Chalk one up for Mitt Romney – he’s got former “Happy Days” star Scott Baio’s vote.
The actor, now starring in Nick at Nite’s new comedy, “See Dad Run,” stopped by Access Hollywood Live on Friday where he explained why he supports the Republican Presidential nominee.
“I believe in Governor Romney for a lot of different reasons. I’ve met him many times and he’s a straight up guy, he’s a good guy, great family man [and] his kids are fantastic,” Scott told Kit Hoover and Billy Bush. “I think we need to be fixed in this country.”
Scott said being a Republican in typically-left-leaning Hollywood can be intimidating and he feels for actress Stacey Dash, who recently faced a barrage of mean-spirited comments after revealing she’s voting for Romney.
“I don’t think anybody should bash anybody for what they believe. I have my beliefs, you have yours,” he said. “Just leave her alone, let her say what she wants to say. Freedom of speech.”
Adding, “I don’t know why they’re beating [Stacey] up the way they are – I really don’t.”
Scott, a self-proclaimed “big Reagan guy,” frequently engages in political discussions with Democrats on Twitter and said he doesn’t understand why some people become so heated over a difference of opinion.
“I have conversations with people who don’t see eye-to-eye with me all the time. I don’t get in wars with them – I just say, ‘Hey, it’s what you believe. I still like you,’” he said. “I’ve got no problem with anybody.”
The former “Charles in Charge” star has been actively involved in the Romney campaign and plans to continue to help out however he can.
“I’ve done a lot of stuff [for the Romney/Ryan campaign],” he said. “I’ve met [Gov. Romney] and I’ve given speeches for him and things like that, and donated some money. Whatever I can do.”
Beyond talk of politics, Scott, 52, is reliving a piece of his past with his new show, as “See Dad Run” is shot on the same stage (at Paramount Studios) where he spent his late teenage years filming “Happy Days.”
“[The location] was pure coincidence. My office on that lot is Garry Marshall’s old office, who created ‘Happy Days,’” he said. “So it’s just a very cool thing to be involved with… I’m having a ball.”
Scott’s daughter, Bailey (who will turn 5 next month), is also “having a ball” on the “See Dad Run” set, and the actor said he’s afraid his little girl – who has been both an extra and a guest star on the show — has been bitten by the acting bug.
“I’ve got a problem, you guys. She comes down to the set quite a bit and she’s been on two shows already. She wants to be on the show so bad,” he said, with a laugh. “I’m so torn. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want her to be an actress! But, what am I going to do?”
“See Dad Run” premieres Sunday at 8/7c on Nick at Nite.
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