The nostalgic world of '50s Milwaukee, brought to life by the beloved *Happy Days* cast, continues to captivate fans over four decades after its finale. As of December 2025, the iconic actors who played the Cunningham family, The Fonz, and the rest of the gang are still making headlines, celebrating major milestones, and pursuing diverse careers, from Oscar-winning directing to new television series and jazz music. The show's 50th anniversary in 2024 sparked emotional public reunions, giving fans a fresh look at the enduring friendship between the stars, including Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, and Marion Ross. This article dives deep into the lives of the main cast members, providing a comprehensive biographical profile and revealing their most current, up-to-the-minute projects and professional endeavors, confirming that "these happy days are yours and mine" is more than just a song lyric—it's a continuing legacy.
The Iconic Happy Days Main Cast: A Full Biography Profile
The success of the 11-season run of *Happy Days* (1974–1984) was built on the chemistry of its ensemble cast. Set in the 1950s and early 1960s, the show introduced a number of characters who became cultural touchstones. Here is a detailed profile of the core cast members and their memorable roles.- Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham): Born March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Howard began his career as a child actor on *The Andy Griffith Show* (as Opie Taylor) before landing the lead role as the wholesome, strait-laced teenager Richie Cunningham. He left the show in 1980 to pursue directing, a move that made him one of Hollywood's most successful filmmakers.
- Henry Winkler (Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli): Born October 30, 1945, in New York City. Winkler’s portrayal of the cool, leather-jacket-wearing greaser "The Fonz" was initially a supporting role but quickly became the show's breakout star and a cultural icon, influencing fashion and slang with his signature "Ayyy!" and "Sit on it."
- Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham): Born October 25, 1928, in Watertown, Minnesota. Ross played the warm, supportive, and often witty matriarch Marion Cunningham, affectionately known as "Mrs. C." Her career spanned decades in film and television, providing a grounding force for the show's teenage antics.
- Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham): Born October 1, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois. Bosley played the lovable, hardware-store-owner patriarch Howard Cunningham ("Mr. C."). He was the quintessential American TV dad. Bosley passed away in 2010, but his legacy as the head of the Cunningham family remains central to the show.
- Anson Williams (Warren "Potsie" Weber): Born September 25, 1949, in Los Angeles, California. Williams played Richie's gullible, well-intentioned friend, Potsie, known for his singing talent. After *Happy Days*, Williams transitioned successfully into a prolific career as a television director.
- Don Most (Ralph Malph): Born August 8, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. Most played the jokester and self-proclaimed comedian, Ralph Malph. Like Richie, his character left after Season 7. Most has since focused heavily on his passion for music, performing as a jazz and swing singer.
- Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola): Born September 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York. Baio joined the cast in Season 5 as Fonzie's younger cousin, Chachi, who eventually dated Joanie Cunningham. This popular pairing led to the short-lived spin-off series, *Joanie Loves Chachi*.
- Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham): Born October 18, 1960, in Burbank, California. Moran played Richie’s younger sister, Joanie, often called "Shortcake" by Fonzie. She starred in *Happy Days* and its spin-off. Moran sadly passed away in 2017.
From Milwaukee to Hollywood: The Cast's Latest Projects in 2024 and 2025
The enduring popularity of *Happy Days* has not slowed down the careers of its surviving main cast members. In the 2020s, they have all found new avenues for creative expression, with several major projects launching or being announced for 2024 and 2025, cementing their status as Hollywood legends.Ron Howard: The Oscar-Winning Director's New Thriller
Ron Howard, who perfectly embodied the all-American teen Richie Cunningham, has long since traded his acting career for a seat behind the camera, becoming one of the most respected directors in the industry. His production company, Imagine Entertainment, continues to develop major projects. His most recent high-profile directorial effort is the historical survival thriller Eden, which premiered in 2024. The film, based on a true story about a group of people who abandon modern life for a remote island, features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Jude Law and Ana de Armas. Looking ahead, Howard is also attached to direct the film adaptation of the non-fiction book Alone At Dawn, further showcasing his range across genres.Henry Winkler: Memoir and a History Channel Series
Henry Winkler’s post-*Happy Days* career has been marked by versatility, from roles in films with Adam Sandler to his Emmy-winning performance in the HBO series *Barry*. In 2024, Winkler celebrated his 50th year of success in Hollywood. For fans eager for a deeper look into his life, Winkler released his highly anticipated memoir in 2024. Adding to his busy schedule, The HISTORY Channel greenlit a new nonfiction series for 2025 titled Hazardous History with Henry Winkler, which he will executive produce and host. This new venture showcases his continued presence in television and his enduring appeal to audiences of all ages, including his successful career as an author of children's books, particularly the *Hank Zipzer* series.The Rest of the Cunningham and Arnold's Crew
* Marion Ross (Mrs. C.): The beloved matriarch remains active, celebrating her birthday in 2024 with praise from her former co-stars. While her last on-screen appearance was in 2021, she received a voice acting credit as recently as 2024, continuing her work in animated projects. * Don Most (Ralph Malph): Most has successfully reinvented himself as a jazz and swing musician. He performs his show, D Most Sings, across the country, dedicating himself to his "first love," music. In a 2024 update, he also appeared in the Western film *Far Haven*, which premiered on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. * Anson Williams (Potsie Weber): Williams’ career focus shifted to directing, helming episodes for popular shows like *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*. He also became an entrepreneur, notably co-founding a chain of diners with the late Al Molinaro (who played Al Delvecchio, the owner of Arnold's Drive-In). * Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola): Baio has focused on his podcast, Scott Baio's Take On Life, and has been involved in conservative-leaning film projects, such as the *God's Not Dead* franchise.Happy Days' 50th Anniversary and the Emotional 2024 Cast Reunions
The year 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of *Happy Days*' debut, a milestone that brought the surviving cast members together for several highly publicized and emotional reunions, delighting the show's multi-generational fanbase. The show, which also spawned successful spin-offs like *Laverne & Shirley* and *Mork & Mindy* (introducing Robin Williams), proved its cultural staying power. One of the most heartwarming moments of the year was the on-stage reunion of Ron Howard and Henry Winkler at the 2024 Emmy Awards. The pair, whose characters Richie and Fonzie defined the show's central friendship, celebrated the half-century mark of the iconic sitcom. They walked out onto the stage to a standing ovation, honoring the show's legacy. Furthermore, a larger portion of the beloved cast, including Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams (Potsie), and Don Most (Ralph Malph), reunited for a panel at the Steel City Con convention. This event was noted as the cast's first public reunion in over 50 years with this specific lineup, allowing them to share anecdotes about the show's production, their favorite episodes, and their lasting friendships. The sight of the core group together again served as a powerful reminder of the show's enduring and positive influence on television history. The emotional connection between the actors, who consider themselves a second family, was palpable, ensuring that the spirit of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Arnold's Drive-In lives on.
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