‘Happy Days’ Star Anson Williams Marries at 73 after Beating Cancer — His Series Co-star Was His Best Man

Anson Williams, known as Warren “Potsie” Weber from “Happy Days,” revealed he just got married at 73.

His friend he often calls “brother,” who was also his series co-star, served as his best man during the ceremony.

After beating cancer, he devoted his life to his family and lives in a small farm town.

Anson Williams is most popularly known for starring as Warren “Potsie” Weber in the American sitcom, “Happy Days”—a somewhat gullible yet good-hearted singer who entertained the audience throughout the show’s 11 seasons.

The iconic role became integral to Williams’ career and earned him three Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Series, Miniseries, or TV Film, and Best Supporting Actor. But recently, the actor has been in the news for a completely different reason.

Anson Williams as Warren "Potsie" Weber in "Happy Days" | Source: Getty Images

Williams, 73, is a happily married man after tying the knot with Sharon MaHarry on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The lovely and dreamy wedding ceremony occurred in his own yard, marking an important milestone in the actor’s life.

In addition to a rocky love life, Williams endured a harrowing health battle.
The TV icon looked dapper in a black suit, which he paired with a light blue dress shirt and a gray patterned tie. He also wore a boutonniere on the jacket’s lapel and finished his look with black spectacles.

On the other hand, Williams’ bride looked stunning in a full-sleeve floor-length lace gown comprising a boat neck and full skirt. She let her short blonde tresses down, with some of her hair pinned away from her face, and held a lovely flower bouquet.

The newlyweds beamed joyfully as they eternalized their love surrounded by their loved ones. Williams, who once ran for mayor of Ojai but was unsuccessful, wed MaHarry at a private residence in the seaside town of Los Angeles.

The couple’s wedding ceremony took place in the groom’s lush green and spacious yard, adorned with colossal flower and plant pots. Bright lights were hung from trees to create a mesmerizing effect and make the occasion even more special.

Friends and family watched in awe as MaHarry’s daughter walked her down the aisle to marry the love of her life. A romantic tune played in the background as the bride and groom vowed to stay together for the rest of their lives.

According to his Facebook profile, Williams got engaged to MaHarry on April 3. Throughout the ceremony, he wore a bright, warm smile that perfectly encapsulated his happiness. Williams’ best man was none other than his series co-star, Don Most, who played Ralph Malph on “Happy Days.”

The two men share a phenomenal bond that dates back to their time on the show. Williams considers Most a great friend and refers to him as his “brother.” The duo’s heartwarming connection has stayed strong over the years.

When Williams shared photos from his big day on social media, many fans noticed Most’s presence and left messages of appreciation and support for him and the newlyweds.

“Congratulations!!! What a beautiful bride and I love your best man! He’s still got it!” wrote one user. “Anson you both look amazing. I haven’t [seen] you smile like that in a long while. God Bless you both,” commented another netizen.

Meanwhile, the happy groom, who couldn’t contain his excitement while looking at his gorgeous bride, captioned his Facebook post, “A magical moment in time.”

Williams was said to have met his better half in the winter of his life and knew she was the one meant for him. After surviving a terrifying health ordeal and seeing his marriage of 30 years come to an end, he still believes, “It’s never too late to get it right!”

MaHarry has been running a successful career as a seasoned real estate agent and has also dabbled in advertising and writing. She holds a degree in English from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.

Earlier, she served as the senior vice president and creative director at Young and Rubicam Advertising Agency in New York. She has also written the book, “Crazy Mama: A Memoir of Love and Madness.” She has one daughter, Lindsay, who works as a journalist in Los Angeles.

Williams married MaHarry in Ojai, California, a small town where he moved in 2011 to enjoy a quiet, peaceful life. Talking about his decision to leave Los Angeles at the time, the “Melrose Place” alum expressed how he wanted his kids to live in a fail-safe community.

Back then, he only went to Ojai occasionally or on weekends but fell in love with its people and ambiance. Gradually, Williams started visiting the place more often with his family and moved there permanently.

In addition to falling in love with Ojai’s loving community and safe environment, the place reportedly offered Williams a tranquil respite from his personal woes. He further mentioned:

“I owe a lot to Ojai for that, for my health, my sanity, and the ability to move forward.”

Williams has been married twice before—he tied the knot with Lorrie Mahaffey in 1978 and called it quits in 1986. His second marriage was to Jackie Gerkens, and after staying together for over three decades and sharing five kids, there was trouble in paradise for the duo. Initially, they broke up but changed their minds soon after and decided to give their relationship another chance.

The duo first ventured on the divorce road in September 2019; however, a month later, Williams was reportedly in court to file for a dismissal. However, nine months later, things turned odd, and the couple finally divorced in 2020.

Actor Anson Williams and wife Jackie Gerken attend The National Conference of Christians and Jews Gala Honoring Robert Wright on October 16, 1989 at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In addition to a rocky love life, Williams endured a harrowing health battle. A little before Christmas 2016, he received his Stage 2 colon cancer diagnosis.

Soon afterward, he had two surgeries and stayed in the hospital for three weeks. Not only did he emerge victorious in his battle against the life-threatening condition, but he also gained a new perspective on life.

After understanding his purpose for living, Williams said he developed a newfound love and appreciation for his family, including his children and grandchildren. He expressed:

“I always knew I loved them, and they were important, but now it’s at a whole new level.”

Today, Williams is a doting grandfather to four grandkids and a married man, and we hope he continues to celebrate life and create precious memories!

My Stepmom Came to My Wedding in a White Dress, Saying She ‘Deserves Attention Too’ – So My Husband Taught Her a Real Lesson

When Alexandra’s stepmom arrived at her wedding in a white dress, insisting she deserved attention, Alexandra braced for chaos. But her husband had a plan to turn the tables in a way no one expected.

“These flowers need to be perfect,” Linda said, arranging them with exaggerated care. “After all, it’s a big day for the family.”

An elderly woman surrounded by flowers | Source: Pexels

An elderly woman surrounded by flowers | Source: Pexels

I sat at the dining table, sipping my tea and trying to stay calm.

My dad smiled at her. “Linda has a great eye for these things,” he said.

I forced a smile. “They do look nice, Linda,” I replied.

A young woman | Source: Midjourney

A young woman | Source: Midjourney

Linda, my stepmother, came into my life when I was ten after Mom passed away. She loved being the center of attention, and today was no different.

She fussed over the flowers, making sure each petal was in the right place. Her movements were dramatic like she was on stage. I wondered what role she would try to play at the wedding.

An elderly woman posing with flowers | Source: Pexels

An elderly woman posing with flowers | Source: Pexels

“Are you excited about the wedding, Dad?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.

He nodded, his eyes twinkling. “Very much, Alexandra. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”

Linda chimed in, “Yes, and everything has to be perfect. It’s not every day we have such an important event.”

Wedding arrangements | Source: Midjourney

Wedding arrangements | Source: Midjourney

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. I knew Linda would find a way to make the day about her. She always did.

I remembered birthdays and holidays when she managed to be the star of the show, leaving me in the shadows.

As Linda continued to fuss over the flowers, my concern grew. I wanted to enjoy the wedding, but with Linda around, it was always a challenge.

An elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

An elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

“Do you need any help, Linda?” I offered, trying to be polite.

She waved me off. “No, no, dear. I have everything under control.”

“Alright,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’ll take a leave, Dad. I have to be somewhere.”

An elderly woman posing confidently | Source: Midjourney

An elderly woman posing confidently | Source: Midjourney

I met up with Sarah, my best friend and maid of honor, at the wedding planner’s office.

“Why is the bride looking so sad?” she asked, wrapping me in a hug.

“I guess I’m just nervous.”

“Don’t be; you’ll have the best day! Now come on, we’re getting late.”

Two female friends sharing a hug | Source: Pexels

Two female friends sharing a hug | Source: Pexels

We entered the wedding planner Grace’s office.

“Well, uh, your stepmother requested to be seated in the front row and insisted on giving a speech during the reception, Alexandra,” she said, glancing up from her notes.

I was stunned. Linda and I had talked about this. How could she?

A worried woman | Source: Pexels

A worried woman | Source: Pexels

“Isn’t that usually reserved for the bride’s mother or father?” Sarah asked, raising an eyebrow.

Grace nodded. “Yes, traditionally, the front row is for the bride’s parents. Since your father will be there and you have chosen to honor your late mother by keeping a place for her, Linda technically shouldn’t be in that spot.

“Additionally, we need to maintain some decorum and respect for family traditions. This wedding is very meaningful, especially with the tribute to your mother.”

Chairs at a wedding | Source: Pexels

Chairs at a wedding | Source: Pexels

I sighed, feeling the familiar frustration rise. “She always has to make everything about herself. I bet she’s got some grand performance in mind!”

Sarah leaned in closer. “We need to be prepared for whatever she’s planning.”

Grace looked at me with a concerned expression. “How would you like to handle this, Alexandra?”

A wedding planner | Source: Midjourney

A wedding planner | Source: Midjourney

I thought for a moment. “Can we explain to her that the front row is reserved for my mom and dad? Maybe suggest she sit in the second row?”

“That sounds reasonable,” Grace agreed. “I’ll have a word with her. And about the speech?”

I shook my head. “I really don’t want her giving a speech. It’s supposed to be a tribute to my mom and a celebration of the wedding. She’ll just make it about herself.”

A mother and daughter kissing | Source: Pexels

A mother and daughter kissing | Source: Pexels

Sarah nodded. “We can have someone else speak if needed. Maybe one of us or someone from your mom’s side of the family?”

“That’s a good idea,” I said, feeling a bit more at ease. “Let’s make sure the speeches are meaningful and respectful.”

Grace jotted down some notes. “I’ll take care of it. We’ll ensure everything runs smoothly.”

A woman taking notes | Source: Pexels

A woman taking notes | Source: Pexels

As we left Grace’s office, Sarah squeezed my arm.

“Don’t worry, Alex. We’ve got this. Linda won’t ruin your day.”

I nodded, hoping she was right.

A woman getting consoled by a friend | Source: Pexels

A woman getting consoled by a friend | Source: Pexels

When I got back to our apartment, I needed to share my concerns with Tom.

“Linda is determined to steal the show,” I said, dropping my bag by the door. “She’s giving a speech at the reception and insisted on sitting in the front row.”

Tom wrapped his arms around me. “We’ll handle it together. Don’t worry.”

I frowned, leaning into his embrace.

A couple embracing | Source: Midjourney

A couple embracing | Source: Midjourney

“It’s not just that,” I said, pulling away from him. “She has a way of turning everything into a spectacle. She’s not my real mom, but she’s always pushed herself into roles meant for my mother. We want to honor my mother by keeping her place in the front row. I’m afraid she’s going to make our wedding about her.”

An elderly woman's face | Source: Pexels

An elderly woman’s face | Source: Pexels

Tom smiled reassuringly. “Trust me. I’ve got a plan. Let her have her moment. It’ll all work out.”

“What kind of plan?” I asked, curious.

A woman sitting on a chair and posing | Source: Pexels

A woman sitting on a chair and posing | Source: Pexels

He kissed my forehead. “Just trust me. It’s a surprise. But I promise, it’ll keep the focus where it should be—on us and your mom’s memory.”

I sighed, feeling a bit better but still anxious. “I hope so. I just want everything to go smoothly. Linda can be so unpredictable.”

Tom squeezed my hand. “I know. But we’ve got this. We’re in this together.”

A woman holding a man's hand | Source: Pexels

A woman holding a man’s hand | Source: Pexels

I nodded, trying to relax. “Thanks, Tom. I really appreciate it.”

“Anytime, love,” he said, giving me a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s enjoy our evening and not worry about Linda for a bit.”

I smiled back, feeling grateful for his support.

Soon, the wedding day arrived.

A bride smiling at her wedding dress indoors | Source: Pexels

A bride smiling at her wedding dress indoors | Source: Pexels

I was excited and nervous.

While I was still in my bathrobe getting ready, Sarah burst into the room, her face pale.

“You won’t believe this,” she said, pulling me to the window.

I looked out and saw Linda emerging in a full-length, white wedding dress.

An elderly woman posing in her wedding gown | Source: Midjourney

An elderly woman posing in her wedding gown | Source: Midjourney

“What the…” Okay, this was something I didn’t see coming. How dare she?

“Linda, what are you doing? You can’t wear white to my wedding!” I stormed over to her, unable to hide my fury.

“Oh, darling,” she smirked, not showing even one ounce of regret. “You’re young, Alexandra. You have your whole life ahead of you. This might be my last chance to feel like a bride again. I deserve this attention.”

A smiling elderly woman in a wedding dress | Source: Midjourney

A smiling elderly woman in a wedding dress | Source: Midjourney

I felt my anger rising, but Tom pulled me aside. “Trust me, we’ll sort this out later,” he whispered with a mischievous smile.

“But Tom, how could she?”

“Trust me, okay?” he said, and I relented.

A newly wed couple | Source: Pexels

A newly wed couple | Source: Pexels

The ceremony proceeded, with Linda sitting in the front row, basking in her stolen spotlight. Grace had a helpless look on her face, so it was clear Linda had managed to get what she wanted.

I was boiling inside, but I trusted Tom.

As the ceremony continued, I tried to focus on the vows and the moment. I looked at Tom, who gave me a reassuring nod. But every time I saw Linda’s smug expression, my faith in Tom’s plan wavered.

A worried bride | Source: Pexels

A worried bride | Source: Pexels

When it was time for the speeches, I held my breath. Linda stood up, ready to take over. But before she could speak, Tom took the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, before we continue, I’d like to share a special video tribute to Alexandra’s late mother.”

The lights dimmed, and a beautiful montage of my mom played on the screen.

A bride looking at a screen | Source: Midjourney

A bride looking at a screen | Source: Midjourney

Photos, videos, and heartfelt messages filled the room. Tears filled my eyes, and the guests were visibly moved. Linda’s expression shifted from smugness to shock.

As the tribute ended, Tom looked at me with a knowing smile. “This day is about honoring your mother and our love, Alex. No one can take that away.”

Then he looked at Linda. “Linda, could you join us up here?” he asked.

A groom talking on the mic | Source: Midjourney

A groom talking on the mic | Source: Midjourney

Linda looked smug, thinking she was about to be honored.

As she made her way to the stage, Tom continued, “Linda has always been a star in her own right, so today, we’ve decided to let her shine even more.”

Another slideshow began to play. The first few pictures were innocent enough, showing Linda in her white dress from various angles at the wedding. But then, Tom’s twist came.

A happy groom | Source: Midjourney

A happy groom | Source: Midjourney

The next photo showed Linda sneaking into my bridal suite earlier that morning.

She was caught on camera trying on my wedding veil, twirling around with a bouquet she’d taken from the floral arrangements.

The room gasped, and Linda’s face turned red.

She tried to stay calm, but Tom wasn’t done.

A gray-haired woman wearing a veil | Source: Pexels

A gray-haired woman wearing a veil | Source: Pexels

“Wait, Linda, we’re not finished,” he said, motioning to the DJ.

Suddenly, the speakers played a recording of Linda on the phone with her friend, boasting about her plan to outshine me.

“This little princess needs to learn her place. I’ve waited long enough to have my moment,” her voice echoed through the hall.

An angry elderly bride | Source: Midjourney

An angry elderly bride | Source: Midjourney

The crowd was stunned, and a few people even booed. Tom wrapped his arms around me and whispered, “I told you I had it covered.”

But the surprise wasn’t over.

A happy newly-wed couple | Source: Midjourney

A happy newly-wed couple | Source: Midjourney

Tom had arranged for Linda’s ex-husband to be the guest speaker. He took the stage, sharing stories about Linda’s past antics, showing everyone her true nature.

The result? Linda, red-faced and cornered, slipped out of the hall as quietly as she could. Tom and I shared a smile, knowing we taught her a lesson her way. She was in the spotlight as she was wanted but for all the wrong reasons.

A crying elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

A crying elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

Have you had to teach a lesson to someone at your wedding, too?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one: When Hannah’s Dad waltzed into her birthday party with her best friend on his arm, she was determined to make him pay. Little did he know that Han nah’s plan was to unexpectedly turn the tables at her graduation party.

A young woman at her graduation party | Source: Midjourney

A young woman at her graduation party | Source: Midjourney

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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