Anson Williams became a household name playing Potsie Weber on the sitcom “Happy Days” in the 1970s and 1980s. While he has since left Hollywood and is currently running for mayor in Ojai, California, the 72-year-old is opening up about whether or not he’d consider appearing on a “Happy Days” reboot in the future.
You have my vote https://t.co/mU27HPLa2I
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) July 6, 2022
‘Anything Is Possible’
“Oh, I don’t know,” Williams told Fox News when asked if he’d return for a reboot. “Let’s put it this way – anything is possible. Any way we can be together, whether it’s reuniting for a baseball game or a new television show would just be a phenomenal gift.”
“Who would have thought that this lower-middle-class kid would end up being on the number one show in the world?” he added. “And not only that, but you end up with four decades of friendship? It’s been such a pleasure to be with such talented, successful people with even bigger hearts that truly care consistently.”
Williams went on to talk about the “magic” of Garry Marshall, the creator of “Happy Days” who sadly died at the age of 81 back in 2016.
“He was the one who inspired me to be a leader,” Williams recalled. “He cared about us so deeply. He used Paramount Studios as a college for us.”
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Marshall’s Advice
Williams remembered Marshall saying to the cast:
“You guys are young and famous but don’t get in the way of yourselves. If there’s something you want to do, do it. Fame, it’s not who you are. Take advantage here. You want to know about writing? I’ll take you to the writer’s room. Want to direct? I’ll open up a slot for you. Want to produce? I’ll let you observe the producers – whatever you want. But use your time wisely. Don’t come to me saying you don’t like your dressing room.’”
Williams credited Marshall’s advice with the success in Hollywood of “Happy Days” stars like Ron Howard and Henry Winkler.
“And I think that’s why so many of us are still in the business,” Williams continued. “He inspired so many of us to try so many hats on. He encouraged us to take advantage of what we had accessible to us. He would urge us to not get egotistical just because we’re on a top show.”
“Instead, use your fame or whatever platform you have to better yourself,” he added. “Bring something to the table. Shine a light on yourself and then shine a light on others. And that’s why we’ve gone on to do so many different things successfully. He gave us a chance.”
Related: Fellow ‘Happy Days’ Star Rips Scott Baio For Refusing To Appear In Cast Democrat Fundraiser Reunion
‘Happy Days’ Stars Support Williams’ Mayoral Run
Williams also said that his former “Happy Days” co-stars have been supportive as he runs for mayor against Ojai Mayor Betsy Stix, who is running for re-election.
“It’s been wonderful,” said Williams. “It’s very rare to have such close friends for 47 years. It’s a very special group. … I remember when the announcement was made, Henry [Winkler], who’s out trout fishing in Idaho, immediately goes on Twitter and says, ‘You have my vote.’ It wasn’t planned at all. But that’s how much of a family we are.”
“We support each other,” he concluded. “Ron [Howard] and Donny [Most] immediately went, ‘What do you need, bro? We’re with you.’ I couldn’t be more grateful. They’re my family. Immediately, they were like, ‘What can I do? How can I help?’ They’ve always been there for me and I love them so much.”
“Happy Days” is a show that is still beloved by millions of fans to this day, nearly forty years after it went off the air. We’re glad to see that Williams seems to have nothing but fond memories of his time on the show!