Happy Feet and Politics: Anson Williams, Former '70s TV Star, Tries His Hand at Mayoral Run
Get Ready for a Blast from the Past! Anson Williams, the Beloved "Potsie" from Happy Days, Spotted with His New Wife in Ojai, California!
It's been a long time since we last saw Potsie, the lovable and slightly naive best friend of Richie Cunningham (played by Ron Howard) on the iconic 70s sitcom Happy Days. But it seems like Anson Williams, the talented actor behind Potsie, is still going strong! Recently spotted with his stunning third wife, Sharon MaHarry, a real estate agent in Ojai, California, the 75-year-old legend proved that he's still got it!
As we watched the happy couple stroll into a local nail salon for some much-needed pampering, it was clear that Anson and Sharon are still going strong after their whirlwind wedding in May 2023. And who can blame them? With his snazzy outfit, complete with brown button-up shirt, cargo shorts, and brown flip-flops, Anson looked like the epitome of a cool cat, while Sharon rocked a chic ensemble featuring a white long-sleeved shirt, black slacks, and sleek black glasses.
After an hour of getting their nails done, Anson treated his wife to a solo outing, popping out to buy some snacks, including a bag of Tostitos chips (because priorities!). It's clear that these two lovebirds are enjoying each other's company after all the drama they've faced in the past. But let's get back to the juicy stuff – did you know that Anson has had quite the eventful life?
Before Happy Days, Anson was just another young actor trying to make it big. He started out with some commercials in his early 20s and eventually landed a role on the ABC show Love, American Style (1972) – which went on to inspire the spinoff series Happy Days! As Potsie, he became the quintessential "dorky" archetype – struggling with common sense but fiercely loyal to his friends.
But after Happy Days came to an end, Anson didn't just fade away. Oh no, he pivoted to work behind the scenes, becoming a prolific television director and producer for shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and Charmed! Talk about versatility!
And if that wasn't enough, Anson even ventured into the restaurant business with his Happy Days co-star Al Molinaro to open a chain of diners called Big Al's. Yes, you read that right – Potsie was a restaurateur!
But in 2022, Anson decided to take on an entirely new challenge: running for mayor of Ojai! That's right, folks – the man who once played a goofy best friend thought he had what it takes to take the levers of power. Unfortunately, his bid for office didn't quite pan out, as he lost to incumbent mayor Betsey Stix by just 42 votes.
Despite this setback, Anson has continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. He's been married three times – yes, you read that right! First to actress Lorrie Mahaffey (1978-1987), then to Jackie Gerken (1988-2019), and finally to Sharon MaHarry (2023-present). He has five daughters between his two marriages: Hannah, Olivia, Gabrielle, Stella, and one child with Lorrie.
In conclusion, Anson Williams may have started out as Potsie, the lovable but slightly naive best friend on Happy Days, but he's proven himself to be a true Renaissance man – juggling acting, directing, producing, restaurant-owning, and even running for office! Who knows what the future holds for this talented individual? One thing is certain, though: we'll be keeping an eye out for more updates from Anson Williams on The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)!
