R.I.P. Mr. C - Thanks For The Memories

A much-loved TV character sadly passed away this week. Tom Bosley (83) died after a battle with lung cancer. As a teenager growing up in England, the 1970s sitcom “Happy Days” was must-see TV. Whenever I visit a classic car/hot rod show and hear the fifties music, I am always reminded of two things – American Graffiti and Happy Days.

When he was first offered the co-starring role in Happy Days, a series about teenage life in the 1950s, Bosley turned it down. “After re-reading the pilot script," he recalled in a 1986 interview, "I changed my mind because of a scene between Howard Cunningham and Richie [Ron Howard]. The father/son situation was written so movingly, I fell in love with the project." Propelled by nostalgia for the simple pleasures of the 1950s, Happy Days, which debuted in 1974, slowly built to hit status, becoming television's top-rated series by its third season. The show ran for 11 seasons.

Happy Days launched many stars including Henry Winkler, Ron Howard, Robin Williams and Marion Ross. The show featured hot rods and Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli played by Henry Winkler.

As he mourned the death of his fellow co-star, Winkler said that he spoke recently with Bosley. “We talked about his strength and that it was coming back. He had just gone through several bouts of chemo, and you always heard him in a positive, forward attitude. He was always looking forward, you know. At 83, I hope that's me." Winkler added that Tom served as a role model to the younger cast members and offered fatherly-like advice.

“Since day one of Happy Days, we as a cast have remained so wonderfully connected. He was our TV dad and a real life father-figure for the past 33 years,” Winkler said in a statement to Access Hollywood on Tuesday. “He will be sorely missed. Our most positive thoughts go out to the family.”

Happy Days co-star, award-winning director, Ron Howard said that Tom was a remarkable man who made everyone laugh. “I'm so saddened by the loss. He was remarkable on so many levels. Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in Happy Days. A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom led by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it. My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life. I miss him already.”

Marion Ross, who played his wife Marion Cunningham also mourned Bosley, lauding his intelligence and leadership. "He was my [TV] husband for 11 years. We made a perfect couple, and he was the father of the company in many ways. He was so smart, he could make up or fix a joke for a better end scene at the drop of a hat." Ross and Bosley were one of the most-loved TV couples during the show’s run in the late 1970s and early 1980s.