It’s not easy to play warm-and-cuddly and smart-and-funny, but Tom Bosley, who has died at age 83, managed to do it. As Howard Cunningham in Happy Days, Bosley was a model TV parent: patient, occasionally wise, sometimes exasperated, yet blissfully ordinary. It’s not easy making “ordinary” interesting, but Bosley managed to do that, too.
Bosley died of lung cancer in his home in Palm Springs, Calif.
The most modest and charming of actors, Bosley was happy on Happy Days to be part of the ensemble, working with crack timing alongside costars Marion Ross, Ron Howard, and Henry Winkler. But Bosley had a varied career. He won a Tony for his portrayal of the flamboyant New York City mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in 1959′s Fiorello! He appeared in small roles in many ’50s and ’60s TV shows and movies before finding permanent pop culture resonance as Mr. C on Happy Days (1974-84).
This interview with Bosley gives you some idea of the care the actor took in building his most famous character.
Bosley also used his warm voice in numerous commercials and cartoons such as the Rankin-Bass Christmas special The Stingiest Man in Town. He was Sheriff Amos Tupper in Murder, She Wrote, and played the title role on The Father Dowling Mysteries.
The key to Bosley’s endurance could be seen on his face. With his wide smile and crinkly eyes, he managed to come across as a decent man, never a rube or a sucker. He had the sort of sincerity that never goes out of style even as it became increasingly rare. When you compare him to Winkler’s Fonzie — a breakout character designed to be larger-than-life — Howard Cunningham was a model of small-scale realism, a pure and subtle television creation.
For more:
Tom Bosley, ‘Happy Days’ actor, dies
Tom Bosley: Friends mourn the late actor on Twitter
Follow: @kentucker
Very nice piece, but why do I get the feeling this is one of those “Keep on file until old person dies” obits?
It most likely is, but so what? That doesn’t make it any less sincere. It’s a well-written tribute. Thanks, Ken!
You know the day Elizabeth Taylor dies we’ll read some fantastic memorials to her. Those articles have been written and waiting for years!
Remember that SNL skit where (i think it was) Dan Rather was going on vacation and they were taping him doing several random death announcements just in case something weird happened while he was gone people could still get the story from him?
Monty – I don’t remember that but it sounds hilarious.
Wasn’t it Tom Brokaw (Dana Carvey) Monty? I do remember it being quite funny
The best one I ever heard was about 16-17 years ago when the already prepared obit for Bob Hope was inadvertently released. Of course Bob Hope was not actually dead, and instead took the opportunity to step up with a few zingers. I don’t think having a ready made tribute lacks sincerity. If it were me I’d be happy to be relevant enough to society that someone would do that for me.
Lo coruiso es que después de pasar los controles de seguridad es muy fácil comprar todo tipo de bebidas alcohólicas en las tiendas pero sin embargo no te venden una botella de agua para que puedas hidratarte durante el vuelo. Hay que pagar precios de cafetería.
And why does that matter…?
And Jennifer when you die who’s going to read your obit? That’s if anyone writes one.
Way to totally NOT get my point and resort to personal insults, Tom. Anyway, RIP Tom Bosley. I always loved him as the voice of David the Gnome!
I plan on reading your obit Jennifer.
I’m writing it now Jennifer.
@Jennifer: so what was your point? Sounds like people got it pretty good.
RIP Mr. B … you will be remembered fondly by this Happy Days fan …
I think Jennifer is totally right about the obit..It always seems as she says that these are already prepared..Happy Days was a really good show, too!
Of course they’re prepared early. I work in media, and we have Mad Lib-esque obituaries ready to go for all of our major notable local figures who have reached, how you say, “a certain age.” Once a death has been confirmed, drop in certain factoids — time/cause of death, age, a quote or two — and you’re ready for the next newscast/print cycle.
I would expect if the various news agencies are aware that he has terminal lung cancer, they would go ahead and prepare the obit, given that fans will be immediately going online to read whatever they can as soon as they hear he has died. Makes good sense to me.
But what’s her point? I don’t get why it matters.
Who cares? Get back on the topic. Tom Bosley died and it’s a bit sad for people who enjoyed his work.
Good riddance to yet another worshipper of the One-Termer filth.
You are so out of line. I’m not the President’s biggest fan either, but this is not the time or place. This man’s family just lost a loved one, and America lost a great actor and TV icon.
What a shameful comment. There is so much more I’d like to say but there is a better forum. Rest in Peace, Mr. Bosley.
Yeah, why not bring back Bush and Cheney, they did such a wonderful job during their 8 years didn’t they? I can’t wait for Obama to win a second term just because I know that it drives the anti-intellects crazy. The Obama haters amaze me. The Republicans absolutely destroyed the country in an 8 year period yet you have these dopes like “Impeach Obama” who don’t remember their history.
So you want to “save” our country by celebrating the death of people who don’t agree with you? Guess “democracy” isn’t in your dictionary. Or sensitivity, compassion, respect, civility or class.
If news outlets had to write this stuff from scratch, it would take much longer for us to get the news. The people featured in them know that’s how it works — they’ve got publicists, for pete’s sake! Surely they’d rather be remembered with a well written piece that highlights their contributions than something slapped together.
That’s interesting Jennifer, ’cause I didn’t get that impression at all.
Except for that Thomas Jones deacble haha (then again, KC just stunk it up as a whole, anyway). Haven’t really found the time to give much thought to Week 2 aside from just setting my lineups in the last 24 hours. New job has me swamped.But a few people I would take a chance on and start are Devery Henderson (see: Marques Colston injury). I’d start Cedric Benson against Denver after seeing what Oakland did to them last Monday. I’d go with Jordy Nelson at WR and see if he can do it again against the Panthers. I like Tim Hightower at RB against his old teammates, Arizona.I would sit Percy Harvin given McNabb’s poor game last week. I’d sit Cam Newton because I really doubt he plays out of his mind again against the Packers. Even as a Rams fan, I’m sitting any member of St. Louis against the Giants with all the injuries the Rams were hit with (I don’t think Cadillac Williams will do it two weeks in a row). I’d probably sit New England and San Diego’s defenses (I see a shootout instead of a defensive battle).That’s just off the top of my head. But I’ve also had no sleep so there’s that warning haha
One of the great character actors. RIP Mr. C.
What a wonderful career he had, with nary a blemish on his reputation. Rest in peace, Mr. C.
Ditto. Major frowny face.
I loved Happy Days as a kid. I watched the reruns all of the time. And I thought he was an awesome character. RIP.
You didn’t mention my favorite role of his: The voice of David the Gnome! Slitzweitz.
I’m so glad someone else remembers him from David the Gnome. Slitzweitz indeed!
R.I.P. Mr. C – Happy Days was the only time my brothers & I watched a whole show without fighting.
Happy Days was my favorite show when I was child. Tom Bosley will be sorely missed. R.I.P, Mr. C.
Tom Bosley was everyone’s dad in the seventies. R.I.P. Mr. C, we miss you already!
Actually Sonja, he wasn’t my dad in the seventies. That would’ve been Starsky.
Two of the great parenting figures, Beavers mom and now Mr. C. While I remember Mr. C more, watching as a youngster, they both were such wonderful role models, if a little old fashioned. Rest in peace, dear Mr. Bosely. You will be missed.
hola , rlavtieo al tema, para que tengan una idea tuve oportunidad de viajar por american airlines el pasado 15/7 en el vuelo desde bs as a miami ofrecieron un servicio magro, pero en los vuelos internos , todo se cobraba desde la comida hasta los auriculares, el exceso de equipaje 50 dolares y son super estrictos
Mr.C will be missed.I loved Happy Days.He was a good Dad.
As I said under the News Brief about him…I loved him best for being the voice of David the Gnome, which my favorite show as a kid. He really had such a warm, reassuring voice. And I also really enjoyed him as Father Dowling. Rest in peace, Mr. Bosley, and best wishes to your family in this rough time.
I loved David the Gnome. I always enjoyed anything he was in.
Ahhh I’m so glad other children of the 90s remember this! I love that show! RIP Mr. Bosley.
Oh when I was a kid I watched Father Dowling reruns! I miss them…I wish the series was on DVD!
Sad to read about Mr. Bosley… Mr. Cunningham. Brought back a bunch of memories to see him. Rest In Peace sir, and thanks for the great memories!
Happy Days was the Good old Days! Memories and more Memories! Always liked Tom Bosley, may he be at peace.
RIP Mr. B.
he was our father figure for many years. and he was excellent as father dowling and amos tupper. they were all favorite characters.RIP MY FRIEND,you will be missed.