‘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!

I Attended My Husband’s Office Party for the First Time, but I Never Expected to See His Other ‘Wife’ There

When Jennifer stumbled upon an email inviting her husband to a glamorous New Year’s party with a plus-one allowed, her curiosity was piqued. But what she uncovered at the event shattered her trust, setting the stage for an unexpected twist of fate.

The laptop pinged, interrupting the movie we were watching. Oliver had just gone to the bathroom, leaving his laptop open on the coffee table.

An open laptop | Source: Pexels

An open laptop | Source: Pexels

I glanced at the screen, the glowing subject line catching my eye.

“Dear Mr. Oliver,

We are happy to announce the New Year party is coming up! Dress code: White Party. You may bring your plus-one (your wife). Address…”

A shocked woman looking at her laptop | Source: Pexels

A shocked woman looking at her laptop | Source: Pexels

I blinked, rereading the email. His company never allowed plus-ones. Never. I couldn’t count the number of times I had heard him complain about it. Yet, there it was in black and white—plus-one (your wife).

When Oliver came back, I tried to play it cool, though my curiosity was bubbling. “Your office is throwing a New Year’s party?” I asked casually.

An excited woman looking at her laptop | Source: Pexels

An excited woman looking at her laptop | Source: Pexels

“Oh, yeah,” he replied, picking up his laptop and closing it before I could say more. “Nothing big. Just the usual end-of-year stuff.”

“Can I come?” I asked, tilting my head and smiling.

He froze for half a second before brushing it off. “No, they don’t allow guests. It’s more of a work event.”

I frowned. “But the email said—”

A frowning woman on the couch | Source: Pexels

A frowning woman on the couch | Source: Pexels

“They don’t, Jen. Trust me.” His tone was clipped, and he didn’t meet my eyes. “Anyway, I’ll just be working that night. No big deal.”

That was the first time I felt something strange. Oliver always worked late or traveled for business, so I had gotten used to him being away. I trusted him, because that’s what you do in a marriage. But this time, his response felt… off.

A suspicious woman | Source: Pexels

A suspicious woman | Source: Pexels

New Year’s Eve arrived, and I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my white dress. Curiosity had gnawed at me for days. Why didn’t he want me at the party? Was he embarrassed? Hiding something?

“Happy New Year, Jen!” he called as he grabbed his coat, giving me a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Happy New Year,” I replied, watching him leave.

A man putting on his coat | Source: Midjourney

A man putting on his coat | Source: Midjourney

As soon as the door clicked shut, I grabbed my purse and headed out.

The hotel where the party was held glowed like a jewel in the night. The lobby was decorated with silver streamers, twinkling lights, and elegant floral arrangements. Guests in sparkling white outfits mingled, laughter and conversation filling the air. I felt both nervous and determined as I approached the reception desk.

A woman in a hotel | Source: Midjourney

A woman in a hotel | Source: Midjourney

“Name, please?” the manager asked with a polite smile, glancing up from his clipboard.

“Jennifer. I’m Oliver’s wife,” I said confidently.

His smile faltered for a moment, and he looked down at his list, then back up at me. Then, he laughed. “Nice try!”

“I’m Jennifer,” I repeated. “Oliver’s wife.”

A woman at a reception desk | Source: Midjourney

A woman at a reception desk | Source: Midjourney

The manager’s expression turned awkward. “Oh… uh…” He hesitated, then cleared his throat. “I think there’s been some confusion. Oliver already checked in… with his plus-one. His real wife.”

My chest tightened. “What?”

“Yes, he arrived about 30 minutes ago. They always arrive together, I’ve seen them many times.” He winced slightly, as if bracing for my reaction.

“I’m his wife,” I said sharply, the words feeling heavy on my tongue.

A hotel manager | Source: Pexels

A hotel manager | Source: Pexels

He opened his mouth to reply but closed it again, his face apologetic. “Let me double-check the guest list.”

Before he could move, I caught a glimpse of Oliver in the far corner of the room. He was easy to spot in his crisp white suit. My breath caught when I saw him with her—a woman with long dark hair, her arm resting on his shoulder. They were laughing, leaning in close, their body language unmistakably intimate.

A couple at a party | Source: Pexels

A couple at a party | Source: Pexels

The world seemed to spin. The glitzy decorations blurred as my mind raced.

“Ma’am?” the manager asked gently, breaking into my thoughts.

I turned back to him, my voice suddenly calm. “No need to check. I see him.”

He hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something, but I was already walking away from the desk, away from the party, and away from Oliver.

A woman leaving a hotel | Source: Midjourney

A woman leaving a hotel | Source: Midjourney

Outside, the cold air stung my face, but it didn’t dull the fire burning inside me. I wrapped my coat tighter around me, my heels clicking on the sidewalk as I made my way to my car.

I didn’t know exactly what I was going to do, but I knew one thing: Oliver was going to regret this.

A sad woman walking on the street | Source: Midjourney

A sad woman walking on the street | Source: Midjourney

The next day, the phone rang just as I was pouring my morning coffee. I almost didn’t answer, still angry about last night, but something made me pick up.

“Is this Mr. Oliver’s wife?” a calm, professional voice asked.

“Yes,” I replied, my stomach twisting.

A serious woman walking on her phone | Source: Pexels

A serious woman walking on her phone | Source: Pexels

“This is Mercy Hospital. Your husband was in a car accident early this morning. He’s stable, but we need you to come in right away.”

My breath caught. “A car accident? Is he… is he okay?”

“He has a concussion and a broken arm. There are complications we’ll explain when you arrive.”

A hospital professional talking on her phone | Source: Pexels

A hospital professional talking on her phone | Source: Pexels

I didn’t say another word. I grabbed my coat and rushed out the door, my anger from the night before swirling with worry.

At the hospital, the antiseptic smell hit me as I walked into the waiting area. Nurses bustled by, their faces neutral, while I stood there, my heart racing.

“Jennifer?” a doctor called, walking toward me. He was middle-aged, with a kind but serious expression.

A medical professional | Source: Pexels

A medical professional | Source: Pexels

“Yes. Is Oliver okay?”

“He’s stable for now, but there’s an issue we need to address,” he explained, motioning for me to sit. “His arm is fractured in several places. There’s a risk of long-term damage unless we operate soon. Unfortunately, there’s a problem with his insurance. His policy lapsed last month. As his wife, you can authorize the procedure and arrange payment.”

A woman talking to a doctor | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to a doctor | Source: Midjourney

I blinked, trying to process his words. “His insurance… lapsed? Why didn’t he renew it?”

The doctor shook his head. “I can’t speak to that, but we do need to act quickly. Will you authorize the surgery?”

When I stepped into Oliver’s room, the sight of him startled me. His face was pale, a bandage wrapped around his head. His arm was in a sling, and he looked more fragile than I’d ever seen him.

A man in a hospital bed | Source: Freepik

A man in a hospital bed | Source: Freepik

“Jen,” he croaked when he saw me, his voice weak.

“Oliver,” I said stiffly, standing by the door.

His eyes searched mine, pleading. “I know you’re upset, but please… just listen. It’s not what you think.”

“Oh, it’s exactly what I think,” I said, my voice icy. “You lied to me. You’ve been lying to me. And last night, I saw you with her. You brought her to that party, didn’t you?”

An angry woman in a hospital | Source: Midjourney

An angry woman in a hospital | Source: Midjourney

His face went pale. “I can explain—”

“I don’t want your explanations,” I snapped, cutting him off. “The doctor says you need surgery, but your insurance lapsed. That sounds like a problem for your real wife to handle.”

“Jen, don’t do this,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “I made a mistake. Please, just sign the papers.”

A sad man in a hospital bed | Source: Freepik

A sad man in a hospital bed | Source: Freepik

I stared at him for a long moment, my heart pounding. Part of me wanted to scream, to cry, to give in and help him. But then I thought of all the times I had trusted him, only to find out it was all a lie.

“No, Oliver,” I said, my voice firm. “You’ve made your choices. Now you can live with them.”

I turned and walked out of the room without looking back.

A woman leaving a hospital room | Source: Midjourney

A woman leaving a hospital room | Source: Midjourney

In the hallway, my steps felt lighter, as if a weight had lifted off my chest. For the first time in years, I realized I wasn’t responsible for cleaning up his messes.

It was over. Whatever happened next was up to him.

A few days later, I received a call from the hospital. It wasn’t the doctor. It was Oliver.

“Jen, please,” he begged. His voice was hoarse, almost unrecognizable. “She didn’t come. I’m alone here. I need you.”

A man talking on his phone in a hospital bed | Source: Midjourney

A man talking on his phone in a hospital bed | Source: Midjourney

I said nothing, gripping the phone tightly as his words sank in. The “real wife” wasn’t so real after all. She hadn’t shown up, not for the surgery, not for anything. She’d disappeared the moment she realized he wasn’t the man he pretended to be.

“Jen?” he whispered.

“You made your choice, Oliver,” I said, my tone steady. “Now you can deal with the consequences.”

A serious woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels

A serious woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels

I hung up and blocked his number.

In the weeks that followed, I heard through mutual friends that Oliver’s career was falling apart. Word of his affair spread at work. The woman he’d paraded at the party was no longer seen with him, and his charm didn’t seem to fool anyone anymore.

But I didn’t feel sorry for him. I felt free.

A woman smiling with a balloon | Source: Pexels

A woman smiling with a balloon | Source: Pexels

For the first time in years, I wasn’t carrying the weight of his lies. Instead of worrying about his needs, I focused on myself.

I signed up for a pottery class—a silly dream I’d put off for years. I spent weekends hiking trails I’d always wanted to explore. I started painting again, filling my apartment with canvases splashed with color.

For years, I, Jennifer, had been the dutiful wife. But now, Jen was stepping into her own life.

A happy woman painting | Source: Pexels

A happy woman painting | Source: Pexels

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