#17: Rhoda Gemignani as Mrs. Rossini
Rhoda Gemignani played Mrs. Rossini, Tony’s lively neighbor from Brooklyn who often popped up with comic relief. She was outspoken, warm, and embodied the Italian-American spirit Tony carried with him. Mrs. Rossini’s appearances reinforced Tony’s roots and gave the show extra cultural flavor, making her a fan-favorite recurring character.
Gemignani was already a seasoned sitcom actress in the 1980s, appearing in shows like Cheers, Friends, and The Jeffersons. Her ability to play strong, funny supporting characters kept her steadily employed. On Who’s the Boss?, she fit perfectly into the ensemble, stealing scenes despite limited screen time.