Howard Cunningham
Howard and Marion Cunningham were a classic 1950s
middle-class TV couple. Howard ran a local hardware
store, Cunningham Hardware, and Marion ran the
house. Their kitchen was always immaculate, the living
room was never messy, and they were always dressed
up whenever unexpected guests showed up.
As a young man, Howard found his calling in life when
his toilet overflowed. He went to the hardware store
for a plunger, saw the fully-stocked shelves, and fell in
love. He started working as a stock boy at the store
and a few years later, he owned the business. Howard
spent his free time with his lodge brothers at the
Leopard Lodge or bowling for a team called the Ten
Pins.
Although Marion Cunningham had worked as a
secretary before tying the knot, she devoted her
married life to being a homemaker. Her mother,
Mother Kelp, was not too fond of Marion's choice of a
mate and often called Howard "Fatso." Marion usually
served as the intermediary between the two. Her days
were spent doting on her kids, Richie and Joanie, and
acting as a surrogate mom to Fonzie, whom she called
"Arthur." In her free time, she was a member of the
Milwaukee Women's Club and loved to watch soap
operas.
The above biography is from the Nick-at-Nite site with minor additions by
myself. Please e-mail
if you have any additional information.
Contact Form