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

The unforgettable cast of *Happy Days*, a show that defined 1950s nostalgia for a generation, continues to make headlines with major career moves and heartwarming reunions. As of December 2025, the beloved actors are busier than ever, proving that the spirit of the Cunningham family and the Fonz's cool factor are timeless. From Academy Award-winning directors to Emmy-winning dramatic actors and a jazz crooner, their post-sitcom careers are as vibrant and varied as the characters they once played in Milwaukee. This article dives deep into the lives of the core cast, providing a complete profile of their current projects and celebrating the recent 50th-anniversary milestones that have brought the gang back together. You’ll find out who is directing a major military drama, who has a new History Channel series, and which character is now a professional singer.

The Happy Days Core Cast: Complete Biography and Profile

The *Happy Days* ensemble, which aired from 1974 to 1984, launched several careers that would shape Hollywood for decades. Here is a detailed look at the actors who brought the classic characters of Arnold's Drive-in and the Cunningham household to life.

• Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham)
  • Born: March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma.
  • Happy Days Role: Richie Cunningham, the earnest, red-headed teenager and best friend to Fonzie.
  • Career Highlights: Began as a child star playing Opie Taylor on *The Andy Griffith Show*. Post-*Happy Days*, he became one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, winning an Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture for *A Beautiful Mind*. Other directorial hits include *Apollo 13*, *Rush*, and *The Da Vinci Code*.
• Henry Winkler (Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli)
  • Born: October 30, 1945, in New York City.
  • Happy Days Role: Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli, the leather-jacketed, ultra-cool greaser whose catchphrase "Ayyy!" became a cultural phenomenon.
  • Career Highlights: A celebrated actor, director, producer, and author. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as acting teacher Gene Cousineau in the dark comedy series *Barry*. He is also a successful children's book author, co-writing the popular *Hank Zipzer* series about a boy with dyslexia.
• Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham)
  • Born: October 25, 1928, in Watertown, Minnesota.
  • Happy Days Role: Marion Cunningham, the warm, loving, and slightly sassy matriarch of the Cunningham family, often called "Mrs. C." by Fonzie.
  • Career Highlights: A veteran actress who received two Emmy nominations for *Happy Days*. Following the show, she had notable roles in *The Love Boat* and *Gilmore Girls*. She also provided the voice for Grandma SquarePants on *SpongeBob SquarePants*.
• Anson Williams (Potsie Weber)
  • Born: September 25, 1949, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Happy Days Role: Potsie Weber, the well-meaning but often naive and musically-inclined friend of Richie.
  • Career Highlights: Transitioned successfully behind the camera, becoming a prolific television director for shows like *Beverly Hills, 90210*, *Melrose Place*, *Sabrina the Teenage Witch*, and *The Secret Life of the American Teenager*.
• Don Most (Ralph Malph)
  • Born: August 8, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Happy Days Role: Ralph Malph, the class clown known for his constant jokes and "I got a million of 'em!" catchphrase.
  • Career Highlights: Continued acting in film and television but has recently focused heavily on his passion for music, establishing a successful career as a jazz and swing singer.
• Scott Baio (Chachi Arcola)
  • Born: September 22, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Happy Days Role: Chachi Arcola, Fonzie's younger cousin who later married Joanie Cunningham in the spin-off *Joanie Loves Chachi*.
  • Career Highlights: Starred in the spin-off and later became the lead in the popular sitcom *Charles in Charge*. His career has since included reality television and various film roles.

The Happy Days Cast’s Major New Projects in 2025

The cast of *Happy Days* has not slowed down, with several key members launching significant new projects in late 2024 and throughout 2025, demonstrating their enduring relevance in the entertainment industry.

Ron Howard: Directing High-Profile Thrillers and Dramas

Ron Howard, the man who left the fictional Milwaukee to become a Hollywood powerhouse, continues his directorial run with high-profile films. His upcoming slate is diverse, showcasing his range from true crime to military drama. He is currently working on the film *Eden*, which is described as a true crime thriller. This project marks a new direction for the director, known for his historical dramas and biopics. Furthermore, Howard is set to helm a major military drama for Amazon MGM Studios titled *Alone At Dawn*. The film is an adaptation of the non-fiction book by Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz, focusing on a true story of a special operations airman in Afghanistan.

Henry Winkler: New History Series and Emmy Success

Henry Winkler, whose portrayal of the iconic Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli remains a cultural touchstone, is enjoying a career renaissance that includes Emmy recognition and a new non-fiction television series. Winkler's critically acclaimed run as Gene Cousineau on the HBO dark comedy *Barry* earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Following this success, he is set to executive produce and star in a new non-fiction series for The HISTORY Channel titled *Hazardous History with Henry Winkler*. The show, which is scheduled to premiere in June 2025, will see Winkler exploring historical events in his signature engaging style. He has also been teasing a new project, a Rolling Loud movie, further diversifying his already impressive resume.

Don Most’s Swing Career and New Film Releases

Don Most, known for his comedic turn as Ralph Malph, has fully embraced a secondary career that showcases his musical talent. He has established himself as a successful jazz and swing singer, touring with his show "Donny Most: Mostly Swinging". His musical reinvention has been well-received, demonstrating a passion that goes beyond his acting roots. On the acting front, Most continues to work in film, appearing in the Western *Far Haven* and with another film, *Harsen's Island Revenge*, scheduled for release in January 2025.

The Enduring Legacy: 50th Anniversary Reunions and Tributes

The bond between the *Happy Days* cast remains incredibly strong, with 2024 and 2025 seeing multiple public reunions to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. These events have been a delight for fans of the classic sitcom.

The 2024 Emmy Awards and Convention Appearances

The most high-profile reunion occurred at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Ron Howard and Henry Winkler took the stage together to honor the show's 50th anniversary. The two stars, whose on-screen chemistry as Richie and Fonzie was the heart of the show, shared a moment that celebrated the enduring legacy of the sitcom. Beyond the Emmys, the core group of friends—Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams (Potsie), and Don Most (Ralph Malph)—reunited publicly during a panel at Steel City Con. This marked one of their first major public appearances together in decades, with the actors noting that despite the time, it felt like only 50 minutes had passed. Anson Williams and Don Most are also scheduled for individual convention appearances in 2025, continuing to connect with the show’s dedicated fanbase.

Remembering Those Who Have Passed Away

The cast has also taken time to remember their beloved co-stars who have passed away. The show’s rich history includes the loss of several key actors who contributed to its success, including Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham) and Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham). In recent years, the cast mourned the loss of actor Gavan O’Herlihy, who played the original Chuck Cunningham in the first season. Ron Howard paid tribute to O’Herlihy, highlighting the deep connection the cast shares, even with actors who had brief but memorable roles. The enduring tributes from the surviving cast members underscore the familial bond they forged while creating one of television's most iconic and beloved sitcoms. The legacy of *Happy Days* continues not just through reruns, but through the active, diverse, and successful careers of its stars, who are continually finding new ways to entertain the world.