Anson Williams: biography
Anson Williams was born Anson William Heimlich (yes, he is related to the man who invented
the "Heimlich Maneuver") on September 24, 1949 in Los Angeles, California. His father was
an art director at an aviation company until layoffs forced him to open a concession
booth. Throughout high school, Williams worked nights at his dad's struggling Orange Julius
stand on Van Nuys Boulevard.
In his freshman year at Pierce Junior College, Willliams took a drama course and discovered
he had knack for performing. He then dropped his plans to become a gym teacher, dropped
his last name, and dropped out of college to try his luck as an actor. His first professional
jobs were in Kansas where he performed in "The Music Man" and "The Sound of Music."
Besides a string of TV commercials, including several for McDonald's in 1971, Williams' first role
on television was on an episode of "Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law." Appearances on
"The Paul Lynde Show," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," and three variety specials with Tony Randall
soon followed.
The role of Potsie on "Happy Days" was the perfect opportunity for Williams to showcase
his acting and vocal talents. After hearing him sing backstage, the writers incorporated
his singing ability into the show. Williams soon began to perform across the country and
released several records.
In 1977, he starred in his own syndicated television special, "Anson Williams at
Sea World." In 1981, he and his wife, Lorrie Mahaffey, who played his girlfriend on
"Happy Days," starred in a television special called "Anson and Lorrie." The show was
conceived as a pilot for a spin-off, but it failed to sell.
MP3 file of Anson Williams singing "Deeply">
For more information on what Anson Williams has done after Happy Days, see the Where are they now? section.
The above biography is from the Nick-at-Nite site with minor additions by
myself. Please e-mail
if you have any additional information.
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