Emily’s list: ‘Happy Days’ edition
On this day in 1974, “Happy Days,” a television sitcom set in the 1950s and 1960s, aired for the first time. It ran for 11 seasons, leaving television in July of 1984.
Henry Winkler as Arthur Fonzarelli, or Fonzie, from the hit show “Happy Days.”
The show, set in Milwaukee, primarily followed the Cunningham family — including Richie Cunningham, a red-headed teenager played by now Hollywood director Ron Howard, and his younger sister, Joanie. The most memorable character from the show was high school dropout Arthur Fonzarelli, affectionately known as “The Fonz” or “Fonzie,” played by Henry Winkler. Once “Happy Days” ended, there were several spin-offs: “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy” and “Joanie Loves Chachi.”
“Happy Days” was popular because it depicted a nostalgic and joyful version of the ’50s.