The Cunningham Family And The Fonz: Where Are The Happy Days Cast Now In 2024?

Decades after the final episode aired, the iconic cast of the Happy Days sitcom continues to capture the public imagination, embodying an idealized version of 1950s Milwaukee. The show, which ran from 1974 to 1984, launched the careers of several major Hollywood figures and cemented its place as a cornerstone of American television. However, the lives of the Cunningham family and their leather-jacketed friend, Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli, have seen seismic shifts since they last gathered at Arnold’s. As of late 2024, the surviving stars are more active than ever, transitioning into roles as acclaimed directors, award-winning authors, and even swing musicians, while we pause to remember the beloved members who are now "forever in our hearts."

The enduring cultural legacy of this classic sitcom is a testament to its charm and its talented ensemble. From blockbuster films to children's books and a renewed focus on musical careers, this is a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the careers, recent projects, and personal journeys of the Happy Days cast members, detailing exactly where they are now in late 2024.

The Complete Happy Days Main Cast: A Full Biography Profile

The heart of Happy Days was the Cunningham family and their friends. This list covers the core main cast members, including their birth/death dates, main roles, and a brief career overview.

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• Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham)
  • Born: March 1, 1954 (Still Living)
  • Role: Richie Cunningham (The wholesome older son of the Cunningham family).
  • Post-Happy Days Career: One of Hollywood's most successful directors and producers, known for films like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code.
• Henry Winkler (Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli)
  • Born: October 30, 1945 (Still Living)
  • Role: Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli (The cool, leather-clad mechanic and ladies' man).
  • Post-Happy Days Career: Emmy-winning actor, director, producer, and a prolific children's book author. Known for his recent role in the HBO series Barry.
• Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham)
  • Born: October 25, 1928 (Still Living)
  • Role: Marion Cunningham ("Mrs. C," the sweet and understanding matriarch).
  • Post-Happy Days Career: Continued acting in TV and film, receiving an Emmy nomination for Brooklyn Bridge. Officially retired from acting in recent years.
• Anson Williams (Potsie Weber)
  • Born: September 25, 1949 (Still Living)
  • Role: Potsie Weber (Richie's good-natured but slightly naive friend).
  • Post-Happy Days Career: Primarily transitioned into a successful career as a television director.
• Don Most (Ralph Malph)
  • Born: August 8, 1953 (Still Living)
  • Role: Ralph Malph (Richie's friend, known for his corny jokes and "I still got it!" catchphrase).
  • Post-Happy Days Career: Focused heavily on a singing career, particularly in the swing and jazz genres.
• Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola)
  • Born: September 22, 1960 (Still Living)
  • Role: Chachi Arcola (Fonzie's younger cousin and Joanie Cunningham's love interest). Also starred in the spin-off, Joanie Loves Chachi.
  • Post-Happy Days Career: Starred in Charles in Charge and continued acting in various TV and film projects.
• Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham)
  • Born: October 1, 1927
  • Died: October 19, 2010, at age 83.
  • Role: Howard Cunningham ("Mr. C," the hardware store owner and patriarch).
  • Cause of Death: Heart failure and a battle with lung cancer.
• Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham)
  • Born: October 18, 1960
  • Died: April 22, 2017, at age 56.
  • Role: Joanie Cunningham (Richie's younger sister, nicknamed "Shortcake" by Fonzie).
  • Cause of Death: Complications from stage-four throat cancer.

The Living Legends: Career Updates and 2024 Projects

The most fascinating aspect of the Happy Days cast is their post-sitcom success, particularly the incredible career trajectory of the show's two biggest stars. The 2024 updates highlight that this group of actors never stopped working, reinventing themselves across multiple facets of the entertainment industry.

Ron Howard: From Richie to Hollywood Director

Ron Howard, who played the wholesome Richie Cunningham, left the show in 1980 to focus on directing, a move that paid off spectacularly. In late 2024, Howard remains one of the most prolific and respected filmmakers in the industry, proving that his early departure was a masterstroke for his career.

His latest directorial effort is the 2024 historical survival thriller film, Eden, which stars Jude Law and Ana de Armas. The film is inspired by true events and focuses on a group of people attempting to start a new life on a remote Pacific island. Beyond directing, Howard is also active as a producer. He recently produced the documentary series *Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series*, which is available to stream on Apple TV+. Looking ahead, his next project is reportedly the film *Alone At Dawn*, an adaptation of a non-fiction book, continuing his trend of tackling real-life and historical dramas. Howard’s success is a rare example of a child actor making a seamless and highly successful transition to a powerful role behind the camera.

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Henry Winkler: The Fonz’s 50-Year Hollywood Celebration

Henry Winkler’s portrayal of Arthur Fonzarelli, or "The Fonz," is one of television's most iconic characters, turning a supporting role into a cultural phenomenon. In 2024, Winkler celebrated his 50th year of success in Hollywood, a milestone marked by a diverse range of projects.

The Emmy Award winner, who recently earned critical acclaim for his role as Gene Cousineau in the dark comedy series Barry, continues to expand his creative footprint. His latest projects include hosting the History Channel special *HAZARDOUS HISTORY*. Furthermore, Winkler is a prolific and passionate children’s author, having co-written 39 books, including his latest graphic novel, *We Are Big Time*, released in 2024. He also dedicates time to philanthropic work, championing organizations like Project Healing Waters, demonstrating that the coolness of The Fonz is matched by the warmth of the man who played him.

Marion Ross, Anson Williams, and Don Most: New Chapters

The remaining core cast members have also charted fascinating post-Happy Days paths, shifting their focus from acting to directing, singing, and enjoying retirement.

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Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham), the beloved Mrs. C, officially announced her retirement from acting in recent years, though she occasionally makes small appearances in online projects. Now in her late 90s, she is celebrated by fans for her longevity and her enduring role as the perfect TV mom, a figure of 1950s nostalgia. She enjoys her life as a retired woman, focusing on family and personal interests after a long and distinguished career.

Anson Williams (Potsie Weber), who played the earnest but sometimes clumsy friend of Richie, followed a path similar to Ron Howard, but behind the TV camera. He is now a highly prominent television director, having helmed episodes for a vast number of popular series. His extensive directorial credits include hits like Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and even Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Williams continues to appear at fan conventions in 2024, often alongside Don Most, to discuss the legacy of the show.

Don Most (Ralph Malph), the show's resident comedian, has successfully transitioned back to his first love: music. In recent years, Most has traded his acting career for the stage, becoming an accomplished singer with a focus on big band, swing, and jazz music. He performs his show, which features classic standards, in venues across the country and has released albums like *Swinging Down the Chimney Tonight*. His musical pivot is a refreshing new chapter for the actor best known for his comedic timing.

Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola), who was introduced later in the series and starred in the short-lived spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi, has continued his acting career in various projects. In 2024, Baio appeared in the film *God's Not Dead: In God We Trust*, adding to his long list of television and film roles since his days as the Fonz's cousin.

Forever in Our Hearts: Remembering Tom Bosley and Erin Moran

While the surviving cast members celebrate their continued success, the Happy Days family has also experienced loss. The passing of the Cunningham parents and daughter has been a poignant reminder of the show's age and its enduring impact.

Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham), the unflappable patriarch of the Cunningham family and the owner of the hardware store, passed away in 2010 at the age of 83. Bosley's agent confirmed he died of heart failure at a hospital near his Palm Springs home, after battling lung cancer. Before Happy Days, Bosley was an acclaimed stage actor, winning a Tony Award for his role in the 1959 Broadway musical *Fiorello!* He appeared in all 255 episodes of the sitcom, solidifying his role as one of the great TV dads.

Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham), who played the sassy younger sister Joanie, had a tragically short life. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 56. An autopsy confirmed that her cause of death was complications from stage-four throat cancer. Moran’s passing was a difficult moment for the cast and fans, who remembered her as "Shortcake," the little sister who grew up on screen and starred in her own spin-off with Scott Baio. Her final years were marked by personal struggles, making her tragic death a somber ending for the actress who brought so much joy to the small screen.

The Cultural Legacy of Happy Days and Its Future

The legacy of Happy Days extends far beyond the individual careers of its actors. It was a massive hit that spawned numerous spin-offs, including Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, cementing its role as a cultural touchstone of the 1970s and 1980s. The show’s idealized vision of the 1950s, set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, continues to be celebrated for its wholesome themes and nostalgic appeal.

Even today, the surviving cast members maintain a strong bond, frequently reuniting for interviews, conventions, and special events to celebrate the show's anniversary. The continued success of Ron Howard and Henry Winkler, combined with the new creative endeavors of Anson Williams and Don Most, ensures that the spirit of the Cunningham family and the effortless cool of The Fonz will continue to influence Hollywood for years to come. The show’s message of friendship and family remains timeless, making it one of the most enduring classic sitcoms in television history.