Things You Didn't Know About 'Happy Days'

#1 It Was Supposed To Take Place In The 1920s

When Garry Marshall was first approached by Paramount executives in 1971 to create a new sitcom, they envisioned something set in the 1920s about flappers and gangsters. However, Marshall instead sent in a pilot he wrote himself about a 1950s family that is the first in the neighborhood to get a TV set. The idea was discarded and later aired on ABC's vignette series "Love, American Style". When the rating proved to be a huge success for the clip, ABC ordered Marshall to create the series.

#2 It Was Not A Result Of The Ron Howard Film "American Graffiti"

Many people think "Happy Days" was an offshoot of the George Lucas hit movie American Graffiti, which featured Ron Howard in a similar role, but took place in the 60s. While American Graffiti actually came out first, it was that movie's success and interest for the time period that encouraged the studio to revisit the Happy Days show pilot which had been put on the shelf. That's when they dusted it off for a spot on "Love, American Style."

#3 The Original Show Title Was Not Very Cool

Gary Marshall wrote the series with the title "Cool" in mind, and it even appeared on the original scripts. After tests audiences gave the title a thumbs down he changed it again, to "The Happy Life," but a writer suggested they call it "Happy Days" instead and the name stuck.

#4 The Mystery Of Chuck Cunningham

We all know Richie and Joanie, but the Cunninghams had a third child, older brother Chuck, who mysteriously disappeared during the first season. Chuck is a basketball player who is rarely seen, in fact, only appeared briefly in 11 episodes. He had few speaking parts and by the middle of the first season which aired in 1974 "Chuck" was written out of the script by going off to college. He never returned.

#5 Lots Of Spin-Off Shows

"Laverne & Shirley," "Mork & Mindy," and "Joanie Loves Chachi" are the most widely known of the spin-off series. There was also "Blansky's Beauties" and "Out of the Blue" which both starred characters who made their introduction on "Happy Days". Lastly, there were the animated spin-offs "The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang," "Laverne & Shirley in the Army" (later renamed "Laverne & Shirley With Special Guest Star the Fonz") and "Mork & Mindy".

#6 Fonzie Was Not Allowed To Wear Leather

ABC executives wanted Fonzie to wear a windbreaker in his first appearance because they felt the leather jacket made him look like a hoodlum. Series creator, Gary Marshall, eventually convinced them to allow Fonzie to wear his leather jacket (in scenes that only also featured his motorcycle). Marshall then began placing the motorcycle in every single one of Fonzie's scenes, which soon led to the agreement that Fonzie could always wear his now infamous leather jacket.

#7 Fonzie Was Almost A Monkee

Before the decision of casting Henry Winkler as Fonzie, Mickey Dolenz of "The Monkees" almost took the part. Paramount executives wanted Dolenz but Marshall held open auditions instead. When they saw Henry Winkler the contract with Dolenz was torn apart and the rest is history.

#8 Happy Days The Musical

In 2006, "Happy Days" the Musical opened in Burbank, California where it later ran into Connecticut and New Jersey before becoming a touring production. Never picked up on Broadway, the show had pretty good reviews, and eventually toured Britain and closed in 2014.

#9 The Music

Potsie would sometimes provide the singing voice heard in the Jukebox. Getting clearance for popular '50s tunes was expensive. Because of this, Anson Williams, who played Potsie, would sometimes provide the singing voice heard coming through the jukebox at Arnold's Diner. The original theme for the show by Bill Haley was used only for two seasons. "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets spent eight weeks at the top of the Billboard chart in 1955. By season three ABC ordered a newer theme song that reflected the tone of the show.

#10 Fonzie's Motorcycle Auctioned

Fonzie's motorcycle went for up auction as part of Bonhams' Classic California collection in 2011. Despite not being in working condition, estimated auction price for the 1949 Triumph Trophy TR-5 motorcycle was between $60,000 and $80,000. The motorcycle didn't sell, but parts of the bike's specs can be obtained on the Bonhams' website.

#11 The Leather Jacket Was On Display At The Smithsonian Museum

Alongside the furniture from "All In The Family" and the set of "I Love Lucy," Fonzies famous leather jacket was on display at the Smithsonian for years until it was switched out to make room for Farrah Fawcett's iconic swimsuit. "Ayyy! Sit on it Farrah!"

#12 Fonzie Became The Star When Ron Howard Left

Everyone remembers Ron Howard as the star of the series, but he only stayed on for the first seven seasons. He eventually returned for some guest appearances in the final season and wrapped up his storyline when he moved to Hollywood with his wife, Lori-Beth to become a screenwriter. The Fonz, whose full name is Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, was given the opening credits lead after the departure.

#13 Sit On It

Catchphrases were the popular thing on TV sitcoms in the 70s and 80s. Fonzie had a few of them. "Sit on it" became a popular catchphrase on "Happy Days," and was heard around the country by teens for several years. It even made it's way to tee shirts, thermos bottles, lunchboxes, and buttons.

#14 Pinky Wasn't That Loved

The concept of bringing in tough girl Pinky Tuscadero as a female version of Fonzie was more of an idea with a lot of press behind it than any sort of reality. The character, played by Roz Kelly, had a three-episode romance with the Fonz, but she didn't end up meshing with the cast and producers and was quickly written out of the show. She was replaced by her cousin Leather Tuscedero, played by musician Suzi Quatro, who proved to be more popular.

#15 The Cast Sued Producers For Money Made By Licensing Merchandise

In 2011, cast members Anson Williams, Donny Most, Erin Moran and Marion Ross, along with Tom Bosley's widow, filed a lawsuit against CBS and Paramount Pictures for failure to pay merchandising revenues. They wanted $10 million, but The New York Post reported each cast member was only awarded $65,000. CBS owned the right to the series even though it ran on ABC. It is estimated that Paramount and CBS have earned over $490 million on the "Happy Days" merchandise sold through licensing deals including slot machines, clothing, reruns, and posters.

#16 The Deadly Term IN TV 'Jumping The Shark' Originated On The Show

Remember, in season five, when Fonzie goes water skiing and literally jumps over a shark? People felt it was a turning point in over-the-top antics as a desperate ratings ploy, and the show never went back to full steam despite being a popular show for six more seasons. The phrase "jumping the shark" is now used to indicate a show that has gone past the point of no return. Like when "Roseanne" won the lottery and became a millionaire.

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