15 Surprising Facts About ‘Happy Days’

Happy Days became one of ABC’s longest running shows when it hit 11 seasons on air, and it’s the only show more popular than I love Lucy on Nick at Nite’s throwback sessions. It was a nostalgic look back at Midwestern life in the 1950s and into the 1960s through the eyes of the wholesome Cunningham family. Think you know all about Richie, Fonzie, Potsie and the rest of the gang? Here are some surprising facts about the beloved show.

1. It Was Originally Supposed to Be Set in the 1920s

Happy Days is all things 1950s through and through, but originally it was planned to take place in the roaring 1920s. The Paramount executives went to Gary Marshall with the idea of making it about flappers, but he didn’t know much about that era. He put together a different pilot about a family getting their first TV in the 50s. The pilot was rejected, but the seed was planted for developing a show about that decade.

2. The First Choice for the Role of the Fonz Was a Monkee

At Henry Winkler’s first call back for the role of Arthur Fonzarelli, he thought the odds were against him when he noticed Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz at the read. He was right to worry since Micky was the preferred choice, but Henry was literally deemed a better fit with the rest of the cast because of his shorter height.

3. Henry Winkler Couldn’t Read his Script

Henry Winkler grew up dyslexic and when it came time to read his six audition lines he couldn’t do it. He just made them up and assured the casting directors that he was trying to give them a feel for the character instead.