All articles tagged with #happy days
Linda Purl, the ’70s TV star best known as Ashley Pfister on Happy Days, was photographed in Los Angeles picking up a cake for her 71st birthday, dressed casually in a red cap and blue shirt. She spent time on a solo hike and later hosted a small birthday gathering with friends, reflecting her enduring but low-profile presence after a career that spans from Happy Days to later TV roles.
Marty Nadler, a veteran comedian and writer who worked on hit TV shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley and The Odd Couple, died Aug. 26 in Margate, Florida, at age 80 from complications of myasthenia gravis. Born in the Bronx in 1945, he formed a close professional bond with director Gary Marshall, contributed jokes to nine Marshall films including Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride and Mother's Day, and even had on-screen cameos. Nadler met Holly Mascott while writing for Laverne & Shirley in the 1970s; they married on Martha’s Vineyard in 1978 and had a son, Charlie. The family notes a recent act Nadler performed with his son, recorded for a 2027 release. Nadler is survived by his ex-wife and their son, and he will be interred on Martha’s Vineyard.
Henry Winkler said at a fan expo that on Happy Days there was no ‘stardom’—until a recurring guest star who played Eugene clashed with the ensemble, repeatedly boasting about fan mail and disrupting the cast’s camaraderie. Winkler emphasized the team spirit and their focus on making the show funny, describing the guest as an “a--back” for not fitting in.
Henry Winkler revealed at a Tennessee fan expo that one guest star on Happy Days—who played Eugene Belvin and appeared in 10 episodes—let his fame go to his head, calling him an “assback.” Winkler didn’t name the actor directly, but contrasted the set’s ensemble vibe with the ego of this guest star. He also praised Ron Howard’s advice to control temper on set, recalling Howard’s counsel not to punch the script. Mandel’s screen appearances faded after 1982, with his last onscreen role reportedly in 2006.
Henry Winkler revealed at a Tennessee fan expo that a Happy Days guest star—who played Eugene Belvin (Denis Mandel)—had an ego on set, though Winkler didn’t name him; he also recalls Ron Howard advising him to control his temper.
Henry Winkler revealed at a Tennessee fan expo that a recurring 'Happy Days' guest star bragged about fan mail and didn’t mesh with the ensemble, prompting Winkler to remind the cast that they’re a team; the unnamed actor was labeled an 'a--back' for continuing the boastful behavior.
Henry Winkler discussed his long-rumored feud with Tom Hanks, which began when Winkler was fired from directing "Turner & Hooch" in 1989. Winkler suggested that an interaction with a fan may have strained their relationship. Despite past comments hinting at tension, Winkler now describes their interactions as "cordial," though Hanks has never publicly addressed the issue.
"Happy Days" stars Henry Winkler and Ron Howard reunited in Sydney, Australia, where Howard surprised Winkler at an event for his memoir. The two actors, who starred together on the iconic show, have maintained a close friendship over the years. Howard shared that he was in Australia working on his upcoming movie "Eden," while Winkler was promoting his best-selling memoir. The reunion delighted fans of the beloved 70s sitcom.
Ron Howard almost left "Happy Days" when producers considered changing the show's name to "Fonzie's Happy Days" to capitalize on Henry Winkler's character's popularity, with Howard stating he would leave despite contractual obligations. Winkler, who played "The Fonz," emphasized the importance of the ensemble and his respect for Howard. The show, which ran from 1974 to 1984, helped solidify Howard as a Hollywood director and brought Winkler to fame. Anson Williams, who played Potsie Weber, recently ran for mayor of Ojai, California.
As "Happy Days" celebrates its 50th anniversary, the iconic TV series is remembered for defining "cool" for a generation and leaving a lasting legacy. The show, which initially revolved around Ron Howard's character Richie Cunningham, gained immense popularity with the introduction of Henry Winkler's greaser character, Fonzie. Despite not winning many Emmys, the series won the hearts of viewers and became a cultural phenomenon, introducing phrases like "sit on it" and "ayyyy" into American culture. To mark the anniversary, a photo gallery ranking the 25 greatest episodes has been released.
The surviving members of the original "Happy Days" cast, including Ron Howard, Donny Most, Anson Williams, Henry Winkler, and Marion Ross, recently gathered in a video chat to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the show's premiere. They reminisced about the special bond they felt at the time and discussed how the elevation of Fonzie was integral to the show's popularity. Created by Garry Marshall, "Happy Days" became a beloved hit, running for 11 seasons and spawning multiple spinoffs, while the character of Arthur Fonzarelli, played by Henry Winkler, became a cultural icon.
"Happy Days" star Henry Winkler reflects on the show's upcoming 50th anniversary, expressing gratitude for his enduring career and the cherished memories from his time on the beloved sitcom. Winkler, who played Fonzie, acknowledges the impact of the show and his character's popularity, while also sharing insights into his professional growth and relationships with his co-stars, including Ron Howard.
Henry Winkler, known for his role as Fonzie on "Happy Days," reflects on the show's upcoming 50th anniversary, expressing gratitude for the experience and his enduring career. He reminisces about the close-knit cast and the impact of the popular sitcom, while acknowledging the challenges of managing his character's rising popularity. Winkler also credits his co-star Ron Howard for teaching him professionalism and reflects on the valuable lessons learned during his time on the show.
Henry Winkler, known for his role as The Fonz in "Happy Days," shares stories from his memoir "Being Henry: The Fonz...And Beyond." He recounts how he used his Fonz persona to part a crowd in Dallas, his failed attempts to hang out with Paul McCartney, and dispels rumors of tension with John Travolta during the making of "Grease." Winkler also discusses his challenging experience working with Burt Reynolds on "Cop and a Half" and his joyous Emmy win for his role in HBO's "Barry."
Henry Winkler celebrated his 78th birthday with a cake commemorating his iconic 'jumping the shark' moment from a 1977 episode of Happy Days. The actor, known for his role as Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarelli, coined the term 'jumping the shark' when his character attempted to jump over a tiger shark while on waterskis. Winkler was presented with a cake depicting the legendary moment during an appearance on The View. He also mentioned jumping the shark again on Arrested Development. Winkler was promoting his new memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz...And Beyond, and reflected on the lessons he has learned throughout his life.