Interview: Daniel DiMaggio, The ‘American Housewife’ Heartthrob

Daniel DiMaggio has graced the screen on a few TV guest spots and commercials, but his big break has been as Oliver Otto on the ABC TV series, American Housewife. Did you know that his parents are also Hollywood veterans, Lou DiMaggio and Loretta Fox? We didn’t, but love that his parents are veterans of the business. We’re sure they’ve given him sound advice on the business as he’s grown older. Glitter sat down with Daniel to discuss his role, the new season of American Housewife, how he balances school with acting, and his favorite fitness tip for runners and non-runners alike. Read on to find out more about this remarkable actor.

GLITTER: What would you say was your big break?

DANIEL:I’d done a bunch of commercials, some TV guest spots – but American Housewife is the big one. We’re in our third season so it’s been a good ride.

GLITTER: Is it true that your parents are Hollywood veterans?

DANIEL:Yes, my father is a comedian/actor and writer and my mother is an actor/writer. They both come from improv as well. You can look them up. They’ve done a lot of cool stuff. Lou DiMaggio and Loretta Fox.

GLITTER: What can you tell us about your role as Oliver Otto? What is he like? Are you like him in any way?

DANIEL:He’s very materialistic and ambitious but underneath it all he has a good heart. His family keeps him grounded but he’s always trying to work a scam or some way to make money. We’re similar in a lot of ways because he comes from me. I’m ambitious and driven but not as materialistic. Oliver isn’t into sports and I am. We’re both pretty sarcastic.

GLITTER: What can you tell us about the new season without giving anything away?

DANIEL: We (the kids) are all growing up in different ways and pushing limits and there are a lot of great episodes that will show this. But the big news is that our Season 3 finale will be a full-blown musical. The songs were written by Justin Paul, who wrote Dear Evan Hanson and La La Land, and the choreogra-pher Ashley Wallen did The Greatest Showman and a bunch of other stuff, so this thing is legit. It was a whole new thing for me, but it was fun. Katy, Meg, Julia and Carly all have musical and dance experience, so they crushed it.

GLITTER: What other shows have you appeared on?

DANIEL:I’ve appeared on Burn Notice (as young Michael Weston), Supergirl (as young Kal-El), The Haunted Hathaways and I’ve done voice work on Clarence, Vampirina, and The Loud House. It was very cool to play young Superman – not many actors have played him so it’s an exclusive list.

GLITTER: Who is your dream collaboration with?

DANIEL: Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.

GLITTER: What do you love doing on your free time?

DANIEL:Hang with my friends, see movies. Eat out at restaurants.

GLITTER: How do you balance school and acting?

DANIEL:I have a great set teacher who keeps me on track. Some days are easier than others depending on the schedule, but it all balances out.

GLITTER: We know you just finished your first marathon. What was your time, and will you be doing other marathons in the future?

DANIEL:I actually did the marathon when I was 12. My time was 4:30. I’d like to try it again sometime, but I’ll need time to train.

GLITTER: What is your favorite fitness tip for runners and non-runners alike?

DANIEL:Now that I take ballet, I realize that different forms of exercise are good. So, you can keep in shape in lots of different ways. And I’ve heard it’s really good to mix it up and not get too into one sport because you should use all your muscles.

GLITTER: What is one thing your fans might not know about you?

DANIEL:I’ve never taken an acting class. I have been taking improv for a few years but that’s it.

GLITTER: Best advice you were ever given?

DANIEL: Don’t fill up on bread.

GLITTER: What pushes and motivates you on a daily basis?

DANIEL:I enjoy doing well in my job and want to be successful.

GLITTER: Glitter has a Celebrity #SelfLoveCampaign, what’s self-love mean to you?

DANIEL: Treating yourself with respect. Treating your-self the way you treat others. Self-love is also how you choose to spend your love – whether on yourself or others. To know that it’s okay to stand up for what is right for you.

GLITTER: Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?

DANIEL:I hope to be working on a movie over the summer. We (American Housewife Cast) taped an episode of Celebrity Family Feud that will air in July – that was fun. Other than that, the show is keeping me busy.

GLITTER: How can fans follow you?

DANIEL: Twitter: @ddimaggio Insta: da_real_dimag