Actor Anson Williams revealed that his salary of $900 to $1,200 an episode on the sitcom Happy Days prompted him to seek outside income by pitching a band on the show, inspired by musical peers on other television programs.
Television stardom during the classic era of network sitcoms did not always guarantee long-term financial security according to cast member Anson Williams, who portrayed Warren “Potsie” Weber. While looking at the financial realities of his tenure on the ABC hit, Williams explained that his weekly compensation provided a decent living for the period but lacked the staying power to sustain a lifetime.
Potsie Weber Speaks Out on 1970s Sitcom Economics
Speaking on an episode of the Still Here Hollywood Podcast hosted by Steve Kmetko, Williams opened up about the pay scale for actors during the production of the television series. He contrasted the compensation of that era with the multimillion-dollar per-episode payouts commanded by modern television stars. Aside from Williams, Howard, and Most, the show starred Henry Winkler, Marion Ross, Tom Bosley, Erin Moran, Al Molinaro, Scott Baio, Lynda Goodfriend, Ted McGinley, and Cathy Silvers, among others.
“On Happy Days, we didn’t have the same salaries they had today. Not even close. $900 an episode, $1,200 an episode. It was fine back then, but you’re not going to have a, you know, it’s not a lifetime of earnings there, right?”
Anson Williams, actor
Williams examined how stars from other comedies managed to capitalize on their popularity. He reached out to actors on two other series to learn how they turned their visibility into external revenue streams.
David Cassidy and Barry Williams Inspire the Happy Days Band Idea
Williams formulated a plan to introduce a musical element into the show to secure booking opportunities and supplement his income.
I had talked with David Cassidy, and he was saying how well he did off the show singing… And then I was I talked to Barry Williams. It was the last year of Brady Bunch, and he said, ‘You know, we do we’re doing so well off the show. We have the Brady Bunch singers, and we’re doing so well.’ So I’m thinking, ‘Wait a minute. I sing.
Anson Williams, actor
Garry Marshall Approves the Arnold Drive-In Musical Act
Williams brought the pitch directly to series creator Garry Marshall, suggesting a rock band to perform at Arnold’s drive-in. Marshall gave him an opportunity to test his singing by performing a song to a bulldog.
The musical group—featuring Williams, Ron Howard, and Don Most—performed on the show, which led to Williams being booked at state fairs and resorts for a decade. It started this whole career that monetarily was much better and just a whole other life experience,
he noted.
State Fairs, Record Deals, and a Lucrative Decade of Touring
The storyline launched a decade-long touring career. Following his time on Happy Days, Williams directed episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Lizzie McGuire, Charmed and The Secret Life of an American Teenager.
Williams signed a recording contract with Chelsea Records, the same label that represented David Cassidy.
“I got signed to Chelsea Records, which was the company that signed David Cassidy. And I was making $1200 an episode on Happy Days, then $17,000 a night performing.”
Anson Williams, actor
After his time on Happy Days, he directed episodes of television shows, and advice from Marshall continued to influence his work, telling them to take the spotlight they found themselves in and shine it on people that deserve it.
