Happy Days Cast: Where Are They Now In 2025? The Shocking New Paths Of Richie, Fonzie, And The Gang

The iconic cast of Happy Days, the beloved sitcom that defined 1950s nostalgia and ran for a decade (1974–1984), continues to be one of the most fascinating groups in television history. More than 40 years after the show’s peak, the actors who brought Richie Cunningham, The Fonz, and the entire Cunningham family to life are still working, directing, writing, and reuniting, with many taking on surprising new career paths in 2025. This article dives deep into the latest projects, personal milestones, and current status of the main cast members, proving that the spirit of Arnold’s Drive-In is still alive and well.

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the surviving main cast remains incredibly active across Hollywood and beyond. From Academy Award-winning directors to Emmy-winning actors and entrepreneurs, the *Happy Days* alumni have cemented their legacy while continuously evolving their careers, ensuring their Milwaukee-based characters remain a cherished part of pop culture history.

The Main Cast: From Milwaukee to Modern Hollywood

The core ensemble of the Cunningham family and their legendary friends have all found lasting success, though their professional journeys have been wildly different. Here is a look at the current status and latest projects of the main living cast members.

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Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham)

• Role: Richie Cunningham, the earnest, red-haired protagonist.
• Born: March 1, 1954 (Age 71 in 2025).
• Current Status: One of Hollywood's most successful and respected directors and producers.
• Latest Projects (2024/2025): Howard is set to direct the military drama *Alone at Dawn* for Amazon MGM Studios, an adaptation of the true story of a U.S. Navy SEAL. He also directed the survival thriller *Eden*, based on a true crime story about a group abandoning modern life, which is anticipated for a 2025 release.
• Notable Entities: Academy Award winner, Imagine Entertainment, *Apollo 13*, *A Beautiful Mind*, *The Da Vinci Code*, Opie Taylor (*The Andy Griffith Show*).

Ron Howard’s transition from a child actor to a major director is a legendary Hollywood success story. While he is no longer in front of the camera, his production company, Imagine Entertainment, continues to develop major film and television projects. His focus remains firmly behind the lens, crafting high-stakes dramas and thrillers, a far cry from the wholesome comedy of the 1950s setting of *Happy Days*.

Henry Winkler (Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli)

• Role: Arthur Fonzarelli, the cool, leather-jacket-wearing greaser whose catchphrase "Ayyy!" became a cultural phenomenon.
• Born: October 30, 1945 (Age 79 in 2025).
• Current Status: Emmy-winning actor, producer, and prolific author.
• Latest Projects (2024/2025): Winkler is promoting his new series, *Hazardous History*, and continues his successful career as a children's author, with his latest book being *Detective Duck: The Mystery at*. He also made headlines for his inspiring 2025 graduation speech, where he spoke about overcoming his struggles with dyslexia.
• Notable Entities: Emmy Award winner (for *Barry*), *Parks and Recreation*, *Arrested Development*, The Hank Zipzer book series, Project Healing Waters.

Henry Winkler has arguably had the most successful second act in acting, winning his first-ever Prime Time Emmy Award in 2018 for his role in the HBO series *Barry*. He actively advocates for children with learning differences, drawing on his own experience, and remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, constantly taking on new roles and projects.

Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham)

• Role: Marion Cunningham, the sweet and nurturing mother figure, often called "Mrs. C."
• Born: October 25, 1928 (Age 97 in 2025).
• Current Status: Retired American actress, celebrated for her long career.
• Latest Status (2025): Marion Ross celebrated her 97th birthday in late 2025, a testament to her long and positive life. She is largely retired but remains a cherished icon. Her hometown of Albert Lea, Minnesota, has honored her legacy.
• Notable Entities: Two-time Emmy nominee, *Gilmore Girls*, *The Love Boat*, Hallmark Family movies.

The Co-Stars: Directing, Music, and Christian Cinema

The rest of the main cast, who played Richie’s friends and Fonzie’s cousin, have carved out unique careers that extend far beyond the nostalgia of the 1970s and 80s.

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Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola)

• Role: Charles "Chachi" Arcola, Fonzie's younger cousin and Joanie’s love interest, who later starred in the spin-off *Joanie Loves Chachi*.
• Born: September 22, 1960 (Age 64 in 2025).
• Current Status: Active in acting, particularly in faith-based and conservative-leaning films.
• Latest Projects (2024/2025): Baio is focusing on Christian cinema, with his newest film being *God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust*. He has been vocal about his political views and his choice to work outside of mainstream Hollywood.
• Notable Entities: *Joanie Loves Chachi*, *Charles in Charge*, *Diagnosis: Murder*.

Anson Williams (Potsie Weber) & Don Most (Ralph Malph)

The duo known for their musical numbers and comedic relief, Potsie and Ralph, remain close friends and frequently appear together at fan conventions.

Anson Williams (Potsie Weber) has largely moved behind the camera since *Happy Days*. He has become a highly successful television director, helming episodes for dozens of popular shows, including *Melrose Place*, *Beverly Hills, 90210*, and *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*. In 2024, he also continued his work as an entrepreneur, focusing on his line of health and wellness products.

Don Most (Ralph Malph) is actively pursuing film and music. In 2024, he appeared in the Western film *Far Haven*, which premiered on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, and another film titled *County Line: No Fear*. Most is also a jazz singer and frequently performs live. Both Williams and Most appeared together at Retro Con 2024 and were part of a public reunion with Ron Howard and Henry Winkler at Steel City Con, showing their enduring friendship and commitment to the fan community.

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The Happy Days Legacy: Spin-Offs and Tributes

The cultural impact of *Happy Days* extends far beyond the original series, spawning a universe of successful spin-offs and creating a television template that is still studied today. The show’s popularity was so immense that it even gave rise to the phrase "Jump the Shark," a term used to describe the moment a long-running TV show begins its decline in quality, referencing the infamous episode where Fonzie literally water-skis over a shark.

The Extended Universe of Garry Marshall

Producer Garry Marshall created an entire television dynasty from the foundation of *Happy Days*. The most successful spin-offs include:

• *Laverne & Shirley* (1976–1983): Starring Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, two factory workers from Milwaukee. This was arguably the most successful spin-off, running for eight seasons.
• *Mork & Mindy* (1978–1982): Launched the career of Robin Williams as the alien Mork from Ork, who was introduced in a *Happy Days* episode.
• *Joanie Loves Chachi* (1982–1983): Focused on the romance between Joanie Cunningham and Chachi Arcola.
• Other Spin-offs: Including *Blansky's Beauties* and the animated series *The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang*.

This network of shows cemented the era's nostalgia and solidified the show's place in television history as a cultural phenomenon that shaped the careers of dozens of actors and writers.

In Memoriam: Beloved Cast Members Who Have Passed Away

Sadly, several key players who brought the world of *Happy Days* to life have passed away, leaving behind a cherished legacy. The loss of these talented actors is felt deeply by the remaining cast and the massive global fan base.

• Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham): The patriarch of the Cunningham family, "Mr. C," passed away in 2010.
• Al Molinaro (Al DelVecchio): The owner and cook of Arnold’s Drive-In and the show’s second diner owner, passed away in 2015.
• Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham): Richie’s younger sister and Chachi’s girlfriend, passed away tragically in 2017.
• Pat Morita (Arnold): The original owner of Arnold’s Drive-In, who later gained fame in *The Karate Kid*, passed away in 2005.

These actors were integral to the show's success, providing the warmth, wisdom, and humor that made the series so enduring. Their contributions are a permanent part of the *Happy Days* heritage.

A Timeless Friendship and Enduring Appeal

The true heart of the *Happy Days* legacy lies in the enduring bond between its principal actors. Despite their varied and highly successful careers—from Ron Howard's directorial blockbusters to Henry Winkler's Emmy triumphs and Don Most's musical pursuits—the cast members frequently reunite and speak with genuine affection about their time on the show. Their recent public appearances together in 2024 and 2025 confirm that the friendship forged on the soundstages of Milwaukee's fictional world is as strong as ever, continuing to delight fans who grew up watching them navigate the world of leather jackets, jukeboxes, and wholesome family fun.