17 Rare ‘Happy Days’ Behind-the-Scenes Photos Featuring Ron Howard, Henry Winkler and Many More
Candid moments, on-set laughs and vintage vibes from the cast of one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms
For over a decade, Happy Days defined what it meant for the family to gather around the television for a slice of wholesome, feel-good entertainment. Premiering in 1974 and running for 11 seasons, the show wasn’t just a ratings hit—it became a cultural landmark. Whether you were tuning in for Ron Howard‘s boy-next-door charm as Richie Cunningham, Marion Ross‘ warm wisdom as his mother, Marion; Anson Williams‘ earnest goofiness as Potsie Webber or, of course, Henry Winkler‘s effortless cool as the Fonz, Happy Days was a celebration of friendship and family, and was the perfect TV comfort food.
But what was it like when the cameras weren’t rolling? A hint of that is provided in this behind-the-scenes collection of rare photos that take you beyond Arnold’s and into a world the audience has never really gotten to see. These candid photos serve as proof that the actors had as good a time making the show as we did watching it.
1. ‘Wait a minute, I never did this on The Andy Griffith Show!’
Ron Howard with a script supervisor on the set of Happy Days in 1974, which was the show’s first year.
2. This is where the magic happened
In its third season, Happy Days began shooting in front of a live studio audience. This is the outside of the building that that the audience would file into.
3. Mrs. C and The Fonz
Marion Ross (Marion Cunningham) and Henry Winkler (Fonzie) always had a close friendship, and this outtake from an episode shows them sharing a laugh.
4. Celebrating creator/producer Garry Marshall
In 1983, actor-turned-director Ron Howard joined Marion Ross, producer/creator Garry Marshall and Henry Winkler for a party celebrating Marshall.
5. Behind-the-scenes moment
Henry Winkler, Ted McGinley (who joined the show as Roger Phillips following Ron Howard’s departure) and Tom Bosley rehearse on the set with Happy Days director Jerry Paris on March 5, 1981, in Los Angeles, California.
6. Not really a behind-the-scenes image, but just so sweet
Original Caption: “Fonzi’s Mother.” Columbus, Ohio: Relaxing in a Columbus hotel recently, actor Henry Winkler, perhaps better known as “Fonzie,” leading character in the television series Happy Days, enjoys a brief reunion with his mother. The actor’s mother, Mrs. Ilse Winkler, and his father, Harry Winkler, live in New York City but came to Columbus for a brief visit while he was appearing in a summer stock production of Room Service.
7. Yo, what’s with Fonzie’s hair?
Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Donny Most and Anson Williams, along with guest star Bill “Sticks” Downey. Obviously, this was a rehearsal moment given Fonzie’s lack of slicked-back hair.
8. Richie Cunningham on the lam!
Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) driving a police car on the Paramount lot where Happy Days was filmed. Hmm, we must have missed that episode.
9. The ‘Happy Days’ gang gets some direction
From left to right, Anson Williams, director Jerry Paris, Ron Howard and Donny Most discuss a scene from Happy Days, circa 1975.
10. Have bicycle will travel
The Paramount Pictures lot was so huge that the sight of actors bicycling their way around was pretty common. In this case, it’s Ron Howard doing so in January 1977.
11. Not exactly the Fonz’s coolest expression
Henry Winkler and others at the Celebration of 11 seasons of Happy Days, the event taking place, as noted in the image itself, on the 11th day of the 11th month of the show’s 11th (and, as it turned out, final) season in 1983.
12. Black tie event
In 1978, Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley and Ron Howard attended an event for which each of them dressed in tuxedoes. Though Mr. C would probably never admit it, Fonzie became like a son to him over the course of Happy Days‘ 11 seasons.
13. Together from the beginning
Interesting Happy Days fact: Anson Williams, Ron Howard and Marion Ross (who is obviously not in this photo) were the only actors from the original pilot (which aired as a part of Love, American Style) to make the transition to the weekly series.
14. Everything you want to know about sax, but were afraid to ask
In this joyful behind-the-scenes moment, Ron Howard and Henry Winkler, among others, enjoy a bit of a saxophone break.
15. The heart of ‘Happy Days’
The real cornerstone of Happy Days was the connection between Henry Winkler’s Fonzie and Ron Howard’s Richie. The chemistry between them was great and it’s why the show was just never the same once Ron left to pursue his directing career.
16. Getting ready to light things up!
We’d like to think that this has something to do with being safe on the 4th of July, but Fonzie is looking a little too happy about to light the world’s largest firecracker.
17. These ‘Happy Days’ are yours and mine
Ron Howard and Tom Bosley say goodbye from our behind-the-scenes look back at Happy Days. No worries, though, because Richie, Fonzie and the rest of the gang will continue to be a part of our classic TV coverage.
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