Latest news with #Laverne&Shirley
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 Forgotten 'Happy Days' Guest Stars: Tom Hanks Robin Williams, More
For all the attention given to its iconic core cast—Ron Howard's earnest Richie, Henry Winkler's effortlessly cool Fonzie, Tom Bosley and Marion Ross as TV's ultimate parental duo—one of the most fascinating aspects of Happy Days was the steady stream of guest stars who popped in and out of Arnold's and the Cunningham living room. Some were already well known, while others were just starting out and a few went on to become superstars in their own right. Today, the names are certainly familiar: Robin Williams, who debuted his Mork from Ork character on Happy Days, which allowed ABC to give the green light for Mork & Mindy. Or Tom Hanks, still years away from his first Oscar, getting into a karate match with Fonzie over an old grudge. Back then? We didn't know them at the time, but obviously they'd never be forgotten. And there were others—veterans like Danny Thomas and Lorne Greene—who brought gravitas and a bit of old Hollywood charm to their guest spots. Or familiar TV faces like Maureen McCormick and Christopher Knight, stepping outside of The Brady Bunch household to try something new. Even Laverne & Shirley got its unofficial launch thanks to Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams' guest spot on the show. So, let's Fonzie-smack the jukebox to life and take a closer look at 10 unforgettable guest stars who left their mark on Happy Days. Episode: "My Favorite Orkan" (Season 5, Episode 22) Role: Robin Williams portrays Mork, an alien from the planet Ork, who arrives in Milwaukee to study human behavior. After Richie Cunningham claims to have seen a flying saucer, Mork appears in his bedroom intending to take him back to Ork as a specimen of an average human. The episode humorously explores Mork's attempts to understand Earth customs—such as shaking hands with his fingers—and features a psychic showdown between Mork and Fonzie, who uses his famed 'thumb power' to try and defeat the extraterrestrial visitor. Originally, the episode ends with Richie awakening to discover it was all a dream. However, for syndication, a new ending was filmed in which Mork reports back to his superior, Orson, revealing that he had erased everyone's memory, thereby making the events real within the show's continuity. Fun Fact: This episode served as a backdoor pilot for Mork & Mindy, which premiered in 1978 and launched Robin Williams to stardom. Williams's audition was notably unconventional; when asked to take a seat, he sat on his head, prompting producer Garry Marshall to quip that he was "the only alien who auditioned." His improvisational skills and unique comedic energy during the taping impressed the cast and crew, leading directly to the development of the spin-off. Episode Title: "A Little Case of Revenge" (Season 10, Episode 5) Role: Tom Hanks guest stars as Dr. Dwayne Twitchell, a karate expert who returns to Milwaukee seeking revenge on Fonzie for a childhood incident. Twitchell challenges Fonzie to a fight, leading to a memorable confrontation where he becomes the first person to physically strike Fonzie on the show, kicking him through the stained-glass window of Al's Drive-In. Fun Fact: This episode aired on November 9, 1982, shortly after Bosom Buddies ended its two-season run. Although Hanks was already known to TV audiences, it was his comedic guest spot on Happy Days that caught the attention of Ron Howard and helped land him the lead in Splash (1984), marking his big-screen breakthrough. Years later, Hanks and Winkler would both work on the 1996 film That Thing You Do!—which Hanks directed—though Winkler has joked he wasn't offered a role. Episode Title: "Grandpa's Visit" (Season 5, Episode 14) Role: Danny Thomas guest stars as Sean Cunningham, Howard Cunningham's father. In this episode, Grandpa Cunningham visits the family, bringing with him traditional values and a strong personality. His old-fashioned views lead to humorous generational clashes, particularly with Richie and Joanie, while Marion and Howard attempt to mediate. The episode delves into Howard's family background, offering viewers insight into his upbringing and familial roots. Fun Fact: Airing on January 3, 1978, this episode marked a notable guest appearance for Danny Thomas, renowned for his role in Make Room for Daddy (also known as The Danny Thomas Show). His portrayal of Howard's father added a layer of prestige to the episode and provided a heartfelt exploration of intergenerational family dynamics. Episode Title: "Hollywood, Part 1" (Season 5, Episode 1) Role: Lorne Greene made a brief, uncredited cameo in this episode, dressed as his iconic character Ben Cartwright from the series Bonanza, adding a touch of classic television nostalgia to the storyline. The plot follows Fonzie and Richie as they travel to Hollywood, where Fonzie has been invited to screen test for a movie role. Fun Fact: Greene's cameo was part of a larger tradition in the two-part Hollywood storyline, which featured real-life celebrity sightings to emphasize Fonzie's growing stardom. Although best known for his role as Ben Cartwright on Bonanza, Greene was a familiar face to ABC audiences, and his appearance was a nod to both classic television and the network's stable of stars. Episode Title: "A Date with Fonzie" (Season 3, Episode 22) Role: In 'A Date with Fonzie,' Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams made their debut as Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, respectively. In the episode, Fonzie arranges a double date for himself and Richie Cunningham with Laverne and Shirley, two spirited bottle-cappers from the Shotz Brewery. The episode humorously explores the dynamics of the double date, showcasing the contrasting personalities of the characters and leading to comedic situations. Fun Fact: Although Cindy Williams had previously appeared on Happy Days as a different character (season 1, episode 3), this was the true launch of Laverne and Shirley as part of the Happy Days universe. Their guest spot was so successful it immediately led to the development of Laverne & Shirley, which premiered the following year and became a ratings juggernaut. Episode Title: "Cruisin'" (Season 2, Episode 16) Role: Maureen McCormick guest stars as Hildie, one of three girls Richie, Potsie, and Ralph meet while cruising in Howard's DeSoto after Marion accidentally dents Richie's car. The boys' attempts to impress the girls lead them into trouble when they discover the girls are dating members of a local gang called the Dragons. A drag race ensues, orchestrated by Fonzie, culminating in the revelation that the girls were using the boys to make their boyfriends jealous. Fun Fact: This episode marked Maureen McCormick's first major guest-starring role following the conclusion of The Brady Bunch in 1974. Episode Title: "Be My Valentine" (Season 5, Episode 20) Role: Christopher Knight guest stars as Binky Hodges. In "Be My Valentine," Joanie Cunningham eagerly awaits her date, Binky, who is delayed. As she waits, Joanie daydreams about romantic scenarios involving her friends and family, leading to several musical dream sequences. Eventually, Binky arrives and presents Joanie with a locket, and they decide to spend the evening together at Inspiration Point. Fun Fact: This episode aired on February 14, 1978—Valentine's Day itself. Knight, already well-known for his role as Peter Brady on The Brady Bunch, appeared during a time when many 1970s TV stars were making crossover guest appearances on popular sitcoms. His presence gave the episode extra promotional appeal due to The Brady Bunch's lasting popularity in reruns at the time. Episode: "They Shoot Fonzies, Don't They?" (Season 4, Episode 8) Role: Charle Tilton guest stars as Jill Higgins. As things unfold, Joanie is cut from the cheerleading squad by the confident and competitive Jill. Determined to prove herself, Joanie enters a dance marathon at Arnold's Drive-In, enlisting Fonzie as her partner. Despite Fonzie's exhaustion from pushing his broken motorcycle twelve miles, he joins the marathon to support Joanie. The competition culminates in a high-energy showdown between Joanie and Fonzie versus Jill and her partner Bubba, with Joanie's team ultimately triumphing. Fun Fact: This episode aired on November 1, 1976, and marked one of Tilton's first TV appearances. Just two years later, she'd land the iconic role of Lucy Ewing on Dallas. The title of the episode is a play on the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, which also centered around a grueling dance marathon. Episode Title: "The Third Anniversary Show" (Season 4, Episode 17) Role: Nancy Walker guest stars as Nancy Blansky, Howard Cunningham's cousin from Las Vegas. In this special clip show, Richie and Joanie plan a surprise party for their parents' wedding anniversary. Nancy's arrival adds a lively dynamic to the celebration, introducing her as a vibrant, showbiz-savvy relative. Her character's presence serves as a bridge between the nostalgic flashbacks and the current festivities, providing both humor and a fresh perspective. Fun Fact: This episode, which aired on February 4, 1977, served as a backdoor pilot for Blansky's Beauties, a spin-off series that premiered just eight days later on February 12, 1977 . In the new series, Nancy Blansky is portrayed as a seasoned Las Vegas showbiz veteran who acts as a den mother to a group of aspiring showgirls. Despite the character's introduction in the 1950s setting of Happy Days, Blansky's Beauties is set in the contemporary 1977 timeline, creating a unique cross-era connection between the two shows. Episode Title: "A Sight for Sore Eyes" (Season 3, Episode 23) Role: Fonzie experiences persistent headaches and reluctantly visits Dr. Malph, who diagnoses him with a vision issue requiring glasses. Fonzie, concerned that wearing glasses might compromise his cool image, resists the idea, leading to humorous attempts by his friends to change his mind. Fun Fact: Jack Dodson is best known for his role as Howard Sprague on The Andy Griffith Show. His recurring role as Dr. Mickey Malph on Happy Days allowed him to bring the same kind of soft-spoken charm to a new generation of viewers. He appeared in multiple episodes across different seasons, establishing Dr. Malph as one of the show's few adult characters outside the Cunningham family who interacted regularly with the younger cast. Enjoy much more about the world of 'Happy Days' The 'Happy Days' Cast Reunites to Share Favorite Memories, On-Set Secrets and Heartfelt Moments How 'Happy Days' Nearly Got Canceled—Until Fonzie, Richie and an Audience Saved the Show (EXCLUSIVE) 17 Rare 'Happy Days' Behind-the-Scenes Photos Featuring Ron Howard, Henry Winkler and Many More
CNN
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Happy Days' cast members reunited this weekend
Sunday, Monday, happy days. Fans of the beloved series 'Happy Days,' which aired from 1974 to 1984, got a treat this weekend when some of the cast members came together at Steel City Con outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most joined a panel discussion about the series. The convention shared video from the event on their social media. 'We are very happy to be here in Pittsburgh,' said Winkler who played Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli on the show. He later said that it had been 'the first time that we have appeared this way in 50 years.' Howard, who grew up on screen and went on to become a Oscar-winning director, starred as Richie Cunningham on the sitcom. 'It feels like it's been 50 minutes, because we're having so much fun hanging and this was sort of our great excuse to come together, so thank you,' he said at the event. 'And by the way, it's just been amazing.' The classic series was so popular that it spurned several spinoffs, including 'Laverne & Shirley' and 'Mork & Mindy.'
CNN
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘Happy Days' cast members reunited this weekend
Sunday, Monday, happy days. Fans of the beloved series 'Happy Days,' which aired from 1974 to 1984, got a treat this weekend when some of the cast members came together at Steel City Con outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams and Don Most joined a panel discussion about the series. The convention shared video from the event on their social media. 'We are very happy to be here in Pittsburgh,' said Winkler who played Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli on the show. He later said that it had been 'the first time that we have appeared this way in 50 years.' Howard, who grew up on screen and went on to become a Oscar-winning director, starred as Richie Cunningham on the sitcom. 'It feels like it's been 50 minutes, because we're having so much fun hanging and this was sort of our great excuse to come together, so thank you,' he said at the event. 'And by the way, it's just been amazing.' The classic series was so popular that it spurned several spinoffs, including 'Laverne & Shirley' and 'Mork & Mindy.'
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Guide to Milwaukee's Best Restaurants And Bars
Led by Kyle Knall and rooted in sustainability and local ingredients, Birch is one of Milwaukee's best restaurants. Though my job takes me to many far-flung and enviable destinations, I'm open to travel tips. But one sent by a close girlfriend via text last year stumped me: 'Have you ever been to Milwaukee? It's cute, and everyone's so nice. We should do a girls' trip here!' My love of domestic travel rekindled during the pandemic, but I had never given Wisconsin's biggest city much thought. I knew the television show 'Laverne & Shirley' took place there; because of that I also knew there was beer—lots of beer. When in Milwaukee, a Wisconsin Old Fashioned at Bryant's Cocktail Lounge is a must. But during a visit a couple of months ago, I found there's far more to Milwaukee than these clichés. I was mesmerized by the city's architecture, from Pabst Brewery Complex's cream city bricks to the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum designed jointly by Santiago Calatrava, Eero Saarinen, and David Kahler. Its scenic perch along Lake Michigan—which offers loads of of recreational opportunities, like the world's largest music festival Summerfest—further added to the city's unexpected appeal. What opened my eyes the most, however, was the food scene. I already knew about Milwaukee staples like cheese curds and frozen custard; what I wasn't expecting to find was such an appealing mix of old and new, and locals who are up for eating everything. Kyle Knall is the chef and co-owner of Birch in Milwaukee. That's what Kyle Knall, a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist and the chef-owner of Birch, discovered after relocated his family from New York City to Milwaukee in 2020: 'I love the community of Milwaukee, and how people here embrace food and eating out in such an amazing way.' Even better? You can get a solid grasp of the city's culinary landscape in a weekend. Ahead, a handy guide on where to eat, drink, and stay when visiting Milwaukee. One Birch's most popular (and pretty) dishes is the Contramar-inspired fish. Consider Birch, the New American restaurant former New York chef Kyle Knall (Gramercy Tavern, Electric Lemon) and his wife Megan opened in 2021, the quintessential neighborhood spot. It's as lovely for a chill bar hang of burgers and wine as it for a celebratory tasting menu at the counter. The entire staff, from the general manager Jeff Cleveland who pulls double-duty as the sommelier, to the dishwasher—whom I caught flashing a soft smile during a busy service—seems happy and proud to be on Birch's team. As for the food? It's ingredient-driven, quietly confident, and shaped by Knall's favorite restaurants—his Contramar-Inspired Fish gets its signature red and green from Jimmy Nardello and poblano peppers—and Wisconsin's rich natural bounty. 'The local agriculture, especially the fresh produce is incredible,' he says. 'We have to wait longer for the seasons to change, but what they bring is truly unmatched.' Speaking of seasons: the Knalls are opening Cassis, their highly anticipated French bistro, in Historic Third Ward this summer. Bryant's Cocktail Lounge Bryant's Cocktail Lounge isn't just a bar; it's a Milwaukee institution. Opened in 1938 in a historic residence that once was a Miller Brewing tied house (a bar obligated to buy alcohol from a specific brewery), Bryant's Cocktail Lounge has maintained its cool for over 85 years. It's dimly lit. There's plenty of seats to sink into. A mix of jazz, soul, and classical music plays from the old-school Mcintosh sound system. Drinkwise, you can choose from 600 (not a typo) or so cocktails. There are no menus; instead, chat with the bartender about your preferences. If you're a first-timer, try a signature Pink Squirrel (ice cream, crème de cacao, crème de noyaux) or Wisconsin Old Fashioned. Allie Boy's Bagelry & Luncheonette If you're short on time, seeking a quality bite that won't break the bank, or need to shake off last night's excess, Allie Boy's Bagelry & Luncheonette by the husband-and-wife-duo of Ben Nerenhausen and Staci Lopez has you covered. The bagel dough is made with local water and flour, then hand-rolled, boiled, and baked to glossy, chewy perfection. While you'll find traditional bagel flavors and schmears here, don't pass up on the original sandwiches, like the furikake-dusted egg salad and pizza bagel tartine. Ca'Lucchenzo Tucked away in Wauwatosa, a charming suburb just west of Milwaukee, is Ca'Lucchenzo by Zak and Sarah Baker. Since 2019, it's established itself as the local go-to for seasonal Italian cuisine—the handmade pastas are exceptional—and warm, familial service. As the menu changes frequently, order whatever sounds good. 'Chances are it won't be on the menu the next time you come over for dinner,' says Sarah. What does stay the same is the rolling cart of amaros, presented after your meal for a memorable finish. Milwaukee's Three Brothers specializes in homey Serbian food. Three Brothers Restaurant was established in 1956 by Serbian immigrant Milun Radicevic to keep his family together under one roof following World War I. To this day, the kitchen is run by the Radicevic family, with many recipes handed down from Milun's mother. Your best bet? Come hungry, and come with friends. The food is unfussy, hearty, and loaded with meat and cheese; crowd favorites include the Serbian salad, goulash, and burek (phyllo dough typically stuffed with ground beef). Milwaukee Public Market Since opening in the historic Third Ward in 2005, Milwaukee Public Market has gained national recognition by being more than a striking space with 19 diverse and independently-owned food vendors such as West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe, St. Paul Fish Company, and Aladdin. It champions the local community by supporting charitable causes like Milwaukee Public Schools' School-to-Work Transition Program. It's also an event space, where you can book a wedding or a cooking class at Madame Kuony's Kitchen. A one-bedroom suite at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel One of Milwaukee's hippest hotels, Kimpton Journeyman Hotel has everything you need to feel you're best while you're away from home. The 158 guest rooms and suites are kitted out with cozy, nostalgic touches—the handsome hand-hewn desks are crafted with wood and cold-rolled steel—while the Mediterranean restaurant Tre Rivali and lively rooftop bar The Outsider make staying put a no-brainer after a long day out. During the daily Kimpton Social Hour (another perk to staying here), you'll be treated to complimentary wine, beer, and pizza. Plus: the hotel's plum location in Historic Third Ward makes it easy to walk to the waterfront and other attractions.
Fox News
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
‘Pee-wee's Playhouse' star Lynne Marie Stewart dead at 78
Actress Lynne Marie Stewart, best known for her roles in "Pee-wee's Playhouse" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," has died. She was 78. Stewart's rep confirmed with Fox News Digital that the actress died on Friday. "Lynne was the most talented woman who loved the craft more than the reward," Stewart's rep shared. "She was a comedic genius and the most honorable person I have ever known." Stewart's rep shared that the actress had just wrapped up filming "Dink" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." She noted that she was "exhausted" in December after taking on several television projects. Doctors additionally found a tumor in Stewart, as her rep told her loved ones were all "in disbelief." The cause of death is unknown. Stewart's friend paid tribute to the late actress on social media with a heartfelt photo. The friends were seen hugging and all smiles. "My heart is breaking upon hearing the news of my dear friend Lynne Stewart's passing," actress Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson wrote on Instagram."One of the kindest, sweetest, funniest women who ever lived. The iconic Miss Yvonne of Pee-wee's Playhouse: She'll always be 'the most beautiful woman in Puppetland.'" Born Dec. 14, 1946, Stewart was raised in Los Angeles. Stewart made her film debut in Jack Nicholson's 1971 film, "Drive, He Said." She was best known for being an actress and writer for popular film and television shows such as 1987's "The Running Man," 1973's "American Graffiti" and "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." Stewart portrayed Miss Yvonne in "Pee-wee's Playhouse" from 1986 to 1990, alongside the star and creator Paul Reubens. She additionally worked on the other "Pee-wee's Playhouse" franchises, including "Big Top Pee-wee" in 1988. The actress met Reubens in the 1970s at the comedy troupe "Groundlings," where she was a member, according to Extra. Stewart made several TV appearances on Cindy William's iconic sitcom "Laverne & Shirley" from 1977 to 1983. She voiced Williams' character in the animated series "Laverne & Shirley in the Army," and as part of the "Mork & Mindy/Laverne & Shirley/Fonz Hour" in 1982. Other celebrities who paid tribute to Stewart included comedian Maya Rudolph. Stewart portrayed Rudolph's mother in the 2011 comedy movie "Bridesmaids." Rudolph shared on her Instagram Story a signed photo of Stewart dressed up as Miss Yvonne. She added pink heart emojis to her tribute. Before her death, Stewart's most recent well-recognized role was in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" as Charlie Kenny's mother, Bonnie.
