The Show

“Sunday, Monday, Happy Days. Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days…” If you grew up in the late 1970’s, early 1980’s you are sure to know these lyrics. You also can’t forget such memorable characters as Richie, Joanie, Potsie, Ralph, the Fonz, and the whole Happy Days gang.

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Happy Days, an American television sitcom, aired on ABC from 1974 to 1984. The show is set in the 1950s and 1960s in the town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Happy Days follows the lives of the Cunningham family, including father Howard, mother Marion, son Richie, and daughter Joanie. There was an older brother named “Chuck” who appeared briefly in Seasons 1 and 2 but his character was written out of the show and nobody seemed to miss him

Depiction

The show became popular for its depiction of American life in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as for its catchy theme song. Happy Days was a top-rated show for much of its run and spawned several successful spin-offs, including Laverne & Shirley, Joanie Loves Chachi and Mork & Mindy.

What Happened To Happy Days?

The show ended in 1984 after a whopping 255 episodes. Fans became disinterested after Ron Howard left the show and let’s face it, the 80s were spawning a whole new type of sitcom

Happy Days can still be seen in syndication on many retro-type channels. Check your local listings for details. You can also view endless amounts of “best of” clips on You Tube

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Happy Days Theme Song Lyrics

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days
Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days
Thursday, Friday, Happy Days
The weekend comes, My cycle hums,
Ready to race to you.

These days are all,
Happy and Free (Those Happy Days)
These days are ours,
Share them with me (oh baby)

Goodbye grey sky, hello blue
There’s nothing can hold me when I hold you
Feels so right, can’t be wrong
Rockin’ and rollin’ all week long

These days are all,
Happy and Free (Those Happy Days)
These days are ours,
Share them with me (oh baby)

Hello sunshine, goodbye rain
She’s wearing my school ring on her chain
She’s my steady, I’m her man
I’m gonna love her all I can

These days are all,
Happy and Free (Those Happy Days)
These days are ours,
Share them with me (oh baby)

Gonna cruise her round the town
Show everybody what I found
Rock n roll with all my friends
Prayin’ the music never ends!

These days are all,
Happy and Free (Those Happy Days)
These days are ours,
Share them with me (oh baby)

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Behind the Scenes

A little-known behind-the-scenes controversy actually caused a big problem. Because the character Fonzie had become so popular, producers wanted to start calling the show “Fonzie’s Happy Days”. Ron Howard openly admits that this made him quite angry.

What Happened To The Cast?

The cast of Happy Days is best known for their roles on the classic sitcom. But, what are they up to now?

Ron Howard, who played Richie Cunningham, is now a successful director. He has helmed such films as A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13. Ron and his partner Ron Grazer continue to collaborate on some very interesting ideas

Henry Winkler, who played Fonzie, has continued to act over the years. He has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including Arrested Development and The Waterboy.

Tom Bosley, who played Howard Cunningham, sadly passed away in 2010. He was 82 years old.

Marion Ross, who played Marion Cunningham, has also continued to act over the years. She has appeared in several TV shows and movies, including Grey’s Anatomy and The Drew Carey Show.

Anson Williams has also retired from acting. He is now a successful businessman.

A Beloved Show

Happy Days is one of the most beloved shows of all time, but there are a few dark secrets behind the scenes. Here are some little-known facts about the show that you may not know:

– The original pilot episode was titled “Love, American Style.”

– The show was created by Garry Marshall, who also directed several episodes.

– The theme song, “Rock Around the Clock,” was originally recorded by Bill Haley & His Comets in 1954.

– The show was originally going to be set in the present day, but the setting was eventually changed to the 1950s.

– Many of the cast members were actually in their 30s and 40s, despite playing teenagers.

-The Fonz was not originally supposed to be a main character.

-The show was almost canceled after its first season. The network thought it was too slow-paced and not interesting enough.

-One of the original cast members, Anson Williams, was fired after the first few episodes. He was eventually rehired, but his salary was significantly reduced.

Jumpy?

-The show was originally going to be called ‘Jumpy’.

-The series began as a pilot starring Ron Howard, Ross and Anson Williams, which aired in 1972 as a segment entitled “Love & The Television Set”

-The Fonz’s leather jacket was originally going to be brown, but the actor who played him, Henry Winkler, convinced the producers to make it black.

-Most of the scenes set in Richie and Joanie’s bedroom were actually filmed in Henry Winkler’s trailer.

The history of Happy Days is a long and storied one. The show first aired in 1974 and was an instant hit with audiences. It ran for 11 seasons and was one of the most popular shows of its time. The show was a major influence on pop culture, and its characters and catchphrases are still beloved by fans today.

Happy Days Cast:

Henry Winkler – Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli
Ron Howard – Richie Cunningham
Marion Ross – Marion Cunningham
Tom Bosley – Howard Cunningham
Erin Moran – Joanie Cunningham
Anson Williams – Potsie Weber
Donnie Most – Ralph Malph
Pat Morita – Arnold
Al Molinaro – Al Delvecchio
Scott Baio – Chachi Arcola
Lynda Goodfriend – Lori Beth Allen
Cathy Silvers – Jenny Piccalo
Linda Purl – Ashley Pfister
Ted McGinley – Roger Phillips