The Only Actors Still Alive From The Cast Of Happy Days

After the culturally and politically turbulent decade of the 1960s, America seemed to collectively yearn for a not-so-distant past when things were a calmer and a bit more, shall we say, "clean cut." No American television show of the 1970s encapsulated this nostalgic zeitgeist more than the long-running series "Happy Days." Henry Winkler's leather-jacket-clad, catchphrase-dropping character of Fonzie is now permanently imprinted on the American consciousness. The fresh-faced shenanigans of Ron Howard's character Richie Cunningham, as well as those of his wise-guy buddies Potsie and Ralph Malph, also hearken back to a time of drive-ins, letter jackets, and the rockin' tunes of Bill Haley & His Comets. Although some of the show's scripts literally "jumped the shark," the "Happy Days" cast is one of American television's most beloved.

Several "Happy Days" cast members, including Tom Bosley, Erin Moran, Pat Morita, and Al Molinaro, are unfortunately no longer living, leaving behind an entertainment legacy that has endeared itself to generations of television lovers. However, many of the show's main players are still around and have had thriving careers in subsequent decades. So what happened to Fonzie, Richie, Potsie, Mrs. C., and the others after the series finally ended in 1984? Let's give history's jukebox some of that Fonzie magic touch and take a look at what these fine actors are up to now, both in front of and behind the camera.

Henry Winker's role of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli is one of television's most iconic characters. Winkler played Fonzie for all 11 seasons of "Happy Days," transforming the role from a minor character into the show's top-billed star. Straddling his motorcycle and decked out in a slick leather jacket, Fonzie was the epitome of '50s cool through a '70s lens. Armed with a slew of signature catchphrases like "Aaaaay," "Sit on it," and "exactamundo," Winkler's character became a legitimate cultural phenomenon, so much so that his leather jacket is part of the Smithsonian's History of Entertainment collection (via Washington Post).

When "Happy Days" ended in 1984, Winkler's career was filled with more gray skies than blue. While playing Fonzie launched Winkler into the pop culture stratosphere, he actively sought to distance himself from the character that made him famous (via New York Times). Winkler's acting career went through a post-"Happy Days" slump, but soon he became an in-demand character actor. A frequent player in Adam Sandler movies like "The Waterboy," "Little Nicky," and "Click," Winkler became known to a new generation of comedy lovers. Busier than ever, his career continues to reach new heights, with Winkler earning an Emmy in 2018 for his role as Gene Cousineau in the critically acclaimed HBO series "Barry." Clearly, Winkler is not "jumping the shark" anytime soon.

By the time Ron Howard starred as Richie Cunningham on "Happy Days," he was already a seasoned Hollywood veteran, having appeared in a slew of television series throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His clean-cut, all-American persona—honed in roles like Opie Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show"—established Howard as the embodiment of middle-American wholesomeness. In "Happy Days," teenage Richie is the show's main protagonist. While he's often focused on getting girls, he's also an admirable and trustworthy friend to his best buddies Potsie (Anson Williams), Ralph (Don Most), and Fonzie.

Ron Howard may have been the primary star of "Happy Days," but his character was soon overshadowed by the popularity of Henry Winkler's Fonzie. Howard noted how television executives treated him differently as the series progressed. It was this disrespect that inspired Howard to pursue a directing career (via MeTV). Eventually, Howard left the show after Season 7 to focus on his skills behind the camera. After "Happy Days," Howard became one of Hollywood's most successful and celebrated directors and producers. His films have grossed over $4 billion dollars at the global box office and he earned Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture for 2002's "A Beautiful Mind." Through his production company, Imagine Entertainment, Howard is also a prolific television producer, serving as executive producer on shows like "Arrested Development," "Parenthood," and "Felicity."

Marion Ross played Marion, the Cunningham family matriarch and one of television's most beloved moms, for the entire run of "Happy Days." Mrs. Cunningham is a traditional '50s housewife, tending to her children Richie and Joanie (Erin Moran) and running the household while her husband Howard (Tom Bosley) runs his hardware store. Affectionately referred to as "Mrs. C." by her attic tenant Fonzie, Marion is beloved by all and keeps the "Happy Days" gang grounded with her maternal wisdom. Marion would also appear in the "Happy Days" spin-off "Joanie Loves Chachi."

When she was cast in "Happy Days," Ross had already been working in show business for decades, having appeared in movies like "Sabrina" and "Some Came Running" and a wide array of television shows, including sitcoms like "The Brady Bunch" and hard-hitting dramas like "The Fugitive." Starring as Marion Cunningham on "Happy Days" launched Ross' career into television stardom and earned her two Emmy nominations. Luckily for Ross, her career after "Happy Days" flourished, with steady television roles in shows like "Brooklyn Bridge," "That '70s Show," "Gilmore Girls," and "The Drew Carey Show." Well into her 90s, Ross is still a celebrated working performer. Her hometown of Albert Lea, Minnesota even erected a statue in her honor.

Every hero needs a bumbling sidekick and Anson Williams' Warren "Potsie" Weber was just that for "Happy Days" lead character Richie Cunningham. Slightly dull and a bit of a nerd, Potsie is a loyal buddy to not only Richie but also his other pal Ralph. When not chasing girls with Richie and Ralph, Potsie nurtures his musical talents and his studies, eventually getting accepted into medical school. Not too shabby for a guy who got his name because he liked to make things out of clay.

Williams and his two co-stars Marion Ross and Tom Bosley were the only lead actors to star in "Happy Days" throughout its 11-season run (via Closer). After scarfing his last burger at Arnold's, Williams, like his fellow actors Ron Howard and Kevin Rodney Sullivan, went on to have a successful directing career. Williams directed episodes of such television hits as "Beverly Hills 90210," "Baywatch," and "Lizzie McGuire," and he credits his time on "Happy Days" with teaching him valuable career insights (via ABC News). He's also an entrepreneur, developing Alert Drops, an anti-drowsiness spray (via Wonderwall) inspired by his uncle, Dr. Henry Heimlich, inventor of the Heimlich Maneuver.

On "Happy Days," Don Most played Richie Cunningham's goofball friend Ralph Malph. With a penchant for girls, hot rods, and practical jokes, Ralph was a character you couldn't miss — literally, because he often wore shirts emblazoned with his own name. Ralph is just ever-so-much cooler than his buddies, Richie and Potsie, and he never misses an opportunity to prove that he's "still got it." Ralph eventually trades in his gags for a career in ophthalmology, following in his father's footsteps.

Don Most left "Happy Days" after seven seasons filled with Malphian antics, telling The Boise Beat that "I felt it had gone as far as it could have gone and I felt that it was getting repetitive and there wasn't a chance for it to grow as much." Before leaving, Most met his future wife, actress Morgan Hart, on set. The pair married in 1982. After "Happy Days," Most dabbled in voiceover work for cartoons like "The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang," "Dungeons and Dragons," and "Teen Wolf." When not performing for the Saturday morning cartoon tot set, Most made appearances on a number of television shows, including "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Glee." Most has also directed several movies and expanded his music career by becoming a swing and jazz crooner, proving without a doubt that he's "still got it."

Scott Baio's portrayal of Fonzie's cousin Chachi Arcola rivals that of his fictional relative. Baio's journey into the greater "Happy Days" sitcom universe started on the "Happy Days" spin-off "Blansky's Beauties" as Anthony DeLuca. "Blansky's Beauties" was a dud and only produced 13 episodes, but Baio was soon cast in "Happy Days" as Chachi, a role that would become such a sensation that he got his own spin-off with love interest Joanie Cunningham, "Joanie Loves Chachi." Toughening up by wearing cut-off t-shirts, Chachi looks up to Fonzie and proves to be a talented mechanic in his own right. He's also a gifted musician. Like many "Happy Days" characters, Chachi contains somewhat baffling multitudes, but one mustn't think too deeply about '70s sitcom logic.

"Happy Days" was just the start of Baio's meteoric television career. In 1984, a year after "Joanie Loves Chachi" was canceled, Baio starred as Charles in the hit sitcom "Charles in Charge." He also had regular roles on hits like "Diagnosis Murder," "Arrested Development," and "See Dad Run." Lately, Baio's acting celebrity has taken a backseat to his outspoken political beliefs. According to his website, Baio is also busy with his charitable work through his annual golf tournament and The Bailey Baio Angel Foundation.

Crystal Bernard played two different characters on "Happy Days": Joanie's friend Mikki and Howard Cunningham's niece, K.C. Cunningham. Mikki, a college student looking to make a new life for herself in Milwaukee, makes one appearance in the show's 9th season. In Season 10, after Joanie Cunningham leaves for Chicago, her parents Marion and Howard take in another extended relative to fill the void. In comes Howard's niece K.C. She becomes friends with Joanie's BFF Jenny Piccolo (Cathy Silvers) and goes on a date with nerdy Melvin Belvin (Scott Bernstein).

Bernard's role on "Happy Days" was her big television break. After she left the series in Season 10, she went on to star in several successful sitcoms. First, she played waitress Amy Tompkins in the syndicated seasons of the restaurant comedy "It's a Living," but her career really soared when she joined the cast of NBC's "Wings" as aspiring musician and airport lunch counter operator Helen Chapel. "Wings" was a hit for NBC. It ran for eight seasons and was often scheduled as part of the network's "Must See TV" primetime block of programming (via AV Club). After "Wings," Bernard acted in a number of TV movies and appeared on Broadway as Annie Oakley in the musical "Annie Get Your Gun" (via Playbill). With her last acting credit in 2008, Bernard is out of the Hollywood spotlight seemingly living a low-key life.

Chisel-jawed actor Ted McGinley joined "Happy Days" as Roger "Coach" Phillips as a recurring cast member in Seasons 8 and 9, becoming a part of the main cast during the last two seasons of the series. Nephew of Marion and Howard Cunningham, Roger teaches and coaches basketball at Jefferson High School. Handsome and good-natured, Roger fills the void left by the departure of Richie after Season 7.

Roger was one of McGinley's earlier acting roles. He really hit his career stride after the end of "Happy Days." McGinley worked in both film and television, appearing as top jock Stanley in the '80s comedy movie classic "Revenge of the Nerds" and as a regular on some of the decade's television camp classics, like "The Love Boat" and "Dynasty." But perhaps McGinley is best known for playing himbo Jefferson D'Arcy on "Married...With Children," a role he played for seven seasons on the long-running and notorious Fox sitcom. After "Married...With Children," McGinley appeared in the Aaron Sorkin series "Sports Night" and "The West Wing," as well as "Hope & Faith," among others. It seems like there's no shortage of demand for McGinley's brand of telegenic hunkiness.

Linda Purl, like actress Crystal Bernard, played multiple characters on "Happy Days." Who would notice that Richie Cunningham and Fonzie dated the same girl? In Season 2, Purl plays Richie's girlfriend Gloria, who took her gum out of her mouth before she and Richie kissed—a move that Purl says was the end of her character. She came back to the series in its 10th season as Ashley Pfister, single mom and love interest to Fonzie. Fonzie and Ashely get serious and contemplate engagement, but not before Ashley realizes her desire to reconcile with her ex-husband.

Purl's stints on "Happy Days" are but a few credits in her very prolific acting career. After playing Gloria and Ashley, Purl became a television guest star in hot demand, appearing in a number of notable television series, including "Matlock," "The Office," and "Homeland." Recently, Purl has shown up in the Emmy-winning HBO series "Hacks" and acted in the UK theater production of the play "Catch Me If You Can" alongside television stalwart and boyfriend Patrick Duffy.

Billy Warlock is another later-season cast addition to "Happy Days," playing Roger Phillips' little brother, Leopold "Flip" Phillips. Featured in Seasons 9 and 10 of the series, Flip is a juvenile delinquent who moves to Milwaukee to clean up his act. Known for his rebellious spirit and wardrobe full of crop-top t-shirts, Flip even gets some tough love from Fonzie when he's involved in a drunk driving accident.

Starting his on-camera career as a stuntman for Robin Williams on "Mork & Mindy," Warlock got his first major acting credit on "Happy Days," but it certainly wasn't his last. After "Happy Days," Warlock became a soap opera staple on all three major networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—playing roles on "General Hospital," "Days of Our Lives," and "The Young and the Restless." His good looks and natural athleticism surely helped him land the role of Eddie Kramer on the lifeguard show "Baywatch." These days, Warlock has left Hollywood behind and is now a ski school supervisor in Colorado. Of his time in Hollywood, Warlock said, "As soon as I was able to escape, I did" (via 7News). A fitting full-circle moment for a guy who got his show business start rolling down a fictional Boulder highway.

Daughter of legendary comedian Phil Silvers, Cathy Silvers joined the "Happy Days" gang as Jenny Piccolo toward the show's end, starting as a recurring character in Seasons 8 and 9 and then joining the main cast for Season 10. Jenny is Joanie Cunningham's perpetually boy-crazy best friend. In the early seasons of the show, she is discussed but never shown. When she does make her on-screen debut, Jenny, "a loudmouth who chews a lot of gum" (via MeTV), fits right in with Joanie, Chachi, and the rest of the gang, even inadvertently becoming Fonzie's "wife."

After "Happy Days," Silvers acted in several short-lived sitcoms, including Diane English's pre-"Murphy Brown" show "Foley Square" and "Cleghorne!" starring former "Saturday Night Live" star Ellen Cleghorne. In recent years, Silvers has transitioned away from Hollywood into the world of holistic health, publishing the book "Happy Days Healthy Living" in 2007. She's also been posting about her healthy lifestyle on Instagram. She is so dedicated to wellness that Silvers has envisioned a "Happy Days" reboot wherein Arnold's restaurant trades in cheeseburgers for "healthy fare" (via TooFab).

Like "Happy Days" stars Ron Howard and Anson Williams, Kevin Rodney Sullivan also made the transition from actor to successful Hollywood director. In the series, Sullivan plays Tommy, Joanie and Chachi's friend of many talents. Tommy makes appearances throughout Seasons 8-11 as a multi-talented student at Jefferson High School. Not only is Tommy a student in Fonzie's shop class, but he also attends Roger's health class, plays on the school's basketball team, and is a member of Joanie and Chachi's band.

Post-"Happy Days," Sullivan acted in just one more project, the cult classic sci-fi film "The Adventures of Buckaroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension" in 1984. Moving behind the camera, Sullivan has made a name for himself as a director of both film and television. He's directed movies like "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "Guess Who," and "Barbershop 2: Back in Business" and helmed episodes of hit television shows such as "The West Wing," "30 Rock," "Modern Family," and "Riverdale." Sullivan's directing career shows no signs of slowing down. Just like Tommy, he's proven to be a versatile and formative talent.

Playing Richie Cunningham's girlfriend Lori Beth Allen in "Happy Days" didn't come easy to actress Lynda Goodfriend, who once exclaimed, "It's hard being the girlfriend of America's sweetheart" (via MeTV). Lori Beth first appeared on the sitcom not as Lori Beth, but as Ralph's date Kim. Through the power of television magic, she came back to the show during Season 5 as Richie's love interest. She remained on the show through Season 8, despite her sweetheart Richie's departure from the show after Season 7. Lori Beth and Richie eventually got married and started a family together, moving to California to pursue Richie's screenwriting dreams.

After "Happy Days," Goodfriend took small roles in big films like "Beaches" and "Pretty Woman," with her last on-screen acting credit being 1994's maligned "Exit to Eden." She took her acting expertise off-screen, starting her own acting school, The Actors Workout in NoHo. She also founded her own management company (via New York Film Academy). Eventually, Goodfriend went to the classroom, serving as the Chair of Acting for the New York Film Academy, where she has dedicated her career to helping fellow actors hone their craft.