Where Are They Now? The Happy Days Cast’s Shocking New Careers And 2025 Projects

The iconic 1950s sitcom Happy Days officially celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, yet the show’s legendary cast members are far from resting on their laurels. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the stars who brought Richie Cunningham, Fonzie, and the rest of the gang to life have continued to dominate Hollywood, the publishing world, and even the music scene, with some surprising career pivots and major new projects.

From an Academy Award-winning director to a beloved children’s book author and a swinging big band vocalist, the lives of the *Happy Days* ensemble post-Milwaukee are a fascinating study in enduring fame and creative evolution. This deep dive reveals the latest updates and current professional endeavors of the main cast.

The Happy Days Cast: A Complete Biographical Profile

The core cast of Happy Days created some of the most enduring characters in television history. Here is a quick look at the main players and their essential biographical details:

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• Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham)
  • Born: March 1, 1954, Duncan, Oklahoma.
  • Role: The wholesome, all-American teenager and lead protagonist.
  • Career Highlights: Child star on The Andy Griffith Show (Opie Taylor); Oscar-winning director/producer of films like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code.
• Henry Winkler (Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli)
  • Born: October 30, 1945, New York City, New York.
  • Role: The cool, leather-jacket-wearing greaser who became the show's breakout star.
  • Career Highlights: Emmy-winning role in HBO's Barry; author of the popular children's book series *Hank Zipzer*; roles in *Arrested Development* and *Parks and Recreation*.
• Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham)
  • Born: October 25, 1928, Watertown, Minnesota.
  • Role: The loving, level-headed mother of the Cunningham family, often called "Mrs. C."
  • Career Highlights: Emmy nominations for *Happy Days* and *Brooklyn Bridge*; extensive voice work and appearances in Hallmark Channel movies.
• Anson Williams (Potsie Weber)
  • Born: September 25, 1949, Los Angeles, California.
  • Role: Richie's best friend, known for his earnest but often awkward singing.
  • Career Highlights: Prolific television director of shows like *Beverly Hills, 90210*, *Melrose Place*, and *The Secret Life of the American Teenager*.
• Don Most (Ralph Malph)
  • Born: August 8, 1953, Brooklyn, New York.
  • Role: The class clown and jokester of the group, famous for his "I still got it!" catchphrase.
  • Career Highlights: Voice acting in cartoons like *Dungeons & Dragons*; a successful career as a jazz/big band singer.
• Cathy Silvers (Jenny Piccolo)
  • Born: May 27, 1961, Hollywood, California.
  • Role: Fonzie's cousin and a recurring character known for her upbeat energy.
  • Career Highlights: Author and health/wellness advocate; daughter of legendary comedian Phil Silvers.

Ron Howard: From Richie Cunningham to Hollywood Powerhouse

Ron Howard's post-Happy Days career is perhaps the most well-documented success story in the cast. He famously transitioned from actor (Richie Cunningham) to a highly respected, Academy Award-winning director, a move that began even while he was still on the show.

His work in 2024 and 2025 continues this trajectory with two major projects.

• Eden (2024/2025 Release): Howard directed this star-studded survival thriller, which is based on a true story about a group of people who abandon modern society to move to a remote Pacific island. The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Ana de Armas, Jude Law, and Vanessa Kirby, marking a new foray into the true crime thriller genre for Howard.
• Alone at Dawn: Howard is also attached to direct this film, an adaptation of the non-fiction book by Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz, which focuses on a harrowing military story set in Afghanistan.

Henry Winkler: The Fonz's Enduring Legacy and Literary Success

Henry Winkler, the man who made "Ayyy!" a global catchphrase, has maintained a remarkably diverse and active career, experiencing a resurgence in popularity and critical acclaim decades after the show ended.

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In recent years, his focus has been on his literary and acting work, often drawing on his personal life.

• Autobiography Release: In 2023, Winkler released his highly anticipated autobiography, Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond, which became a significant literary event. The book details his struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia, a topic he has been a vocal advocate for.
• Children’s Book Series: Winkler continues to co-write the successful *Hank Zipzer: World's Best Underachiever* children's book series, which is directly inspired by his own experiences growing up with dyslexia. This educational and personal project highlights his commitment to helping young readers.
• Acting and Reunions: Following his Emmy-winning role in the HBO series *Barry*, Winkler remains a beloved figure. He frequently participates in fan conventions and, alongside Ron Howard, Anson Williams, and Don Most, was a key figure in the various 50th-anniversary cast reunions throughout 2024, including at the Emmy Awards.

The Rest of the Milwaukee Gang: Music, Directing, and Wellness

While Howard and Winkler command the most headlines, the rest of the *Happy Days* cast has carved out equally fascinating, if less public, careers, often returning to their artistic roots or pivoting into entirely new fields. These career paths demonstrate the wide-ranging talents of the ensemble.

Don Most (Ralph Malph) Finds His Swing

After leaving the role of jokester Ralph Malph, Don Most returned to his passion: music. As of 2025, Most is actively touring and performing with his "Donny Most & His Big Band" show, focusing on the standards, swing, and big band music he loves. His performance schedule, including a May 2025 date with the Ventura Music Festival, confirms his full-time dedication to his musical career. Most has successfully established a new identity as a professional jazz vocalist.

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Anson Williams (Potsie Weber) Behind the Camera and in Politics

Anson Williams quickly followed Ron Howard's lead by transitioning into a highly prolific career as a television director and producer. He has directed hundreds of episodes across various popular series, showcasing a talent that far outpaced his character's singing ability. In a surprising 2022 pivot, Williams ran for Mayor of Ojai, California, demonstrating an interest in public service and community leadership. He has also recently stepped back in front of the camera, returning to acting in stage productions like a play in Delaware, a rare move for the director.

Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham) and a Life of Leisure

The beloved "Mrs. C," Marion Ross, is now in her 90s and has largely retired from the demanding schedule of major acting roles. She remains connected to the industry, having appeared in numerous television movies and voice roles over the years, and is highly revered by her former co-stars, including Henry Winkler. Ross lives in the San Fernando Valley and continues to be a cherished figure in the classic TV community, often sharing anecdotes about balancing her career and motherhood during the show's run.

Cathy Silvers (Jenny Piccolo) as Author and Entrepreneur

Cathy Silvers, who played Jenny Piccolo, has moved away from mainstream acting to focus on health, wellness, and entrepreneurship. She is an established author, having penned the memoir *Happy Days Healthy Living* in 2007. Silvers has also worked as a real estate agent and continues to dedicate her career to business and health advocacy, often utilizing her platform to discuss her experiences and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The enduring appeal of Happy Days is not just in the nostalgia of the 1950s, but in the continued, vibrant careers of its cast. From directing Oscar-caliber films to touring with a big band and writing best-selling books, the stars of the show have proven that the "Happy Days" never truly end—they simply evolve.