Happy Days star created music career to supplement low sitcom pay

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 11:37 · Archive

Anson Williams, who played Potsie Weber on Happy Days, developed a singing act after earning only $900 to $1,200 per episode.

Anson Williams, who played Potsie Weber on the 1970s sitcom Happy Days, developed a singing career as a side hustle because television pay was insufficient. The 77-year-old actor earned between $900 and $1,200 per episode, which he said was not 'a lifetime of earnings'.

Williams came up with the idea after speaking with David Cassidy, star of The Partridge Family, and Barry Williams of The Brady Bunch about how much money they were making by taking their singing acts off their respective shows. He realised he could do the same, thinking 'If I can convince Garry to put a band on the show, maybe I can get booked, and maybe I can get some extra income'.

Show creator Garry Marshall agreed to put a band on the show to perform at Arnold's, the burger joint where the character Fonzie held court. Marshall told Williams he would have to sing to a bulldog, saying 'If you're good, I get laughs. If you're bad, I get laughs.' After Williams performed, audience letters came in praising the segment, and Marshall approved expanding the musical performances, with Williams taking charge of the band.

How it is being reported

• ‘Happy Days’ star Anson Williams says he had to create a second career because sitcom pay wasn’t enoughWhen playing Potsie Weber on "Happy Days" didn't pay well enough, actor Anson Williams came up with a side hustle: a music career.New York Post · 11 Oct, 11:26
• 'Happy Days' star Anson Williams says he had to create a second career because sitcom pay wasn't enoughAnson Williams reveals how conversations with David Cassidy and Barry Williams inspired him to pitch a musical act on the iconic sitcom.Fox News · 10 Oct, 23:54

In this story: Anson Williams · David Cassidy · Barry Williams · Garry Marshall · Happy Days

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