Former Child Star at Work on Cruise Ship
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Former child TV star Willie Aames has taken a job as assistant cruise director with Oceania Cruises and is currently working onboard the line's 684-passenger Nautica, a spokesman for the cruise line confirmed. "He is greeting guests, hosting VIPs and so forth," the spokesman told AOL Travel News. "He acts as a social host for daytime and night-time activities, introducing shows and interacting with guests throughout the day, and he'll sit with passengers for dinner."
Aames, who turns 50 on Thursday, starred as "Tommy" in the hit show Eight is Enough in the 1970s, and "Buddy" in Charles in Charge in the 1980s. More recently he appeared on VH1's reality show Broke and Famous, talking about hard times including his divorce and the foreclosure of his house.
He joined the cruise line in March, and has been training onboard the Nautica, the spokesman said. The ship is currently cruising in the Mediterranean.
The story of Aames' new career broke in the National Enquirer, with the former actor telling the gossip publication in the current issue, "I'd hit rock bottom and now I'm back on top."
He also tells the Enquirer he is almost done with his training and loves spending time with guests on the ship.
"I've never felt better," Aames says.
Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises, Willie Aames (center) posing with fellow Nautica crew members.
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6/4/2011 My wife and I took an 11 day cruise on oceanias nautica from Venice to Rome. Willie Aames was the acting cruise director and he was marvelous. he was very friendly and made himself accessable to all the passengers. he is a delightfull person and made our trip even better than what we expected. we would love to take
another cruise with him as cruise director.
John M. Boulware
gee isnt it funny how happy you our for a guy that had problem but if its your neighbor your ready to hang them,screwed up world we care more about pets then we do people and movie stars our more important the regular people!
July 14 2010 at 5:36 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyGood for him, he always seemed like a nice guy. Bad things happen to good people all the time, none of us are untouched by the bs side of life, and it's always good to see someone rebound who deserves it. A job on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean, not a bad way to start over.
July 14 2010 at 3:49 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Replynice to hear one of the eight is doing better
July 14 2010 at 3:31 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyGood for Willie! I had a crush on him during 8 is Enough and my son (5) is a huge Bibleman fan, he watches the videos and plays with his Bibleman action figure a lot. Wish he still made those but good luck and May God continue to Bless you Willie!!
July 14 2010 at 1:57 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyThis is a good sign. He's going to work, (away from the cameras), a job that was available to people in the general public, and he is trying to be as "normal" as possible. I wish him well.
July 14 2010 at 1:45 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down ReplyGOOD FOR YOU WILLIE!!!
I am proud!! You are human just like the rest of us. You just proved that you are a strong indivdual who went through rough times and stood back on your feet and said Hey, I am better then this!!
More power to yah!!
I wish you luck in your endevours!!
Nothing but good wishes for Willie! It's great to see he has such a good job! His last few tv appearances were not NEARLY as positive as this steady job! Way to go, Willie!!!
July 14 2010 at 1:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot 5 Deals
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