Director-producer Garry Marshall — who created the iconic TV series Happy Days — Ron Howard, and Henry Winkler have released statements to EW about late actor Tom Bosley, who played the show’s patriarch. (Bosley passed away at 83 years old after a long battle with lung cancer.)
Garry Marshall, Happy Days creator:“Tom was a talented professional in front of the camera and behind the scenes. He provided a positive influence over all of the young actors on Happy Days. Audiences will never forget the lovable Howard Cunningham who made us laugh on Tuesday nights. He was a good friend. I will miss him. Comedy will miss him.”
Ron Howard, who played Bosley’s on-screen son, Richie: “I’m so saddened by the loss of our wonderful Tom Bosley. Remarkable on so many levels, Tom’s insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the Happy Days experience. A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom lead by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it. My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life. I miss him already.”
Henry Winkler, who played Arthur Fonzarelli a.k.a. “The Fonz” on Happy Days: “Tom was a family member, both on and off the sound stage. We acted together, traveled together and played charades together. He was a loving husband, a doting father and a fantastic grandfather. He will be so missed but never forgotten by the Winkler Family or the world.”
Read more:
Tom Bosley, ‘Happy Days’ actor, dies
Remembering Tom Bosley, beloved ‘Happy Days’ dad: An extraordinary ordinary-guy
Tom Bosley: Friends mourn the late actor on Twitter
Tom Bosley and I were distant relatives. And as a distant relatives, I feel that it’s okay to say it – the show sucked.
Wow Matthew … pure class act.
Are you sure your last name is BRIGHT????????
Your comment was totally tasteless and unnecessary. Pull the covers back over your head and resume sleep.
It may have sucked, but not as bad as your sour grapes.
Miserable terds like you belong in the toilet bowl,do yourself and the world a favor,put your worthless head in the toilet bowl and flush.
I would hate to see what you feel is OK to tell your “close” relatives…unless you wait until they pass on then post crap about them in a message board somewhere.
For us, “Mr. C” and the rest of the cast were and remain dear friends. We’ve always enjoyed their company and appreciated their talent. Tom Bosley will be missed. For “Mr. Bright”, he’ll never be quite as distant enough.
Wow. Do you really need the attention that much?
You are also a distant relative of the ape family…I guess your family line retained a little too much of the old dna.
ON TOPIC: My love to the Bosley family. It’s obvious that Tom was respected and loved throughout his life. I’m thankful for those Tuesday nights and am part of generation that was affected Happy Days.
To Whomever let Matthew out of his cage: Please put him back now.
The truth and I are close relatives. And as a relative of the truth, I feel it’s okay to say it- You’re a liar.
Oh and you wouldn’t know quality entertainment if it bit you on the asterisk.
Matthew, you are no longer a member of the family. From here on out you are disowned. You have shamed us for the last time. Your bags are packed and waiting at the front door. Get the F out of our life and out of our family.
-Dad
Lawrence, as a parent all I can say is YESSSSSSS!!!!!! You go Dad!
Well done, Mr. B.!
And R.I.P., “Mr. C.”
Hey Chuck – where ya been?
Ya been upstairs for quite awhile Chuck. What ya doing up there.
RIP Tom.
An iconic figure from my teens
First…I was a teenager when Happy Days aired and the show will forever be a special time for me, so my condolences go out to Mr. Bosley and his family. Second…why does an idiot like Matthew Bright come on a forum like this to voice his negative opinion. Yes, he’s allowed but why? Even if you’re old enough to remember the TV show, which I highly doubt, it just doesn’t warrant a negative response.
Hey Archana, I don’t believe we’ve met.
What in the world is the matter with humankind? Moronic comments like that from M,not so, Bright just muddy the water-so unnecessary. RIP Tom, you enhanced my life.
So do you!
Mr. C aka Tom Bosley was a class act may he rest in peace and my prayers are with his family. And to his wonderful co stars my thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of a great man and friend.
Tom you will be missed…happy days was an awesome show…no matter what anyone says, i was not even a year old when happy days went off but i found the show later and watched every episode… RIP Tom
Rest in Peace Father Dowling
I didn’t watch the show all that much, but, that said Tom Bosley was a class act. There will always be at least one naysayer in every group and you’ve heard that one. To all the rest of you, you are a classy bunch and Tom Bosley was a great actor and all around good human being.
Tom Bosley was a combination of so many of my uncles. I loved the show and all the cast members. He gave us great memories!
I was lucky enough to see many tapings of “Happy Days” and Tom always came up to the audience when a scene he wasn’t in was being set up. He had the best stories, and really cared what we were asking him.
I love thast cast and how close the are to each other. Ron Howard appears to be a huge class act. Often sentiment from stars feels false or self serving…not here. WE’ll miss you Mr. C!