Ron Howard, known for his role as Richie Cunningham on the iconic sitcom Happy Days, faced a pivotal moment during the show’s transformation in its third season. Initially struggling in the ratings, the series underwent significant changes to regain its audience.
In a bold move, creator Gerry Marshall shifted the focus of the show towards the character Fonzie, played by Henry Winkler. This decision aimed to revitalize the series, which had dropped from 16th to 49th in the Nielsen ratings after its second season.
Howard expressed his discomfort with the change, feeling sidelined as the show’s lead. He was initially apprehensive about performing in front of a live audience but eventually found it thrilling. His main concern was the shift in focus away from the ensemble cast, which included his fellow actors Ralph and Potsie.
Marshall’s decision to prioritize Fonzie led to a potential title change for the show. ABC considered renaming it to Fonzie’s Happy Days, which Howard opposed, feeling it undermined the contributions of his co-stars. He even threatened to leave the show if the change was implemented.
Ultimately, Howard remained with Happy Days, which went on to become the top-rated show on television by the end of its fourth season. This experience not only solidified Howard’s status in Hollywood but also paved the way for his successful career as a director.
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