Tony Danza: I Was Tupac Shakur’s Prison Pen Pal

One of Hollywood’s most surprising friendships might be the one that Tony Danza had with the late Tupac Shakur.

Tony stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Tuesday, where he chatted with Billy Bush and Kit Hoover about his book, “I’d Like To Apologize For Every Teacher I Ever Had,” and also opened up about befriending the rapper while Tupac was in jail.

“I was trying to make a point that since he had five bullets holes in him and he was in jail and he’s the same guy that wrote ‘Dear Mama’ and did all those great acting roles, I said, ‘Maybe there is a better way to do this. Maybe, I know you can’t be a goodie two-shoes in your business, but maybe there is a way to inspire kids,” Tony said, recalling his exchange with Tupac while he was behind bars in 1995.

“I said, ‘Because you have such a great influence, responsibility comes with that,” Tony continued. “He wrote me back [and said], ‘Thanks for understanding me.’”

Eventually the unlikely pair became pen pals and many more letters followed.

“Then we started having this writing thing,” Tony told Billy and Kit.

The actor-turned-teacher/author was able to meet Tupac before he died in 1996.

“Then I ran into him to him at a premiere,” Tony added.