10 Surprising Facts About Happy Days Even The Biggest Fans Probably Didn’t Know

source: Bhmpics

“Happy Days” is an iconic American television sitcom that first premiered on ABC on January 15, 1974. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and its popularity soared throughout its 11-season run. Set in the 1950s and early 1960s, the series revolved around the lives of the Cunningham family and their friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While many fans of the show may think they know everything about it, there are still some surprising facts about “Happy Days” that even the biggest fans probably don’t know.

1. The original pilot episode of “Happy Days” was actually an episode of the anthology series “Love, American Style” titled “Love and the Happy Days.” The episode was so well-received that it led to the creation of the “Happy Days” series.

2. Ron Howard, who played the role of Richie Cunningham on the show, was initially reluctant to take on the role. He had already found success as a child actor and was hesitant to be typecast as a teenage character.

3. The character of Fonzie, played by Henry Winkler, was not initially intended to be a major character on the show. However, Winkler’s performance was so popular with audiences that the character quickly became a fan favourite and a central figure in the series.

4. The show’s theme song, “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets, was not the original choice for the show’s opening credits. The producers had initially wanted to use a different song, but it was too expensive to license.

5. The show’s writers often took inspiration from real-life events and experiences. For example, the episode where Richie joins a band and learns the importance of practicing was based on Ron Howard’s own experiences in a band as a teenager.

6. The show was known for its use of catchphrases, such as “Sit on it” and “Ayyy.” However, some of these catchphrases were actually ad-libbed by the actors on set.

7. In the early seasons of the show, Richie had an older brother named Chuck, who was played by actor Gavan O’Herlihy. However, the character was written out of the show after just one season due to creative differences between the producers and the actor.

8. Despite being set in the 1950s and 1960s, the show often featured anachronistic references and cultural touchstones from the 1970s. For example, the characters often talked about watching contemporary TV shows and movies, such as “The Brady Bunch” and “Jaws.”

9. The show was famous for its elaborate dance sequences, which often featured the cast members performing synchronised dances to popular songs of the era. These sequences were choreographed by the legendary choreographer Paula Abdul’s father, Harry Abdul.

10. “Happy Days” was so popular that it spawned several spin-off series, including “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “Joanie Loves Chachi.” The character of Fonzie also appeared in a series of animated spin-offs, including “The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang” and “Laverne & Shirley with the Fonz.”

In conclusion, “Happy Days” remains a beloved and iconic show that continues to be enjoyed by audiences today. Despite its enduring popularity, there are still many surprising facts about the series that even the biggest fans may not be aware of. From the show’s humble beginnings as a single episode of “Love, American Style” to its spin-off series and iconic catchphrases, “Happy Days” has left an indelible mark on American pop culture.