Although the show initially started with Richie Cunningham as its lead character, things didn’t pan out as they had expected. The show’s creators realized that the general viewers had developed a special liking for “The Fonz,” a funny, rugged-looking young man with a heart of gold, played by Henry Winkler.
The Fonz would go on to become the iconic star of Happy Days, his character known even by people who never saw the show, simply through social osmosis. In one episode, while water skiing, The Fonz jumped over a confined shark, and this moment became enshrined in the idiom “jumping the shark.” The phrase is now used to describe the way a failing show’s irrelevance is highlighted by the very plot device employed to try to regain popularity.
Ron Howard's Career
Ron Howard’s character faded from the spotlight as Richie Cunningham left his family and friends for the war. However, Ron Howard’s working life remained stable after Happy Days. He went on to transcend his acting and venture further as a director.
Howard is now one of the most successful directors in Hollywood. Samples of his best works include Apollo 13, Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind, and The DaVinci Code, making him an icon in the industry. He inspired his daughter so much that she decided to follow in his footsteps. Carving a name for herself, Bryce Dallas Howard has appeared in popular movies such as The Help, Jurassic World, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
Anson Williams is the Jukebox!?
Happy Days was not only an opportunity for Anson Williams to shine as an actor. Back in the day, the requirement to use popular 50's tunes in the show was stringent. While these demands were initially met, the producers eventually balked at the expensive fees.
This is where Anson Williams came in. Also a singer, he provided the show with his music; his voice was heard regularly through the jukebox at Arnold’s restaurant, which was one of the show’s main sets. Williams’ played a suitable character as a hopeful musician.
Henry Winkler's Career
The beloved Henry Winkler had a ton of acting opportunities offered to him after Happy Days. He was wildly successful for his role as “The Fonz,” and new avenues opened up for him as an actor and singer. But Winkler would eventually fade away from the spotlight for years.
Instead of holding on to the spotlight, he opted to start a production company and work behind the scenes. Winkler was responsible for MacGyver, Mr. Sunshine, and other successful TV shows. It would be some time before he would resurface onscreen himself, working with comedian Adam Sandler, in minor or supporting roles. Winkler had cameos in some popular TV shows as well. The truth is, Winkle is more of a behind-the-scenes kinda guy, as evidenced by the fact that he’s authored a remarkable 26 books as of today.
Tom Bosley On Happy Days
Tom Bosley played the head of the household in the beloved Cunningham family, the father of Richie and Joanie. He appeared in every single episode of the sitcom, and beyond the screen has become America’s ideal father figure: loving, supportive, and often witnessed in a didactic scene with his kids.
The character was a good and simple man, the owner of the Cunningham hardware store who, in his free time, likes to read the paper in an easy chair. He also likes to drive his Suburban around town. Nobody gives a good lecture, imparting good old family values to the young generation, like “Mr. C.”