee chose to focus on the blessings she had rather than the unanswered questions surrounding her miscarriage — turning their pain into purpose.

The famous actor with his wife and daughter at an annual charity golf tournament on September 21, 2015, in Woodland Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Battling Brain Tumors and Overcoming Adversity

A few years ago, the couple’s resilience was tested once more as Renee had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and had undergone three successful lumpectomies.

Then, in 2015, she was diagnosed with meningioma brain tumors, which she described as “benign tumors that grow on the outer casing of the brain.”

The ’80s heartthrob and his wife at the third U.S. presidential debate on October 19, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Her health battle was a difficult journey for their family, but they faced it with faith and determination. “I will tell you my faith in God is greater than the fear of the unknown,” Renee said.

Her symptoms began with intense migraines, initially thought to be hormone-related. When the brain tumor diagnosis was confirmed, her husband struggled with the fear of losing her.

He reflected, “It was all about our kid. I would’ve been devastated for our daughter, because she’s everything to us, so that would’ve crushed her.” Their daughter, Bailey, was seven years old then, and Renee recalled the heartbreaking moment when she had to stay strong for her family.

The “Happy Days” star and his wife at the Last Chance for Animals 33rd Annual Celebrity Benefit Gala on October 14, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

“Before we told our daughter, he had put his head on my shoulder in the kitchen and he wept, and our daughter witnessed this, and she said, ‘Mommy, why are you making Daddy cry?” Renee shared.

The famous actor and his wife photographed on March 30, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

“‘You need to apologize. You apologize for making Daddy cry.’ So I bit the inside of my mouth and I said, ‘I’m sorry, Daddy, for making you cry.’ You just got to be strong,” the former actress continued.

In 2017, she shared more about her ongoing health struggles on X, formerly Twitter. “Besides having 2 meningioma brain tumors, in Oct 2017 I also learned I have Microvascular Brain Disease,” she wrote.

Her husband responded with a heartfelt message, “Unfortunately, this is true. Renee is forever my rock, my life & my soulmate! Toughest person I know.”

Throughout these challenges, Renee remained a source of strength for her family. “I’m tough in a different way,” her husband, who took a break from acting for a few years, said. “She’s life tough.” Despite the uncertainties and hardships, their faith and resilience kept their family together.

A Proud Father, Loving Husband, and New Life in Florida

Over the years, Scott Baio’s life has transformed in ways he never imagined, and today, his greatest pride is his family. His daughter has grown into a confident young woman and even has her own Instagram account.

Scott Baio at the Chiller Theatre Expo 30th Anniversary Fall 2021 event on October 29 in Parsippany, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

In October 2024, she gave followers a glimpse into her exciting life, writing, “I had such a great time at the 2nd annual Sequin and Saddle Gala. Where my dad was the keynote speaker.”

Fatherhood was not something Scott had anticipated with enthusiasm at first. He candidly admitted that after learning Renee was pregnant, he thought his life might “end completely.” “But it doesn’t!” he shared, surprised by how much joy being a father brought him. “It just gets really good. I’ve loved my life.”

Scott Baio and Renee Sloan the 2018 STL Pop Culture Con on August 19, 2018, in St Charles, Missouri. | Source: Getty Images

In May 2023, he announced a major change for his family by deciding it was time for a fresh start in Florida. Sharing the news on X, the actor wrote in part, “After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally ‘exit stage right’ from California.”

Scott Baio at the animal rescue telethon “To The Rescue Pup-A-Thon” event on February 12, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

By April of that year, the family had already settled into their new surroundings. Scott shared a snapshot of himself and Renee enjoying the clear blue waters, captioning the post, “Living our best life in Florida.”

Through all of life’s changes, the actor’s marriage has remained rock solid. In September 2024, Scott, who revealed that he was “happily married” in 2022, took to Instagram to celebrate a huge milestone for him and his wife. “Married 17 years today and together 20. They said it wouldn’t last. Meh!” he wrote.

In addition to celebrating marital milestones, Scott also received praise from social media users for his timeless good looks. “Still so handsome” one person commented. “Bro you NEVER age” another typed while a third added, “Scott is still a very handsome man.”

Scott’s journey from ’80s heartthrob to devoted husband and father is a testament to resilience, love, and growth. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, from his wife’s health battles to his daughter’s early misdiagnosis, he has built a life centered on family and faith.