As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s hard to believe that Happy Days was almost cancelled before it became the smash hit it is today!
Created by Garry Marshall, the 1974 sitcom set in the 1950s introduced the world to Milwaukee high school student Richie Cunningham (played by Ron Howard), his family and his circle of close friends.
The feel-good sitcom eventually became one of the most beloved shows on TV, but before that a reworking of the second season saw its creators focus on a broader comedy, as well as making greaser Fonzie (Henry Winkler) a main character.
It was a change that definitely worked in their favour, with the Fonz becoming a huge hit with fans around the world for his bad-boy antics and cool style.
“People don’t remember we were almost cancelled a year and a half in,” says Anson Williams, now 74, who played Warren “Potsie” Weber. “That’s when they took a shot at changing the whole show. We had no idea that Fonzie was going to be a breakout character.”
By the time season three came around, Happy Days was the number-one show on US TV and with it came a whole new level of fame for many of its stars.
“There’s no way it wouldn’t change your life,” says Don Most, 70, who played Ralph Malph. “We couldn’t go anywhere without being recognised. At first, it’s exciting, but then you realise it’s 24/7.”
Despite not letting the fame go to their heads, problems began to arise behind the scenes when the network suggested changing the title to Fonzie’s Happy Days, with Ron admitting he began to feel “disrespected”.
“The press kept saying, ‘What’s it like? Do you feel you’ve become a second-hand citizen on your own show?'” Ron revealed on The Graham Norton Show.
“The executives, studio heads, network heads, you know, they started treating me with a lot of disrespect.”
Ron, 69, who first starred on TV when he was four, made the tough decision to quit the show in 1980. His character left to join the army, however he returned for guest appearances in the final season.
Ron, of course, went on to work behind the camera, becoming an Oscar-winning director known for his films such as A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13, and the drama did not affect his friendship with Henry, who is godfather to his kids.
No matter what went on off-screen, the over-whelming memory the cast has of the series is the camaraderie they all shared. This was never more obvious than in the creation of the Happy Days softball team. Together, they played matches before Major League baseball games in stadiums across the country, as well as in Germany and Japan.
“We played so much softball,” says Marion Ross, 95, who played matriarch Mrs C. “It kept the cast together. I don’t know if we would have survived if we didn’t have that softball team.”
Of course, all good things must come to an end, and the show wrapped after 11 seasons in 1984.
“Happy Days reflects the basics of human nature – what we want in our lives and the family and friendships that nurture us along the way,” adds Anson. “That’s why I think this show is evergreen and will affect generations to come in a positive, wonderful, relatable way.”
Henry’s still got it
He won over the hearts of many viewers for his role as bad-boy Fonzie in the sitcom, and at 78, Henry Winkler is still as popular.
So what’s his secret to success in the fickle industry of showbiz? “If you stay at the table long enough, the chips come to you,” said Henry during his 2018 Emmy acceptance speech for his role in Barry.
Famous cameos
Maureen McCormick
When the Brady Bunch alum came on the scene as Hildie, the guys entered a drag race to win her affection.
Robin Williams
Robin appeared as the alien Mork. “At the end of the episode, 300 people in the audience stood up and applauded, which is not usually done,” recalled Garry.
Tom Hanks
Tom famously kicked Fonzie and credits the show for scoring him a gig on Ron Howard’s Splash.
