The stars of the iconic show "Happy Days" converged for the first time in decades, igniting a nostalgia-filled moment during a panel at Steel City Con in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, and Don Most stepped onto the stage amidst thunderous applause from the eagerly anticipating audience, marking their public reunion after half a century.
In an Instagram video posted on the event's official page, Howard's voice resonated with warmth and amazement as he remarked, "It feels like just 50 minutes have passed." He continued, "We're having a blast reconnecting, and this is our perfect excuse to gather. Thank you all so much."
The quartet graced the beloved family-oriented sitcom from 1974 to 1984, with Howard departing after the seventh season in 1980. The show chronicled the adventures of the Cunningham family and their tight-knit circle of friends in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, spanning the 1950s and 1960s.
During the event, Winkler reminisced about his 11-season tenure on the show, hailing its creator, Garry Marshall, as a "brilliant mind" and "remarkable writer" who assembled a "remarkable ensemble." Reflecting on the camaraderie among the cast, Winkler said, "Some have unfortunately left us, but we played, stayed, and worked tirelessly together, with no one believing they were superior to anyone else."
Howard echoed Winkler's sentiments, emphasizing that this egalitarian spirit was "a crucial factor" in the show's success. As time progressed, "the show transformed into a true ensemble effort," he added. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unparalleled in my journey. We had fantastic chemistry, enjoyed each other's company from the outset, and our bond never wavered."
Prior to the panel, Winkler shared his elation with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about reuniting publicly with his former castmates. While acknowledging that this was their first public appearance together in 50 years, he noted that they had stayed in touch and remained close-knit.
He further underscored Marshall's pivotal role in the show's triumph, recalling how the creator "wouldn't tolerate misbehavior on set" and fostered unity among the cast. "Everyone was part of the ensemble, regardless of status. Mutual respect reigned. Marshall even formed a softball team, and we played every Sunday, traveling across the nation and, eventually, the globe together," he reminisced fondly.
In another Instagram post on the event's page, the foursome posed for photos, clutching a certificate that designated April 5 as "Happy Days Day" in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, as proclaimed by the President of Allegheny County Council.
Previously, Winkler and Howard had reunited on stage at the 2024 Emmy Awards to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Happy Days," walking out onto a stage meticulously recreated to resemble Arnold’s Drive-In, the iconic setting of their beloved show.
