Daniel Stern exits ABC pilot following prostitution case
Home Alone actor Daniel Stern has departed from an upcoming ABC pilot, after he was cited in a prostitution case at the end of last year.
As per Deadline, the star was slated for a part in the comedy pilot, Do You Want Kids?, starring Rachel Bloom and Rory Scovel.
Stern was charged with a single misdemeanour charge of engaging, or agreeing to engage, in prostitution. He was caught in California’s Ventura County during an alleged sting operation at a hotel in Camarillo.
His arraignment will now take place on February 6th; if convicted, Stern could face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
Bloom’s comedy follows married couple Rosie and Alex Zilbalodis, split across two universes. In one, they have a baby, and in the other, they do not; the series will aim to investigate the many ways that this one decision alters their lives for good.
Stern was set to play Freddy, the “gruff patriarch of the Zilbalodis family.” His part will now be recast.
Trent O’Donnell is set to direct the pilot. Bloom co-wrote the script with her husband, film and TV writer Dan Gregor.
Recently, Home Alone celebrated its 35th anniversary. However, Stern decided not to attend any of the events.
Speaking on this decision, he told People, “It’s no offense to the movie. I’m just … a phone call, Zoom call, I’m in, but… I’m a bit of a homebody.”
He has regularly appeared on modern TV; had a recurring role on Aidy Bryant’s Hulu series Shrill, and a starring role in the most recent season of Apple TV+’s For All Mankind.
In October, it was reported that Stern was rushed to the hospital after suffering an undisclosed “medical emergency” in Ventura County, but made a full recovery. He has not commented on the soliciting citation.
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