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Legendary 70s sitcom star unrecognizable after quitting TV to work as a director – can you guess who he is?

Legendary 70s sitcom star unrecognizable after quitting TV to work as a director – can you guess who he is?

Scottish Sun18-07-2025
The star became a director of beloved TV shows in the 90s and 00s
GUESS WHO Legendary 70s sitcom star unrecognizable after quitting TV to work as a director – can you guess who he is?
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THIS iconic 70s sitcom star was at one point part of one of the most beloved ensemble casts of all time.
And even after leaving the show, he continued to create worlds that defined generations of teenage audiences as a director.
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The actor wsa seen stepping out to join his wife at a nail salon
Credit: BackGrid
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Anson shot to fame alongside Ron Howard and Henry Winkler in Happy Days
Credit: Getty - Contributor
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Anson kept a low profile as he spent a day running errands
Credit: BackGrid
But can you guess who this 75-year-old star is as he steps out for a self-care day with his wife?
Anson Williams shot to fame as Potsie in Happy Days back in 1974, remaining on the show for a decade as the sweet-but-stupid friend of the cool friendship group, led by Henry Winkler's 'The Fonz' Arthur Fonzarelli.
He is one of five stars in the ensemble cast who appeared in all 11 seasons of the long-running show, which was set in the 1950s and followed a family navigating life with their friendship group on hand to help them.
Nowadays, rather than Milwaukee – where Happy Days was set – Anson is living a calm life in Ojai, California with his third wife, Sharon MaHarry, who he married in 2023.
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He was previously married to actress Lorrie Mahaffey, who had a brief six-episode appearance in Happy Days, but they split after nine years together in 1987.
Anson then went on to marry Jackie Gerken in 1988, and they were together for 32 years, having four daughters together named Hannah, Olivia, Gabrielle and Stella.
The pair would divorce in 2020, with Anson meeting real estate developer Sharon shortly after and tying the knot three years later.
Anson and Sharon were seen stepping out of a nail salon near their home, having had a day of relaxation.
These days, Anson prefers life behind the camera as a director – though still dusts off his acting chops every now and again.
Notably, he has directed episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and soaps Melrose Place and Beverly Hills 90210.
In the early 2000s, he directed 10 episodes of iconic teen comedy Sabrina the Teenage Witch and six episodes of Lizzie McGuire.
He even reprised his role of Potsie in an episode of Sabrina, popping up as one of her spells went awry.
Most recently, Anson directed Secret Life of The American Teenager – a series that launched the career of Shailene Woodley and followed a young teen as she discovers she's pregnant.
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Happy Days cemented itself as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time
Credit: Alamy
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The actor was later spotted going shopping for groceries
Credit: BackGrid
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The actor cut a casual figure in a day out in Ojai
Credit: BackGrid
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The star is now best known as a director
Credit: BackGrid
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Anson has stepped away from acting in favour of being a director
Credit: BackGrid
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Rock superstar back with ex girlfriend five months after dramatically splitting as pair look at properties together

Scottish Sun

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  • Scottish Sun

Rock superstar back with ex girlfriend five months after dramatically splitting as pair look at properties together

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  • Scottish Sun

BBC axe drama after just one series in huge surprise to show's Oscar nominated creator who believed it could ‘run & run'

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Daily Mail​

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