Entertainment

From Potsie to Fonzie: Where are the original cast of Happy Days now?

Feb 14, 2018

(Left to right) Tom Bosley (Howard), Ron Howard (Ritchie), Anson Williams (Warren, 'Potsie'), Donny Most (Ralph Malph), and Henry Winkler (Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarelli) at Arnold's Diner. Source: Getty.

It was the charming family TV series that stole the hearts of millions in the 1970s, and the original cast of Happy Days have undergone some huge transformations in the years since the show came to an end.

From Richie Cunningham actor Ron Howard, to his co-star Henry Winkler, who played show favourite Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli, some of the child actors have gone on to huge things – with Howard directing top movies including Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, The Grinch and A Beautiful Mind.

Sadly actress Erin Molan, who played young Joanie Cunningham, died in April 2017 following a battle with cancer. Meanwhile, patriarch Howard Cunningham actor Tom Bosley also died in 2010 after suffering congestive heart failure.

So, where are the rest of the cast now?

Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham)

Actor Ron Howard played Richie in the series. Source: Getty. — Actor Ron Howard played Richie Cunningham in the series. Source: Getty.

Renowned director Ron Howard began his incredible career on screen shortly before joining Happy Days, playing young Opie Taylor in the sitcom The Andy Griffith Show from 1960 through 1968. From there he fell into the role of Richie Cunningham on the ’70s TV show with ease.

However, after leaving Happy Days, he moved away from acting and turned his focus to directing, going on to create huge movies including Apollo 13 and The Da Vinci Code, as well as winning the Best Director and Best Picture Oscar for A Beautiful Mind.

He married writer Cheryl Alley in 1975 and they have four children together, one of whom, Bryce Dallas Howard, is now a famous actress herself having taken a lead role in the new Jurassic Park movies.

Henry Winkler (Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli)

Henry Winkler played favourite character Fonzie. — Henry Winkler played everyone’s favourite bad boy, Fonzie.

Another star of the show who has gone on to enjoy huge success in the limelight is actor Henry Winkler, who played Fonzie right through the TV series.

After leaving the show he appeared on TV series Monty as well as several movies, before enjoying more roles in Parks and Recreation and Arrested Development – in which he was reunited with Howard again.

He also starred as Sy Mittleman on Childrens Hospital and as Eddie R. Lawson on Royal Pains.

Winkler has been married to his wife Stacey since 1978 and they have two children together. Winkler also has a step-son from Stacey’s previous marriage with Howard Weitzman.

Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham)

Marion Ross played Marion Cunningham on the '70s series. Source: Getty (right). — Marion Ross played Marion Cunningham on the ’70s series. Source: Getty (right).

Marion Ross was a firm favourite for viewers across the world for her role as matriarch Marion Cunningham on the show, going on to win two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the role.

She went on to join The Love Boat after the hit series ended before enjoying fame with guest roles on The Drew Carey Show and Gilmore Girls throughout the ’80s, ’90s and early 2000s.

Ross has also been a lead voice actress on animated series including SpongeBob SquarePants and Handy Manny. She has two children with her ex husband Freeman Meskimen, who she split from in 1969.

Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola)

Scott Baio played love interest Chachi Arcola. Source: Getty. — Scott Baio played Joanie’s love interest Chachi Arcola. Source: Getty.

Viewers will likely recall seeing actor Scott Baio as Erin Moran’s love interest Chachi Arcola on the show and he’s transformed in the years since then.

He went on to star in the show’s spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi before finding success on Charles in Charge, and TV series including Baby Talk and Diagnosis Murder. Branching away more recently, he finally tried his hand at reality TV with his series Scott Baio Is 45… and Single in 2007.

Baio is now married to Renee Sloan and they have a daughter together.

Don Most (Ralph Malph)

Don Most played Ralph Malph on the show. Source: Getty.

Just like his former co-star Marion, actor Don Most – famous for playing Ralph Malph on the show – joined Love Boat for a few episodes after the show ended.

He also reunited with Baio for an episode of Charles in Charge, as well as co-star Howard in ED TV. More recently he’s enjoyed guest roles in Glee and The Odd Couple.

He’s been married to actress Morgan Hart since 1982 and they have two daughters together.

Anson Williams (Potsie Weber)

Actor Anson Williams memorably played 'Potsie'. Source: Getty (right). — Actor Anson Williams memorably played Potsie. Source: Getty (right).

Just like Howard, Anson Williams – well known for playing Potsie Weber on the show – left acting behind to become a director when the show ended.

His well-known directing credits include Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, Baywatch, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Charmed.

He has one child with former wife Lorrie Mahaffey, (also a Happy Days co-star), and has since been married to Jackie Gerken since 1988. They reportedly have four children together.