William Daniels has spent an incredible 96 years of his life in the entertainment industry. His illustrious career has spanned Broadway, iconic films like The Graduate, and beloved television series such as St. Elsewhere. However, nothing could have prepared him for the fame he gained later in life as the beloved teacher George Feeny on Boy Meets World. "I had no idea how famous Feeny would become," William told Closer. "One day, I was walking down Eighth Avenue in New York City, and a school bus pulled up. As the kids got off, they spotted me and started chanting, 'Feeny! Feeny! Feeny!' I ran around the corner thinking, 'Oh my goodness, this character is really something special!'"
How It All Began: The Early Years of William Daniels
How did you get into the performing arts at such a young age?
"It all started with my mom, who was determined to get my sister and me into show business. She'd read the papers every day, looking for opportunities where children were needed. That’s how we ended up auditioning for a show called The Horn and Hardart Children’s Hour at NBC in New York."
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From Tap Dancing to Singing: The Transition
What exactly did you and your sister do on the show?
"Well, we initially auditioned as tap dancers, but the director quickly stopped us and said, 'This is radio; there’s no place for tap dancers. But if you sang…' So, our mom went home and taught us a song. My sister had the better voice, so she took the melody, and I sang harmony. When we returned for the next audition, the director loved it, and that’s how we became part of the show."
A Teenage Breakthrough on Broadway
By the time you were a teenager, you were already on Broadway in 'Life With Father.' How did you land that role?
"I was 14 years old and on a date when my mom called and told me to go audition for a play. I met the producer, who asked if I had any Broadway experience. I said, 'No, but I’m a song-and-dance man.' He laughed and said I reminded him of himself when he first came to New York, so he let me audition."
But 'Life With Father' is a drama! Did that surprise you?
"Absolutely! At first, I thought it was strange because I was used to singing and dancing. But the producer explained that he saw potential in me, and he wanted to give me a chance to prove myself. It turned out to be one of the most formative experiences of my career."
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Dealing with a Stage Mother
Was having a stage mother difficult for you?
"Oh, absolutely. When my mom put my sister and me into the business, I hated it. I didn’t like being told what to do, and I especially didn’t like traveling to New York on Saturdays for rehearsals and performances on Sundays. I was an angry young man back then. It wasn’t until much later that I realized how talented I was at this craft and how grateful I should be to my mom for pushing me into it."
When Did Things Change?
When did your perspective shift?
"It happened gradually. As I started to see success, I began to appreciate what my mom had done for me. She got me into a business where I could truly shine. That shift in mindset made all the difference, and I became much less angry and more appreciative."
A Career Highlight: Playing John Adams
What was one of your favorite roles throughout your career?
"Playing John Adams in the 1969 Broadway production of 1776 was definitely a highlight. It was one of the toughest roles I’ve ever taken on because I was on stage almost the entire time. I had nine musical numbers across three acts, and I played the part for over two years. It was a huge success and really put me on the map in New York."
Boy Meets World and Mr. Feeny
Did you ever imagine 'Boy Meets World' would make you a household name?
"To be honest, I turned down the role of Mr. Feeny twice. I thought the name sounded silly and disrespectful to teachers, who are so underappreciated. But the director convinced me that the character would be treated with respect, and he was absolutely right. Mr. Feeny became a beloved figure, and the show brought me fame I never expected so late in my career."
Do you have any favorite memories from the show?
"I adored working with Ben Savage when he was a young boy. One of the most touching moments was filming the final scene. Mr. Feeny told his students, 'Class dismissed,' which was fitting because he was a tough but fair teacher. But once the kids left the room, I said, 'I love you all.' It was a deeply emotional moment for me."
A Special Birthday Reunion
Tell us about the reunion with the 'Boy Meets World' cast for your birthday.
"It was incredible! Danielle Fishel organized the entire event in Chicago, and it was such a joy to reconnect with everyone. She’s truly become a remarkable woman."
72 Years of Marriage: The Secret to Success
You and actress Bonnie Bartlett have been married for an astonishing 72 years. What’s your secret?
"The secret is communication! If you stop talking to each other, that’s when problems arise. We’ve maintained an open line of communication throughout our marriage, and it’s kept us strong. Plus, let’s be honest—it’s probably a lack of imagination too! [Laughs]"
