Forty years ago tonight, America got its first look at Happy Days, a midseason replacement for something (like the guy who was replaced by Lou Gehrig, who remembers? OK, it was Wally Pipp who was replaced by Gehrig, but no one remembers what Happy Days replaced) — and a nostalgia wave was born.
Well, that isn't really true, I guess. That particular nostalgia wave probably began a few months earlier when "American Graffiti" hit the movie theaters. But, while "American Graffiti" did have some stars who went on to greater fame on (or by way of) Happy Days, it wasn't a natural extension of "American Graffiti."
"American Graffiti" was set in the early 1960s; in its early episodes, Happy Days was set in the mid–1950s, although, by the time it ended its run, Happy Days was set in the early 1960s, too.
Neither the film nor the TV show introduced Americans to Ron Howard, only to an older version of him. Howard, of course, played Opie on the iconic Andy Griffith Show in the real early 1960s, and Tom Bosley, who wasn't in the movie, was a familiar face to TV viewers thanks to his series and commercial appearances, but the rest of the cast were largely unknowns.
(Well, Marion Ross' face probably was familiar enough for viewers to scratch their heads and wonder, "Now, who is she? I know I've seen her in something else ...")
Before this night 40 years ago, though, few, if any, knew who Henry Winkler was. No one expected his character, Arthur Fonzarelli, to be the cultural sensation that he became. Cast members who became household names because of Happy Days included Anson Williams (Pottsie), Donny Most (Ralph) and Erin Moran (Joanie).
Cindy Williams, who did appear in "American Graffiti," was not an original star of the show, but she made a guest appearance on it that led to her long–term role on the popular spinoff show, Laverne & Shirley.
One of my enduring questions about Happy Days, though, was whatever became of the oldest of the Cunningham children, Chuck, played by Gavan O'Herlihy, who appeared in a few episodes and then disappeared with virtually no explanation.
For just about anyone who was around in the 1970s, he will always be remembered fondly as Happy Days' "Mr. C," one of American TV's most beloved fathers — even though Bosley's career began about 15 years before he took on that role.
After Happy Days ended a decade later, Bosley enjoyed success on Murder, She Wrote and The Father Dowling Mysteries.
And some folks would probably resist the idea that Bosley was "America's Dad." You'll find folks who will promote Mike Brady or Cliff Huxtable or Andy Taylor or Ben Cartwright or someone else. But if you were around in the 1970s, you could probably make a strong case for Howard Cunningham.
I remember when Happy Days made its debut as a midseason replacement on the TV schedule in January 1974.
It was an interesting concept, inspired, no doubt, by the success of the film "American Graffiti" the year before — which actually was set in the early 1960s. I must admit that, at first, I didn't see what all the fuss was about. Most of the storylines struck me as mildly entertaining — but nothing extraordinary.
And, to be honest, I wasn't exactly carried away with the writing at first.
Happy Days was set in Milwaukee in the 1950s and got a lot of mileage from the stereotypes that existed, even at that time, from that decade. Most of the early humor centered around three teenagers — Richie, Potsie and Ralph — and their worldly friend, the "Fonz," Arthur Fonzarelli, as they navigated the choppy waters of youth, love and fake IDs.
Fonzie actually began as a small character, but his presence on the show grew as it became clear that, with his leather jacket, his upraised thumb and his sly "Ayyyyyyy!" he was an increasingly popular member of the cast. By the series' first full season, in 1974–75, he was a hot property, and he was the focus of episodes on a regular basis from that time on.
Richie's father, on the other hand, a hard–working hardware salesman, was always a supporting character, rarely the focus of an episode after that half–season in the spring of 1974.
But he had some great moments, like the finale of the first season, when, in the heat of Cold War hysteria, he decided to invest in a bomb shelter to protect his family instead of using the money for a family trip. Space was limited, and that caused problems when friends asked if they could come over. Howard had to draw the line.
During a Civil Defense drill, all the friends who thought they had spots in the shelter showed up and quickly learned they could not stay in the Cunninghams' back yard — where the shelter was to be built but construction hadn't begun and its dimensions were only represented by stakes and string.
This caused considerable friction, but Howard was adamant about building the shelter, and he stood firm, alienating his family in the process.
So, during the next drill, viewers saw Howard standing by himself while the sirens were blaring. Richie sauntered out and informed his father that "We had a little family meeting of our own. We voted not to survive."
Richie explained to his father that "we'd rather live now than survive later," and Howard was convinced to give up his plan to build the shelter. As they took down the stakes and string, Howard asked Richie, "What do you think of a man who gets so carried away by his own fears that he forgets about other people?"
Richie replied, "I'd say he's human."
Now, that is good writing.
Then there was a truly memorable moment a few years later, when Richie enjoyed short–lived success as a local basketball hero. His star fell to earth almost as rapidly as it ascended into the heavens, and Howard and Richie were walking out of the gym after a heart–breaking loss. In a take–off of a famous commercial of the time, Howard offered his dejected son a Life Saver.
"Here, have a Life Saver," Howard deadpanned. "It'll make you feel better."
There are many ironies surrounding Bosley's death.
It also comes one day after the 50th birthday of Erin Moran, who played Bosley's daughter on Happy Days.
Bosley himself celebrated his birthday at the beginning of this month.
Bosley, it appears, was the first member of the cast to die. His wife on Happy Days, played by Marion Ross, is still alive, as are the other members of the original cast. Even Al Molinaro, who played the owner of Arnold's, is still alive and kicking at the age of 91.
But time, in its relentless fashion, will start to take them, one by one.
I got my bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Arkansas, and I got my master's degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Most of my adult life has been dedicated to writing and editing in one form or another. Most recently I have taught writing (news and developmental) as an adjunct journalism professor at Richland College, where I advise the student newspaper staff. Go, Thunderducks!
