William Daniels And Bonnie Bartlett: A Lifelong Love Story

In today's fast-paced world dominated by social media, text messages, and emails, some things are best done the old-fashioned way. Take, for instance, the legendary actors and beloved St. Elsewhere alums William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett. Married for over seven decades, they’ve kept their connection to fans personal and heartfelt. “I take care of all the fan mail,” Bonnie shares exclusively with Closer. She adds with a warm laugh, “But Bill has to sign his own autographs—nobody else can do that!”

Since tying the knot back in 1951, Bonnie, now 95, and Bill, 97, have built an extraordinary life together. Their vitality at this stage of life is nothing short of inspiring. “At our age, we’re incredibly active,” Bonnie says with pride. She credits her daily walks and poolside Pilates sessions for staying fit. Meanwhile, Bill keeps his wheels spinning—literally—on their stationary bike. “I get on that bike as often as I can,” he quips. To top it off, the duo hits the gym twice a week with a trainer, proving that age is just a number.

But physical fitness isn’t the only thing keeping them sharp. Bonnie and Bill stay mentally engaged through reading, staying informed about current events, and continuing to work in various capacities. With passion igniting their voices, they’ve even taken on a new challenge: creating a public service announcement encouraging everyone to vote on November 5. “We’ve never done anything like this before, but the stakes are too high,” Bill explains earnestly. Bonnie nods in agreement, emphasizing, “This isn’t about politics—it’s about safeguarding the future of our country. It’s the most crucial vote we’ll cast in our lifetimes.”

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Secrets to a Happy Marriage: Bonnie and Bill's Timeless Advice

Bonnie and Bill met as drama students at Northwest University and went on to raise two sons together. After 73 years of marriage, they’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a relationship last. According to Bonnie, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for wedded bliss. “Every marriage is unique,” she reflects. However, she does believe that fostering separate interests is crucial. “Whatever sparks your creativity—gardening, sewing, knitting—it’s vital to have your own passion,” she advises. She also champions fairness in household responsibilities. “No one should shoulder all the cooking and cleaning alone,” she insists.

Bonnie’s career as an actress has always been a cornerstone of her identity. “Being an actress is as important to me as anything else in life,” she reveals. Bill has always supported this aspect of her life. “When I’m working, Bill’s thrilled. And when he’s working, I’m just as happy,” she says. Their unwavering dedication to each other’s success is evident. “We always rearranged our lives to ensure the other person could pursue opportunities. Even if it meant canceling plans or vacations, we made it work,” she explains.

That mutual support propelled them to the pinnacle of their profession. Bill earned an Emmy for St. Elsewhere and remains a cherished figure as Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World and the voice of K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider. Bonnie’s acclaimed role on St. Elsewhere also earned her an Emmy, and fans fondly remember her as the sassy author on The Golden Girls.