Here’s What The Cast Of Happy Days Is Up To Now
For 10 years, Happy Days was must-see TV for the whole family. Running from 1974 to 1984, the series became famous for 'jumping the shark' which quickly became a term that was used in the entertainment world for any show that had stayed past its prime. If you were a fan of the show, you know that when Arthur Fonzarelli literally tried to jump a shark on a set of waterskis, the show had officially reached its peak.
You can still catch Happy Days on TV, making it one of the longest-running shows in history. But where is everyone today?
This Was Scott Baio Back Then
You probably remember Scott Baio as Charles 'Chachi' Arcola, who was Fonzie's younger cousin starting in season 5. He quickly became a regular on the show, and fans seemed to love him. In fact, Baio would receive plenty of fan mail for his character, sometimes up to 5,000 letters a week!
Chachi was an aspiring musician and his love interest with Joanie Cunningham was a topic for many of the later episodes of the show. In fact, the two would eventually get married.
This Is What Scott Baio Is Doing Now
Baio and his character Chachi were so popular that it was quickly made into a spinoff. Once Chachi and Joanie were married, it only made sense to spin the show off into another show, aptly named Joanie Loves Chachi. After that, Baio would again star in another popular TV series, Charles in Charge.
Baio's success wouldn't stop there, as he was later nominated for two Emmy's for his work on the shows Stoned and All The Kids Do It.
This Is Marion Ross Then
Marion Ross was the original mom next door that all the kids in the neighborhood would gravitate towards. As the leader of the Cunningham family, she raised the rest of the kids the same way she raised her own children, Richie and Joanie. She would even take a few opportunities to rebel against what was considered to be the typical housewife gimmick, including the time she tried to earn her own wage as a waitress.
Before starring on Happy Days, she first appeared on film in Forever Female.
This Is Marion Ross Now
Even though she played a mother on Happy Days, Ross had a long and storied career once the show wrapped up. Ross would appear on a number of other iconic TV shows, such as The Love Boat, MacGyver, and Night Court, and even earned two Emmy nominations for her work on Brooklyn Bridge.
Ross continued to make appearances in modern-day television shows as well, with guest roles on shows such as Two and a Half Men, Gilmore Girls, That '70s Show, and Hot in Cleveland.
This Is Roz Kelly Back Then
Roz Kelly was already hanging around other celebrities before she ever set foot on the Happy Days set. Back before she starred on the show, Kelly worked for New York Magazine as a photographer. This gave her the opportunity to work with some high profile acts before trying to make a name for herself on the small screen.
Once she was cast on the show, she played the role of Pinky, who was set to be a long-running character and Fonzie's girlfriend on the show. Unfortunately for Kelly, she was cut after she couldn't seem to get along with the producers or other cast members.
This Is Roz Kelly Now
Unfortunately, after he brief stint with stardom as a member of the Happy Days cast, things continued to spiral for Kelly. She was able to pick up a few parts in movies such as The Love Boat, The Dukes Of Hazzard, and New Year's Evil, but she would soon have a few run-ins with the law.
Things took a turn for the worse in 1998 when she was arrested and charged with a felony after shooting at her neighbor's house (luckily, they weren't home at the time). She would also serve 120 days later on for striking a man with a cane.
This Is Ron Howard Back Then
While Ron Howard is a big name now, back in the '70s, he was simply known as Richie Cunningham. Fans could easily relate to the freckly redhead who was constantly trying to find a date.
Richie was someone we could all relate to because of his friendly next-door neighbor vibes. Howard was one of the cast members who actually had a bit of success before they were even on Happy Days thanks to his stint on The Andy Griffith Show, where he played Opie Taylor.
This Is Ron Howard Now
Ron Howard has reached the top of the mountain as a director, and might be better known now behind the scenes than he ever was in front of the camera. Some of his most well-known films include The DaVinci Code, Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind, and Apollo 13.
Not only has Ron done well for himself, but he seems to have passed along his acting genes to the next generation. His daughter Bryce has appeared in plenty of big-budget films, including The Help, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and Jurassic World.
This Is Henry Winkler Back Then
Arthur Fonzarelli, better known as Fonzie or 'The Fonz', was one of the biggest stars in showbiz in the '70s. Played by Henry Winkler, Fonzie might have looked like a tough guy, but if you looked past that leather jacket, you saw a man with a heart of gold.
While Fonzie had plenty of iconic moments, he made TV history when millions saw him literally jump over a shark on a pair of waterskis. Fonzie and Howard Cunningham are the only two characters who appeared in every episode of Happy Days.
This Is Henry Winkler Now
After Happy Days ended, Henry Winkler took a step back and was out of the spotlight. Instead of staring on screen, he instead began a production company that helped create MacGyver and Mr. Sunshine.
After a number of years away from the camera, Winkler would finally return, starring alongside Adam Sandler in a number of movies, including The Waterboy, Click, and Little Nicky. This transition back into acting led to more roles, and he would get the chance to play roles on Arrested Development and Parks and Recreation.
Did You Recognize The Jukebox's Voice at Arnold’s?
Like any group of teenagers, the cast of Happy Days would constantly find themselves hanging in their go-to spot. In this case it was Arnold's, which featured the iconic jukebox that Fonzie constantly had to hit to make work.
Naturally, it was incredibly expensive to get clearance to play any of the popular songs of the '50s on the air, so they had to adapt. Anson Williams, who played Potsie, would voice the music that was coming out of Arnold's jukebox.
This Is Tom Bosley Back Then
Better known as Mr. C, Tom Bosley played the role of Mr. Cunningham, who was Richie and Jonie's father. Mr. C always put his family first despite his middle-class standing, and taught us al about the traditional family values we should all take to heart.
Tom Bosley, the man behind the character, actually got his start on Broadway when he starred in the long-running musical Fiorello! Despite all of his success, he will always be best-known for his role as Mr. C.
This Is Tom Bosley In His Later Years
Unfortunately, Tom Bosley passed away in 2010, but he left behind an amazing and impactful career. Bosley's Broadway career was already touched on, and he even won a Tony award for his performance in Fiorello! After Happy Days concluded, he continued to work in the entertainment industry and guest-starred in a number of tv shows including Walker Texas Ranger, ER, That '70s Show, and even on the cartoon Rugrats.
You might even recognizee Bosley for his work for Glad Sandwich and Garbage Bags in commercials near the end of his career.
Ron Howard Took The Job To Avoid The War
While we first got a look at Ron Howard in front of the camera as Richie, his goal was always to be behind the camera as a director. Howard would eventually achieve those dreams, but had to take on a role as an actor quickly to avoid the Vietnam war.
Howard was worried that the low enrolment numbers for the war could lead to a draft, so he found a job at Paramount to help avoid that issue. He was cast for the pilot of Love, American Style, which was eventually turned into Happy Days.
Originally, They Wanted The Show To Take Place In A Different Era
When he was originally approached about writing and directing a show, Garry Marshall was actually asked to write about the 1920s or '30s, not the '50s. Marshall was quick to point out that even though the network wanted something written closer to the depression era, he knew nothing about that generation, so he focused on what he did know.
Instead, Marshall developed a show about the ‘50s, and while that pilot ultimately failed, Happy Days came along.
This Is Anson Williams Back Then
Anson Williams was originally cast as the character Potsie on Happy Days, but he nearly missed his opportunity at the role. When Williams first decided to audition for the role, he actually showed up hours late because his car stalled. Miraculously, he still got the job as the dimwitted by loveable character.
Williams did such a good job portraying the role of Potsie that he was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.
This Is Anson Williams Now
After spending the early parts of his career in front of the camera, Williams followed Ron Howard's lead and took his talents behind the camera to focus on becoming a director.
Williams directed a handful of episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space 9, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Charmed, Star Trek: Voyager, 90210, and many other shows. Eventually, Williams got the chance at directing full time when he worked on The Secret Life Of The American Teenager, where he was the director for five years.
Happy Days Wasn't The Show's First Title
When Happy Days was originally pitched to the test audiences, it was originally under the name 'COOL'. Unfortunately, that title didn’t pan out with those testers, as it made them think of cigarettes, which clearly goes against the family-friendly image the show’s producers were going for.
Carl Kleinschmitt, one of the producers, just threw out the name Happy Days because, at its essence, that’s what they were trying to create. Obviously, the title stuck.
Henry Winkler Wasn't The First Choice For Fonzie
While it might be hard to see anyone wearing that leather jacket quite like Henry Winkler, when originally casting the role, one of the members of The Monkees was in the running.
Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz actually read for the role, but unfortunately for him, he was turned down. Winkler was a better fit for the role thanks to his shorter stature, which is hard to imagine considering the larger-than-life nature of The Fonz.
Winkler Had Trouble With His Script
It turns out that Winkler had real trouble reading his casting script because he is dyslexic. This created an issue when it was time to read lines that were provided to him during his audition, so instead, he made up his own lines.
This might have cost some other actors their chance at the role, but Winkler convinced the casting directors that he was just really in character and branching out.
These Fictional Characters Were Based On Very Real People
When Garry Marshall was tasked with writing what would eventually be known as Happy Days, he incorporated many people he knew in his real life as inspiration for the characters. Originally, Marshall had planned on naming The Fonz 'Arthur Masciarelli' because that was Marshall's original last name.
However, Marshall realized that The Fonz was a better nickname than The Mash, so he made the switch before the pilot was filmed.
Before Happy Days There Was American Graffiti
American Graffiti was thought to be a precursor to Happy Days, but in reality, both were being created at the same time. In fact, Ron Howard appears in both and plays very similar roles.
Thanks to the success of George Lucas's American Graffiti, which came out in Happy Days was revisited and quickly became a staple in our nightly programming. Both the movie and the tv show focused on the growing pup culture renaissance of the baby boomer generation.
The Fonz Wasn't Originally Wear A Leather Jacket
It's hard to picture The Fonz wearing anything but a leather jacket, but when he first appeared on the show, he was actually wearing a windbreaker. Originally, the ABC executives thought that the leather jacket made him seem too much like a hoodlum.
Luckily for Fonzie, Garry Marshall convinced everyone that the leather jacket was actually the safer option for anyone riding a motorcycle. This was the first in a long list of reasons why we learned you can't judge a book by its cover.
The Smithsonian Displayed Fonzie's Jacket For Years
Fonzie's famous jacket was actually on display at the Smithsonian for a number of years, placed right beside the rocking chair from the set of Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood. After being on display for a number of years, the jacket was eventually swapped out for the iconic swimsuit worn by Farrah Fawcett.
What's interesting is that the first jacket Fonzie wore was actually stolen off the set. Luckily, they were able to recreate the jacket.
ABC Didn't Even Like The Original Pilot
When first presented the pilot for Happy Days, ABC actually decided to pass on the show. However, once American Graffiti saw huge success at the box office, ABC executives saw the potential in the show, especially with Ron Howard playing a role in both projects.
Even after they picked the show up, there were other instances where they wanted to play around with the show. At one point they considered changing the name to Fonzie's Happy Days to capitalize on the popularity of the character.
There Was An Older Cunningham Brother
It's not uncommon to see characters written off of shows. In the case of Happy Days, there was an older Cunningingham that was written off. The character of Chuck Cunningham was actually played by two different actors, but because Richie had The Fonz in his life, there wasn't much need for an older brother character.
Something similar happened with Pinky, who was supposed to be a female Fonzie. Unfortunately, the actor who played Pinky, Roz Kelly, wore out her welcome on set and was simply written off the show.
Pat Morita Had To Create His Own Accent
When it came to casting the role of Matsuo 'Arnold' Takahashi, Pat Morita saw his chance to burst into the limelight. Originally born in California, producers didn't think he had the right accent for the role. Because of his Japanese-American heritage, when he tried to speak with an exaggerated Chinese Pidgin English dialect, it just didn't land.
Morita took matters into his own hands as he decided that his accent must come from the fact that his father was Japanese and his mother was Chinese.
There Was A Special Version Of The Theme Song That Was Recorded
It's hard to think of Happy Days without immediately humming along to the opening theme song. The opening song 'Rock Around the Clock' was recorded by Bill Haley and His Comets, but the original recording would only be used for the first season of the show.
After that, they would use a special recording of the song for the next two seasons. Charles Fox and Norm Gimbel would write and perform the theme for the final eight seasons.
This Is Erin Moran Back Then
While everyone rooted for Richie Cunningham, his sister Joanie was constantly trying to get her brother into trouble. That led to some disdain from fans, but Erin Moran played the role to perfection. Whenever she got in trouble, she would cry, pout, and talk back whenever she was sent to her room.
Alongside Chachi, Joanie was constantly trying to become a musician, and that would lead to the spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi.
Erin Fell On Tough Times
While the relationship between Joanie and Chachi was turned into a spinoff, it didn't last. Moran would take on a few rolls in shows like The Love Boat and Murder She Wrote, she eventually found herself on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club.
Unfortunately, tough times would follow as she and her husband would have to move in with her mother-in-law following the foreclosure of their California home. Eventually, their mother would grow tired of them and ask them to leave. Moran would eventually pass in 2017.
The Fonz Was Even Made Into An Animated Character
Thanks to the popularity of The Fonz, once Happy Days went off the air, there were all sorts of plans to continue to keep the character around. He would get his own animated TV show called The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang. Unfortunately, it wasn't very successful.
Plenty of other spin-offs came from the show, including Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and Out of the Blue. In fact, Robin Williams became a household name thanks to his work on the show, and subsequent spinoff.
Robin Williams Did Whatever It Took To Land The Role
Before landing the role of Mork the alien on the show, Robin Williams was just another struggling comedian trying to find his way into the entertainment industry. When he saw the opportunity to audition for the role of an alien, he made the most of it by doing something no other actor did.
When he came into the audition, Williams sat on his head instead of taking a seat, because that's what any other actor would do. It sounds strange, but it certainly made him stand out and he was hired on the spot.
Cast Members Had Some Interesting Contract Demands
It can be hard to play the same role over multiple seasons, so Ron Howard made sure his character wouldn't stay frozen in time. He only agreed to play the part of Richie if his character naturally grew and aged as he did. That means that he would progress through high school and eventually college.
Henry Winkler had an interesting demand once Happy Days was a success. He accepted a modest weekly salary, but instead asked for a huge percentage of the syndication profits. Considering it's still in syndication today, he definitely made the right choice.
The House On The Show Wasn’t Located In Milwaukee
The Cunninghams officially lived at 565 North Clinton Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, the exterior shots of the home were actually taken at 565 N. Cahuenga Blvd in Los Angeles, California. This makes sense considering the show was filmed at a Paramount lot in California.
Why Were They In Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a pretty obvious midwest appeal, but the real reason that the city was chosen was that producer Tom Miller grew up there. It also helped that if they were ever to do any on-site filming in Milwaukee, Miller would know the area well.
What's interesting is that despite living in Milwaukee, the filming actually took place in Los Angeles in the Paramount lot. The Cunninghams lived at 565 North Clinton Drive, while filming took place at 565 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Every One Of Richie's Dates Ended With A Song
Richie Cunningham had something of a ritual after every one of his dates. Once the date was over, Richie would sign 'Blueberry Hill' which was a popular song by Fats Domino, who sold more than 65 million records over the course of his career.
The song was originally published in 1940, the song was recorded six times that year, and would even be considered one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time according to Rolling Stone.
The Show Was Originally Called Something Else
Garry Marshall was tasked with creating a TV show, and in 1971 he came up with New Family In Town. This was essentially the precursor to Happy Days, and also appeared on ABC.
What's especially interesting is that the pilot for the show had many of the same characters, including Potsie, Marion, Richie, and Howard, as well as many similar actors, including Ron Howard, Anson Williams, and Marion Ross as apart of the cast.
Remember Happy Days Again?
In the early days of Happy Days syndication, the network wanted to make sure that fans knew that these weren't new episodes being broadcast. So they decided to dub the show Happy Days Again and would start from the very beginning of the series.
Syndication for the show still continues today, and 126 different countries have had Happy Days playing for their people. What's shocking though is that no cast members, outside of Henry Winkler, are paid for reruns of Happy Days on Nick-at-Nite.
Thanksgiving Day Changed Everything For The Cast
In 1973, Happy Days still hadn't been picked up and everyone was getting ready to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Then, all of a sudden, ABC had decided to pick the show up right then and there.
This was fantastic news for the cast and creators, but they didn't even have any scripts written. That left everyone with only a few short months to get everything together before the series premiere in January of 1974.
Fonzie’s Motorcycle Was Auctioned Off
For as much as we attribute the leather jacket to Fonzie, he wouldn't need that leather jacket if it wasn't for his iconic motorcycle. The 1949 Triumph Trophy TR-5 motorcycle became a part of Americana, but maybe it was better left in the past.
The very bike that Fonzie would ride around on went to auction, but it failed to reach the sales price of $60,000 it was estimated to fetch.
