Ayyy! What Happened To The Happy Days Cast? Their Shocking 2025 Careers Revealed

The iconic 1970s and 80s sitcom, Happy Days, remains a cultural touchstone that defined the nostalgia of the 1950s. Decades after the final episode aired, fans still wonder what happened to the beloved residents of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, particularly the Cunningham family and the coolest greaser, Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli. As of December 2025, the surviving cast members are busier than ever, proving their careers are far from being stuck in the past, with major new projects in film, television, and even a surprising Emmy nomination.

From award-winning directing careers to new television shows and surprising acting roles, the cast has forged paths that are as diverse as the personalities they played on the classic ABC TV sitcom. The following is a definitive, up-to-the-minute look at the lives and careers of the Happy Days stars.

The Happy Days Cast: Full Biography and Current Status (December 2025)

The core cast of Happy Days has had some of the most enduring and successful post-sitcom careers in television history. Here is a look at the main stars, their biographical details, and their most recent projects.

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• Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham):
  • Born: March 1, 1954 (Age 71)
  • Role: Richie Cunningham, the wholesome, all-American teenager and lead protagonist.
  • Current Status: Highly successful, Oscar-winning director and producer.
• Henry Winkler (Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli):
  • Born: October 30, 1945 (Age 80)
  • Role: "The Fonz," the cool, leather-jacketed greaser who became the show's breakout star.
  • Current Status: Acclaimed actor, author, and producer, recently starring in the critically-praised HBO series Barry.
• Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham):
  • Born: October 25, 1928 (Age 97)
  • Role: Marion Cunningham, the sweet and nurturing mother of the Cunningham family.
  • Current Status: Retired, celebrated actress who remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.
• Anson Williams (Potsie Weber):
  • Born: September 25, 1949 (Age 76)
  • Role: Potsie Weber, Richie's best friend, known for his singing.
  • Current Status: Prolific television director and producer.
• Don Most (Ralph Malph):
  • Born: August 8, 1953 (Age 72)
  • Role: Ralph Malph, the class clown who loved to say, "I still got it!"
  • Current Status: Active actor, singer, and performer with several new film projects.

Ron Howard: From Richie to Hollywood Royalty

No Happy Days alumnus has achieved the behind-the-scenes success of Ron Howard, the actor who played Richie Cunningham. After leaving the show in 1980 to pursue directing full-time, Howard has become one of Hollywood's most respected filmmakers.

His directorial credits include blockbuster hits and Oscar-winners such as Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code, and Rush.

A Shocking 2025 Emmy Nod: While his directing career is legendary, the big news for Howard in 2025 was an unexpected return to his acting roots. He earned his first-ever acting nomination at the 2025 Emmy Awards for his role in the series The Studio.

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This nomination is a testament to his enduring talent, nearly 50 years after he first graced the small screen as Richie Cunningham. Howard’s production company, Imagine Entertainment, continues to develop major projects across film and television, solidifying his status as a Hollywood powerhouse with a net worth estimated around $200 million.

Henry Winkler: The Fonz’s New Adventures in 2025

Henry Winkler, who brought the incredibly cool Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli to life, has enjoyed a massive career resurgence in recent years, capped by his Emmy-winning role as acting coach Gene Cousineau in the dark comedy Barry.

In summer 2025, Winkler is set to return to television with a brand-new, nostalgia-fueled series on The History Channel called Hazardous History. In this new educational-entertainment venture, Winkler merges his love for history with his natural charisma, diving into the good, the bad, and the downright dangerous parts of the past.

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He is also teasing a new film project related to the Rolling Loud music festival, showcasing his commitment to diverse and unexpected roles. Beyond acting, Winkler is a prolific children's book author, co-writing the popular Hank Zipzer series, which draws on his personal experiences with dyslexia.

The Rest of the Cunningham Family and Friends: Directing, Westerns, and Reunions

The careers of the other main cast members have been just as active, though often behind the camera or on stage.

Anson Williams (Potsie Weber)

Following in the footsteps of his on-screen best friend, Ron Howard, Anson Williams successfully transitioned into a prolific career as a television director and producer.

Williams has directed episodes for a vast number of popular shows, moving far beyond Arnold's Drive-In. His directing credits include major hits like Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

While he may not be in front of the camera as much these days, Williams has a strong, enduring presence in the television industry, proving that the move from actor to director is a successful formula for Happy Days stars.

Don Most (Ralph Malph)

Don Most, the show’s resident comedian, has continued to pursue a varied career in entertainment, including acting, voice-over work, and a surprising pivot to jazz and swing music.

New Film Roles in 2025: Most has several new film projects coming out in 2025. He recently appeared in the Western film Far Haven and has a role in the upcoming *Harsen's Island Revenge*, based on a true story.

He has also taken on "a very different role" in a new film, a gritty, surprising acting gig that is nothing like his beloved character Ralph Malph. This commitment to challenging, new roles showcases his versatility as a performer.

Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham)

The beloved matriarch, Marion Ross, who played "Mrs. C," is a retired actress who remains a cherished figure. Born in 1928, she is 97 years old as of late 2025 and is the oldest surviving principal cast member.

Although largely retired, she has participated in several cast reunions and is often cited by her former co-stars as the heart of the show, embodying the warmth and stability of the Cunningham family. Her legacy as the ultimate TV mom is secure.

Remembering the Stars We Lost

The Happy Days family has experienced loss over the years, and the memory of these beloved actors is often honored by the surviving cast. These losses serve as a poignant reminder of the show's long history and impact.

• Tom Bosley (Howard Cunningham): Passed away in 2010. Bosley played the kind, paternal figure and hardware store owner, Howard Cunningham.
• Erin Moran (Joanie Cunningham): Passed away in 2017. Moran played Joanie, Richie’s younger sister, who later starred in the spin-off Joanie Loves Chachi. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the entire cast, including Ron Howard and Henry Winkler.
• Gavan O'Herlihy (Chuck Cunningham): Passed away in 2021. O'Herlihy was one of the actors who played Chuck, the eldest Cunningham brother who famously disappeared from the series, leading to the "Chuck Cunningham Syndrome" trope.

The enduring popularity of Happy Days—which spawned other successful spin-offs like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy—ensures that the legacy of the Milwaukee crew, whether they are directing a major motion picture or starring in a new History Channel series, will continue to captivate fans for generations to come.