‘Happy Days’ Stars Rally Around Anson Williams After He Loses Mayoral Race

The cast of the beloved sitcom “Happy Days” is rallying behind Anson Williams, who played Potsie on the show during its run from 1974-1984, after he lost his bid to become mayor of Ojai, California.

Williams Becomes Emotional

Williams could not help but become emotional as he thanked his “brothers” Ron Howard, Henry Winkler and Don Most for their support following his loss.

“They’re my brothers for life,” Williams, 73, told Fox News as he fought back tears. “When I explained to them I was going to run for mayor, they said, ‘Whatever we can do, just say the word.’ They were so behind me. And that really hit my heart. They know me so well. They know the good of me, the bad of me.”

“They were so convinced that I would do a great job,” he continued. “They were so convinced that I would be an asset to this community. It made me believe in myself even more because I respect them. These are smart friends. They don’t just throw that around easily… But the support my brothers have given me, it only motivates me more to move forward, keep going.”

Related: Henry Winkler Reveals If He’d Ever Come Back For A ‘Happy Days’ Reboot

Williams’ ‘Brothers’ Speak Out

Howard, Winkler, and Most made it clear that supporting Williams was not a hard decision for them to make.

“I was proud of Anson when I first learned he was running for mayor,” Howard said. “He has so much heart and having worked with him not only as an actor but more significantly as a producer and director I knew his organizational and leadership qualities could help him navigate challenges and differences and deliver on the needs of his community.”

“Throw his years as an entrepreneur and businessman into the mix and well…. I felt he’d have a lot to offer any community he’d choose to serve,” he added. 

“When I heard Anson was running for mayor, it did not matter where, it seemed so right,” Winkler stated. “His heart and mind are both fit for taking care of a city filled with problems big and small – period!”

Most chimed in to add, “I am so proud of Anson. I was very impressed with his commitment and dedication in making Ojai a better place for its residents. He’d be an amazing mayor and bring forth the much-needed changes.”

Related: Why Henry Winkler Tossed The ‘Horrid’ ‘Happy Days’ Script That Brought Us Robin Williams

Williams Loses Close Race

Williams explained that he entered the race because he wanted to “give back” to his community. He ultimately lost to Betsy Stix by just 42 votes. 

“I love them so much,” he said of his former co-stars. “They went out of their way to support me, both personally and publicly. After all these years, I’m just grateful to have that kind of love and support from them. [After the loss] they immediately reached out to say how proud they were of my efforts. It was truly a memorable time in my life.”

While Williams has not ruled out running for public office again in the future, he said it “would be years away” if it happened. 

“This experience was quite an education,” he said with a laugh. “It became wonderful and not so wonderful. You witnessed the best of human nature and the worst of human nature. What I learned was there’s an even better human nature and an even worse human nature… I want us to bring out the best in our community.”

“Happy Days” is one of the most beloved shows of all time, so it’s nice to see that the cast is still supporting one another all these years later. Williams and his “brothers” on “Happy Days” continue to bring joy to millions of fans with reruns of their show, so we’d like to wish them all many years of happiness to come!