Chachi (Scott Baio) About to Go 'Over the Hill'

Although he will live forever in old re-runs and our memories as Joanie's boyfriend, Chachi Arcola, Scott Baio has reached that dubious milestone that all of us who live past 39 must face - he is turning 40. We should probably think twice before we offer our sympathy for the baby-faced Baio, who has spent the last 20 years or so courting and conquering some of Hollywood's most desired female residents. A regular at Hugh Hefner's hedonistic Playboy Mansion, Baio has been around the block more than a few times with the likes of Pamela Anderson and Heather Locklear, just to name two! Although Baio continues to enjoy a lifestyle of unmarried social indulgence, it is clear that he feels his best years are probably behind him.

"I am having a good time,'' Baio told Us Weekly magazine in its March 26 issue. ``But people who say they are happy turning 40 are lying. I would give up the wisdom of 40 to be 22 again.'' Well said, Chachi. Well said. It's never been a secret that youth is wasted on the young, but it is a bit depressing to realize that someone who has had as enviable a run as Baio would still lament the jump into his fourth decade. I guess those of us on the good side of 40 should continue to soak it up as much as possible, although I am betting that Chachi will be just fine with his swingin' 40s.