Danny Zureikat first graced television screens in the inaugural season of Below Deck Mediterranean, but that season would ultimately mark his brief tenure in reality TV. Since its premiere in 2016, this Bravo series has captured the hearts of audiences by showcasing the extravagant lifestyle of the crew aboard the luxury yacht Ionian Princess, navigating scenic Greek locales. Under the command of Captain Mark Howard, alongside Chief Stew Hannah Ferrier, the show painted a vivid picture of life on the water, filled with both glamour and interpersonal drama. Although Danny emerged as a fan favorite, his journey was cut short when he departed the show midway, only to resurface in the finale.
Initially, Danny exhibited a charming demeanor, skillfully attending to the needs of the affluent guests. However, his flirtatious nature led him to cross professional boundaries, something Captain Mark once cautioned him against. Danny not only troubled fellow crew members—particularly with his conflicts with deckhand Bobby Giancola and Hannah—but also faced dire consequences after being caught in a romantic entanglement with guest Morgan, which culminated in a poem and an ill-fated kiss. This misstep contributed to his eventual dismissal from the show.
Danny No Longer Works in Yachting
One of Danny’s notable infractions was sharing candid photos of his female colleagues with other guests, an act that led to his exposure by Hannah and, subsequently, his expulsion by Captain Mark. In a candid interview with BravoTV in 2016, Danny recounted being “at a loss for words” as he received his plane ticket home, although he expressed respect for the captain’s decision. Following his dismissal, Danny ventured into other realms, including a stint on another yacht in the Caribbean alongside fellow Below Deck alumni Aleks Taldykin.
For a period, Danny took on the role of a “freelance deckhand/engineer”in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, all while nurturing aspirations in the film and television industry. With an associate degree in Computer Networking Systems and a brief modeling history, Danny was poised for a diverse career trajectory. In July 2018, he tweeted about one of the most challenging yacht charters he had undertaken, signaling a turning point that led him to pursue his acting ambitions.
Danny Lives in LA & Aspires to Be an Actor
As of now, Danny has engaged in a variety of modest acting roles, as highlighted in his IMDb profile. His most recent project included a role in the short film “Loveday,”focusing on a rock star ensnared by a cult. Danny has also ventured into Cryptocurrency, evident from his Instagram bio where he identified himself as a “Crypto Investor & NFT Collector.” Additionally, he explored opportunities as a life and health coach, utilizing his platform from Below Deck to enhance his visibility and reach across social media networks, particularly TikTok.
What Is Danny Up To in 2024?
In 2024, Danny has maintained a low profile. Since his stint on Below Deck Med over eight years ago, his online activity has lessened, although he did share a snippet of his life in August through a poolside photo from Punta Cana, República Dominicana. His caption, “Living life one wave at a time,” coupled with the absence of any job listings in his bio apart from his reality TV credits, suggests a shift in priorities.
Upon sharing this recent glimpse, numerous fans expressed their joy to see him back on social media, with many praising his appearance and even advocating for his return to Below Deck. However, given Danny’s decision to leave the yachting world behind, a comeback appears unlikely. For the time being, he seems to be thriving away from the limelight of reality TV.
Will Danny Ever Return to the Below Deck Franchise?
The likelihood of Danny returning to the Below Deck franchise seems slim. His experiences aboard the Ionian Princess were marred by contentious interactions with colleagues, as his focus on guest relationships often sidelined his boat responsibilities, ultimately leading to his dismissal. Since leaving the show, he has sought his footing in acting and digital content creation, with little desire to revisit his reality TV past.
Although the franchise has a history of reintroducing former cast members, Danny’s controversial departure may work against him. The producers are likely to prioritize candidates who exemplify professionalism, something Danny’s history calls into question. Yet, with the franchise’s penchant for drama and unexpected twists, one cannot entirely rule out the possibility of his return, particularly if fan demand for compelling storylines arises.
Though Below Deck Mediterranean season 1 remains Danny’s sole venture into reality television, his impact on viewers persists. He has remained relatively silent about his experiences on the show, indicating a desire to move away from his time as a deckhand. Perhaps one day, Danny will join a reunion special, reminiscent of past cast gatherings.
Catch new episodes of Below Deck Mediterranean airing Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Sources: BravoTV, Danny Zureikat/X, IMDb