Stars from the beloved television show “Happy Days” recently reunited in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the first time in half a century, sparking joyous reactions from fans.
The reunion took place during a panel discussion at Steel City Con, where Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, and Don Most graced the stage to enthusiastic applause. Howard expressed his delight, stating in an Instagram video, “It feels like 50 minutes,” adding, “We’re having so much fun hanging, and this is sort of our great excuse to come together, so thank you.”
The quartet starred in the iconic family sitcom from 1974 to 1984. While the series depicted the lives of the Cunningham family and their friends in Milwaukee during the 1950s and 60s, Howard departed after the show’s seventh season in 1980.
Winkler reflected on his eleven seasons with the program, praising creator Garry Marshall. “Some of them, unfortunately, are no longer on the Earth with us,” Winkler acknowledged, “but we played together, we stayed together, and we worked hard together. Nobody thought they were better than anybody else.”
Howard agreed, emphasizing that this egalitarian atmosphere was crucial to the show’s success. He noted, “That was a huge key…the show evolved as, really, an ensemble.” He continued, “It was a life experience that’s unlike anything else that I’ve ever known. We had great chemistry. We had fun working together from the beginning, and it never failed us.”
Prior to the panel discussion, Winkler spoke with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about his excitement for this public reunion. He clarified that while this marked their first appearance together in front of an audience in 50 years, they had maintained contact over time.
Winkler further credited Marshall’s leadership as vital to “Happy Days,” noting that the creator fostered a respectful environment on set and cultivated camaraderie among the cast. He recalled,
“No matter who you were, no matter what, you were part of an ensemble. Everybody respected each other.”
Marshall also encouraged team building outside of work hours, organizing a softball team that toured the country and even traveled internationally.
The event culminated in a special recognition: the Allegheny County Council declared April 5th “Happy Days Day,” as evidenced by photos posted on the event’s Instagram page featuring the four actors proudly displaying their certificates.
This reunion follows an earlier appearance together at the 2024 Emmy Awards, where Winkler and Howard honored the show’s 50th anniversary in a recreation of Arnold’s Drive-In.
- Ron Howard: Reflected on the joyful atmosphere and enduring chemistry within the cast.
- Henry Winkler: Praised Garry Marshall’s leadership, emphasizing his commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment.
- Garry Marshall: Credited for fostering a sense of unity among the cast both on and off-screen.
