When Happy Days became a hit ABC sitcom in the mid-1970s, it quickly turned its cast into household names. While some, like Ron Howard (Richie Cunningham) and Henry Winkler (“The Fonz”), went on to huge success in filmmaking and comedy, Anson Williams, who played Warren “Potsie” Weber, carved out a remarkable career behind the camera as a Hollywood director. Here’s a look at Williams now at 76 and what he’s accomplished since his time on the iconic show.
Still “Potsie” to fans
Born Anson William Heimlich in Los Angeles, California, Williams comes from a Hungarian-Jewish family—his uncle was Dr. Henry Heimlich, inventor of the famous Heimlich maneuver. His father changed the family name to “Heimlick,” and Williams later adopted a stage name for his career. Despite this, fans still call him “Potsie” more than 50 years after Happy Days ended. “When people say ‘Potsie,’ there’s always a smile on their faces,” he told On Milwaukee. “I’m grateful to have played him. Once I complained to Ron (Howard) about being called Potsie all the time, and he said, ‘What are you complaining about? I get ‘Richie’ and ‘Opie!’”
A prolific career behind the camera
Since his acting days, Williams has directed an impressive slate of television series, including Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Baywatch, Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Lizzie McGuire, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. He also continued acting on shows like Laverne & Shirley, The Love Boat, Boy Meets World, Baywatch, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In 2014, he published a memoir, Singing to a Bulldog: From Happy Days to Hollywood Director, and the Unlikely Mentor Who Got Me There, chronicling his journey from sitcom star to accomplished director.
Exploring music
Williams also ventured into music during Happy Days, inspired by the record deals other young stars received through TV appearances. He convinced show creator Garry Marshall to write a band into the series, which led to him performing on-screen. He later pursued music outside the show, releasing a single in 1977 called “Deeply,” which reached number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Staying connected to his Happy Days family
Over the years, Williams has maintained strong ties with his former castmates, reprising his role as Potsie in reunion specials in 1992 and 2005. He recently starred in the short film Harvest Time alongside Don Most (Ralph Malph), a collaboration that earned them the Best Acting Duo award at the International Short Film Festival. Williams continues to celebrate both his on-screen legacy and his enduring friendships with the Happy Days cast.
