Anson Williams recalls the day that changed his life forever. It was the afternoon of his audition for Happy Days, and everything seemed to be going wrong. "I was driving this quirky little Corvair, but it broke down on the way," he tells Closer. "I had to wait for two hours for the Auto Club to tow me, so I ended up being hours late for the audition—and completely soaked from the rain!" Despite feeling defeated, something inside urged him to push forward. "I thought, 'Why not give it one last shot?' Little did I know, it would be the decision of a lifetime," he reflects.
Fast forward, and Anson, now 72, secured the iconic role of Potsie Weber, best friend to Richie Cunningham on the beloved 1950s-era sitcom. Alongside costars Marion Ross and Tom Bosley, who portrayed Marion and Howard Cunningham, Anson remained a mainstay throughout all 11 seasons of the series. Their chemistry and consistency became the heart of the show, resonating with audiences for over a decade.
After Happy Days, Anson's career flourished as he transitioned into directing. He went on to helm episodes of successful TV shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, Lizzie McGuire, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Looking back, Anson acknowledges that none of it would have been possible without his experience on Happy Days. "That show really opened doors for me," he says. "It was the foundation that allowed me to grow into other aspects of the industry."
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Discovering His Passion for Acting
Did you always dream of becoming an actor while growing up in Los Angeles?
Anson shares that the desire to act was always there, even if it wasn't immediately obvious. "When I was 18, something inside me clicked," he explains. "It was like a calling. I just knew this was what I was meant to do. That conviction carried me through every challenge along the way."
Family Support—or Lack Thereof
Was your family supportive when you decided to pursue acting?
Surprisingly, Anson reveals that his family was less than enthusiastic about his career choice. "They practically kicked me out," he laughs. "They thought I was crazy to chase such an uncertain path. But I was determined. At 18, I walked out with nothing but my dreams. It taught me early on that having passion and perseverance can take you far."
The Long Road to Happy Days
Tell us about the journey to get Happy Days on the air.
As Anson recounts, the road to success wasn't straightforward. "We shot the pilot, but it didn't sell initially," he explains. "Then, a year later, American Graffiti came out, and Grease was a massive hit on Broadway. Suddenly, networks were hungry for nostalgia. ABC decided to revive the show, introducing key characters like Fonzie and Ralph Malph. Even Ron Howard and I had to screen-test again—they were worried we might look too old!"
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How did you feel about being considered "too old" just a year later?
Despite the concerns, Anson remained optimistic. "It was surreal," he admits. "We were all a bit nervous, but we trusted the process. During that time, I was working on a Hallmark Hall of Fame special called Lisa, Bright and Dark, where I met Kay Lenz and her talented sister, Erin Moran. When I returned to the Happy Days team, I suggested Erin for the role of Joanie. They hadn't considered her yet, but after bringing her in, they knew she was perfect."
Fame and Humility
How did the cast handle the sudden fame that came with the show's success?
Anson praises the humility and work ethic of his co-stars. "Henry Winkler became a global sensation as Fonzie, but he never let fame change him," he says. "Even though he could have had half the studio in his dressing room, he chose to keep things simple. We all had basic plywood rooms with no frills, and that's exactly how we liked it. It kept us grounded and focused on our craft." He adds, "Ron Howard, already a star, embodied the same mentality. For us, it was always about the work, not the ego."
Learning from the Best
What was it like learning from Happy Days creator Garry Marshall?
Garry Marshall played a pivotal role in shaping Anson's career. "Garry was an incredible mentor," he remembers fondly. "He believed in me and offered me opportunities to learn every aspect of production. He said, 'All of Paramount Studios is your college. I'll open every door for you.' It was like being part of a live master class, and I'm forever grateful for his guidance."
Do you see yourself primarily as a director now?
With a smile, Anson nods. "Absolutely. While acting will always hold a special place in my heart, I've found my true calling behind the camera. As a director, producer, writer, and entrepreneur, I've discovered a world of possibilities that acting alone couldn't provide."
Beyond the Spotlight
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Anson shares his love for glider piloting, which began as a way to conquer his fear of flying. "In 1980, I wrote the story for Skyward, a TV movie starring Bette Davis," he explains. "Ron Howard directed it, and the pilots involved inspired me to face my fears. By the end of the project, I was flying solo. It became my ultimate hobby."
Have any of your five daughters followed you into the entertainment industry?
Although none of his daughters have pursued show business, Anson is proud of their diverse interests. "Gab is passionate about architecture, and Olivia has achieved a degree black belt—actually, four of my daughters are black belts," he beams. "Teaching them martial arts was important to me because earning a
