That was one of TV’s most popular shows back in the day. It brought back that 50’s feel and introduced people to some new faces that would become future stars in entertainment. Here are some fun facts about this show you probably were not aware of. Trust me when I tell you, a couple will really surprise you.

The show almost had a different name or two. It was first going to be called “Cool’. Then with the Fonzie character so prominent the title “Fonzie’s Happy Days” came up, but the cast pushed back and the title “Happy Days” was born.

Creator Garry Marshall borrowed names from people he actually knew, which gave the show a lived-in feel. Richie Cunningham was a kid he’d seen at church, and Potsie was a classmate of his wife’s. Even the Fonzie name of Fonzarelli was from Marshalls real life.

The famous waterskiing scene, when Fonzie literally jumps over a shark, gave us the phrase jumping the shark. The idea came from Henry Winkler’s dad, who kept nagging writers to showcase his son’s waterski skills. Winkler did many of his own stunts, but producers refused to risk him for that leap, so a stunt double handled the actual jump. For the scene they even used a custom waterproof leather jacket, with the lining removed, to keep Fonzie looking cool and dry.

ABC initially passed on the pilot, feeling that it wouldn’t attract a big audience. Then the film American Graffiti came out, was a major hit and showcased Ron Howard. ABC quickly realized the big mistake they were about to make and changed their mind and signed on with the show.

Everyone knows the classic Happy Days theme song. Actually, the theme tune was originally a very different and equally recognizable hit song. The original was Bill Haley’s classic “Rock Around the Clock” from 1955. Haley recorded a brand new version in the 70s exclusively for the show.

In the pilot episode, teen idol Robbie Benson, was slated to play Richie Cunningham. But secretly, Benson didn’t think he was right for the part, and Garry Marshall agreed with him. So they came up with a plan to throw his audition, so they could get Ron Howard in for the part instead.

The success of Happy Days and the various characters of its ensemble cast, simply couldn’t be contained in just one singular show. Happy Days spawned a host of popular spin-off shows, featuring beloved characters from the original. Laverne & Shirley was one, others included Joanie Loves Chachi, Blansky’s Beauties, and Out of the Blue.

It’s pretty impossible to imagine anyone other than Henry Winkler in the iconic and genre-defying role of Arthur Fonzarelli, otherwise known as Fonzie or The Fonz. Originally a supporting character, Fonzie proved so popular with audiences that he was considered the breakout role of the show. But, Fonzie was almost played by someone very different? Micky Dolenz, the lead singer of The Monkees, almost got the part, but was considered too tall for the role. Enter Henry Winkler.

We will have a Part 2 in the future as there is much more to discover about this show, the characters and the discourse that occurred during filming over the years. So, stay tuned as there is more to come soon about “Happy Days” which it really wasn’t in many ways.