I can't find any information on this Background Character Actor: In the Introduction of the very first episode of Happy Days, and into many episodes after that, it shows a picture of Richie combing his hair in the bathroom, next to Richie is Potsie combing his hair, and next to Potsie is another boy combing his hair. He was always just a background character, never spoke ( that I can remember anyway), and he was always mixed in with all of the other background character actors. I especially remember seeing him in the background a lot in Arnold's Restaurant. He would be dancing, or pretending to be talking to other kids, while Richie, Potsie, Ralph, and Fonzie were always huddled around talking about life. What I'd like to find out is his real name, and what he has been doing for the last 30 plus years. I'm attaching an image, but I'm not sure if it will work or not. I hope you guys know who I'm talking about.
Kathy

181905

I can't find any information on this Background Character Actor: In the Introduction of the very first episode of Happy Days, and into many episodes after that, it shows a picture of Richie combing his hair in the bathroom, next to Richie is Potsie combing his hair, and next to Potsie is another boy combing his hair. He was always just a background character, never spoke ( that I can remember anyway), and he was always mixed in with all of the other background character actors. I especially remember seeing him in the background a lot in Arnold's Restaurant. He would be dancing, or pretending to be talking to other kids, while Richie, Potsie, Ralph, and Fonzie were always huddled around talking about life. What I'd like to find out is his real name, and what he has been doing for the last 30 plus years. I'm attaching an image, but I'm not sure if it will work or not. I hope you guys know who I'm talking about.
Kathy

181905

I recognize the boy that you wrote about but do not know the actor's name or anything about him. However, I am responding to this thread because I know the feeling of loneliness that goes with posting a comment and not getting any replies. Good luck on finding the information elsewhere!

I recognize the boy that you wrote about but do not know the actor's name or anything about him. However, I am responding to this thread because I know the feeling of loneliness that goes with posting a comment and not getting any replies. Good luck on finding the information elsewhere!


LOL, thanks! I have to admit that when I saw that someone had responded, I had a quick rush come over me, thinking that maybe somebody knew the answer. But that's okay. :) I appreciate you responding so that I wouldn't feel lonely. :wave: If you DO ever see any info on this guy though, I hope you'll remember this board and come back and share. In the meantime, thanks, and I hope you have a great week!
Kathy

LOL, thanks! I have to admit that when I saw that someone had responded, I had a quick rush come over me, thinking that maybe somebody knew the answer. But that's okay. :) I appreciate you responding so that I wouldn't feel lonely. :wave: If you DO ever see any info on this guy though, I hope you'll remember this board and come back and share. In the meantime, thanks, and I hope you have a great week!
Kathy

Unless he is in the credits at the end of the episode, we may never know. UNLESS someone who worked on the set, or a former cast member should chime in. This is a hard answer to find.

It seemed like in the first two seasons they had a lot of background/extra characters. I liked the waitresses, but they got discontinued too.

Unless he is in the credits at the end of the episode, we may never know. UNLESS someone who worked on the set, or a former cast member should chime in. This is a hard answer to find.


Thanks for your reply. I wonder if one of the cast members or producers would remember??? But I wouldn't even know how to go about writing to an actual member of the cast. I'm watching Happy Days right now on the Hallmark Channel, and 'my guy' was in the background ( really close up too, right behind Richie and his date at a dance), in one of the episodes this morning. I've been recording the shows, so I'll check credits, but I think it's highly unlikely that he would show up in the credits.

It seemed like in the first two seasons they had a lot of background/extra characters. I liked the waitresses, but they got discontinued too.


Hi Matt and thanks for your reply. Hey, I noticed a picture of Al Bundy as your profile picture! Pretty cool! I LOVED that episode of Married With Children were Al daydreams of having a motorcycle, and the song "Born To Be Wild" is playing! Married With Children was, and still is, one of my favorites all time shows!

Hi Matt and thanks for your reply. Hey, I noticed a picture of Al Bundy as your profile picture! Pretty cool! I LOVED that episode of Married With Children were Al daydreams of having a motorcycle, and the song "Born To Be Wild" is playing! Married With Children was, and still is, one of my favorites all time shows!

Yeah, it's a great episode, one of my favorites of MWC. It was actually Born to be Bad, but close!

Yeah, it's a great episode, one of my favorites of MWC. It was actually Born to be Bad, but close!


Oh, that's right, Born To Be Bad. "Born To Be Wild" was sung in a much earlier episode of MWC, when Steve and Al bought that Mustang from Kelley's date, and was fixing it up, only to find out at the end of the show that it was stolen!

Thanks for your reply. I wonder if one of the cast members or producers would remember??? But I wouldn't even know how to go about writing to an actual member of the cast. I'm watching Happy Days right now on the Hallmark Channel, and 'my guy' was in the background ( really close up too, right behind Richie and his date at a dance), in one of the episodes this morning. I've been recording the shows, so I'll check credits, but I think it's highly unlikely that he would show up in the credits.

Which episode? Name it, & I'll check the credits. To contact cast members:
Erin Moran "Joannie" I'll bet would love to here from fans:
http://www.erinmoranofficialwebsite.com

Which episode? Name it, & I'll check the credits. To contact cast members:
Erin Moran "Joannie" I'll bet would love to here from fans:
http://www.erinmoranofficialwebsite.com


Today's episode was titled, "Wish Upon A Star". It was the one with Richie winning a date with a Hollywood starlet to the school's victory dance. Her name in the show was, Cindy Shay. At the dance, 'my guy' is standing RIGHT BEHIND Richie and Cindy. Well, in the picture it's showing him kind of between them, but clearly behind them, if you know what I mean, but you can see him really close up as Cindy Shay is saying to Richie, " Richie, I'm sorry I'm late, forgive me but I wanted to save the best date for last".

And thanks for the site of Erin Moran. I may write to her but not sure if I'll get a response. As we all know, she's been having a lot of personal difficulties this past year or so. And I kind of remember reading and hearing that she prefers to forget about life on Happy Days. So she may not want to help. BUT, at least it would be worth a shot. Thanks!

And thanks for the site of Erin Moran. I may write to her but not sure if I'll get a response. As we all know, she's been having a lot of personal difficulties this past year or so. And I kind of remember reading and hearing that she prefers to forget about life on Happy Days. So she may not want to help. BUT, at least it would be worth a shot. Thanks!
It seems like Twitter has become a way to communicate with celebrities in ways we've never been able to before. I know a few people who follow certain celebrities and often get responses from the celebs. Maybe that's something to try, and maybe you can find someone who was associated with the show behind the scenes-- they'll probably be more likely to know the answer to your question, plus you'll probably be more likely to get the actual person and not a poser.

I also have a friend who actually wrote a letter (old school handwritten letter) to one of the writers on one of our favorite shows from the 80's and she asked several questions we've wondered about for years... and the person actually wrote back and answered all her questions, and also said he was really flattered that she would write to him about the show. He expressed how much he enjoyed working on the show and how happy he was that people still watch and wonder about things associated with the show. So maybe that's something to try too. Choose a writer who wrote a couple of those early episodes that 'your guy' was in. I think she just googled his name and was able to track down a business address. Maybe you could even get a website or an email, too.

It seems like Twitter has become a way to communicate with celebrities in ways we've never been able to before. I know a few people who follow certain celebrities and often get responses from the celebs. Maybe that's something to try, and maybe you can find someone who was associated with the show behind the scenes-- they'll probably be more likely to know the answer to your question, plus you'll probably be more likely to get the actual person and not a poser.

I also have a friend who actually wrote a letter (old school handwritten letter) to one of the writers on one of our favorite shows from the 80's and she asked several questions we've wondered about for years... and the person actually wrote back and answered all her questions, and also said he was really flattered that she would write to him about the show. He expressed how much he enjoyed working on the show and how happy he was that people still watch and wonder about things associated with the show. So maybe that's something to try too. Choose a writer who wrote a couple of those early episodes that 'your guy' was in. I think she just googled his name and was able to track down a business address. Maybe you could even get a website or an email, too.


WOW, you have really given me a lot of great ideas! :) I really appreciate you taking the time to help! I'm going to check into doing what you said, and if I get any info, I'll be sure to post it here! I did email Erin Moran, but so far haven't heard anything back. Thanks again for all of your help!!


Kathy

Thanks for your reply. I wonder if one of the cast members or producers would remember??? But I wouldn't even know how to go about writing to an actual member of the cast. I'm watching Happy Days right now on the Hallmark Channel, and 'my guy' was in the background ( really close up too, right behind Richie and his date at a dance), in one of the episodes this morning. I've been recording the shows, so I'll check credits, but I think it's highly unlikely that he would show up in the credits.

Thank for providing the episode. Without out, I did not recognize him with longer hair then the intro credits.
http://t.imgbox.com/aczVwHE9.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aczVwHE9) http://t.imgbox.com/abxuuWiM.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abxuuWiM) http://t.imgbox.com/abt95yzY.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abt95yzY)
This is him correct?

http://t.imgbox.com/adv5oTcW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adv5oTcW)
I think his name might be Michael Dennis Wagner, although he is credited on IMDB.com as Michael Dan Wagner
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906025/?ref_=tt_cl_t14

http://t.imgbox.com/adsHKMVm.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adsHKMVm) http://t.imgbox.com/acpjHNSm.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acpjHNSm)
The 1974 casting director Pat Harris or casting supervisor Mildred Gusse for the episode might know?

Thank for providing the episode. Without out, I did not recognize him with longer hair then the intro credits.
http://t.imgbox.com/aczVwHE9.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aczVwHE9) http://t.imgbox.com/abxuuWiM.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abxuuWiM) http://t.imgbox.com/abt95yzY.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abt95yzY)
This is him correct?

http://t.imgbox.com/adv5oTcW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adv5oTcW)
I think his name might be Michael Dennis Wagner, although he is credited on IMDB.com as Michael Dan Wagner
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906025/?ref_=tt_cl_t14

http://t.imgbox.com/adsHKMVm.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adsHKMVm) http://t.imgbox.com/acpjHNSm.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acpjHNSm)
The 1974 casting director Pat Harris or casting supervisor Mildred Gusse for the episode might know?

WOW, I'm just so shocked that you went to all of this trouble to help me!! I thank you SO MUCH!!! I really appreciate this! Yes, the guy in the pictures, that's the guy who I'm talking about. Unfortunately, I'm still confused :confused: because when I look up Michael Dennis Wagner ( or Michael Dan Wagner), nothing gives a biography with a picture. It does credit him on some shows as Michael DAN Wagner, and one of those shows is Little House On The Prairie from 1977. In THAT show, he is a Chairman. But THAT guy is much--MUCH--older ( like 60 years old). So that couldn't be 'my guy' since that episode of Little House was just 3 years after the Happy Days Episode.

So unfortunately, I'm more confused than ever. BUT--I'm going to look up the casting director, and supervisor Pat Harris and Mildred Gusse, and see if there's a way to write to them to find out ( IF either one of them is still alive. I've got to remember these shows were 30 + years ago).

Thanks again for everything. That is just so nice of you to do a search and give me all of this info! :) :wave:
Kathy

WOW, I'm just so shocked that you went to all of this trouble to help me!! I thank you SO MUCH!!! I really appreciate this! Yes, the guy in the pictures, that's the guy who I'm talking about. Unfortunately, I'm still confused :confused: because when I look up Michael Dennis Wagner ( or Michael Dan Wagner), nothing gives a biography with a picture. It does credit him on some shows as Michael DAN Wagner, and one of those shows is Little House On The Prairie from 1977. In THAT show, he is a Chairman. But THAT guy is much--MUCH--older ( like 60 years old). So that couldn't be 'my guy' since that episode of Little House was just 3 years after the Happy Days Episode.

So unfortunately, I'm more confused than ever. BUT--I'm going to look up the casting director, and supervisor Pat Harris and Mildred Gusse, and see if there's a way to write to them to find out ( IF either one of them is still alive. I've got to remember these shows were 30 + years ago).

Thanks again for everything. That is just so nice of you to do a search and give me all of this info! :) :wave:
Kathy
On that imdb link it says after the credit that Michael Dan Wagner was billed as Michael Dennis Wagner on the Happy Days credits, so that at least confirms that those two names are the same guy.
I google imaged some of the names of the shows and characters he played and some of those pictures look like the same guy to me. "Old Fred" on Tremors (from 1990) I think has a resemblance although it's hard to tell with stage makeup:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1024&bih=569&q=tremors+old+fred&oq=Tremors+Old+&gs_l=img.1.0.0i24l2.1859.5109.0.7187.12.10.0.2.2.0.125.1016.6j4.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.7.img.kx5Dwglbaak
And I think it would be hard to tell with the Little House on the Prairie episode, because we know for a fact that it's the same guy who played a student on Happy Days then played someone who looked 60 years old just 3 years later, whether it was your guy or not, so maybe it's makeup on the LHOP episode.
Anyway, if you run his name and some of the character names and shows for Michael Dan Wagner in google image you can get some pictures from those roles and see what you think. I think it might be "your guy." :)

According to IMDB Michael Dan Wagner Died: December 15, 1993
Such a common name it's hard to know if it is the same guy for sure?

Still can't get a definite answer on who this guy is. I see him in so many episodes in the background that you would think that someone would know. I just saw him this week in the episode called, "Marion Rebels". Episode 79 Air date Feb. 1, 1977. It's where Marion gets a job as a waitress at Arnold's. Fonzie and the rest of the boys are in the bathroom discussing who will tell her that she's fired, and then 'my guy' brings a note into the bathroom and hands it to Richie. Again, he doesn't say anything; just hands Richie the note, and stands there.

Writing to Erin Moran was a waste of time I think. I'm trying to get Garry Marshall's contact info, to see if he might be able to help. Would rather get an email address than a regular address. If anyone has info on an email address, please let me know here or email me at HeartRose4@aol.com
Thanks!

s4ep78 Happy Days Marion Rebels
http://thumbnails105.imagebam.com/24775/6bdeac247749307.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6bdeac247749307) http://thumbnails105.imagebam.com/24775/9d2da1247749309.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9d2da1247749309) http://thumbnails108.imagebam.com/24775/5f6975247749311.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5f6975247749311)
WOW, you have a good eye. I did not even recognize him this time. His hair was different giving him a different appearance. He was not even mentioned in the credits at the end of the show this time.

This week in the episode called, "Marion Rebels". Episode 79 Air date Feb. 1, 1977. It's where Marion gets a job as a waitress at Arnold's. Fonzie and the rest of the boys are in the bathroom discussing who will tell her that she's fired, and then 'my guy' brings a note into the bathroom and hands it to Richie. Again, he doesn't say anything; just hands Richie the note, and stands there.

According to IMDB Michael Dan Wagner Died: December 15, 1993
Such a common name it's hard to know if it is the same guy for sure?


I haven't given up on the idea that his name is Michael Dan Wagner, and if it is, may he Rest In Peace. That means he would have died approx. 9 years after Happy Days officially ended. He would have been in his late 30's, or possibly age 40. But until I have confirmation that he's the same guy, I want to continue searching. It just really bugs me that no one out there can tell me for an absolute fact who he is. If he was just on the show 2 or 3 times, that would be different. But I've seen him in the background in so many episodes that you would think somebody, somewhere, out there would know who he is! And if he's alive, I sure wish he would read this, and tell me himself, lol!

[QUOTE=antman67]s4ep78 Happy Days Marion Rebels
http://thumbnails105.imagebam.com/24775/6bdeac247749307.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/6bdeac247749307) http://thumbnails105.imagebam.com/24775/9d2da1247749309.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/9d2da1247749309) http://thumbnails108.imagebam.com/24775/5f6975247749311.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5f6975247749311)
WOW, you have a good eye. I did not even recognize him this time. His hair was different giving him a different appearance. He was not even mentioned in the credits at the end of the show this time.

Yeah, that's MY GUY, lol!!!

I haven't given up on the idea that his name is Michael Dan Wagner, and if it is, may he Rest In Peace. That means he would have died approx. 9 years after Happy Days officially ended. He would have been in his late 30's, or possibly age 40. But until I have confirmation that he's the same guy, I want to continue searching. It just really bugs me that no one out there can tell me for an absolute fact who he is. If he was just on the show 2 or 3 times, that would be different. But I've seen him in the background in so many episodes that you would think somebody, somewhere, out there would know who he is! And if he's alive, I sure wish he would read this, and tell me himself, lol!
Sad if he died so young. I wonder if it is him, and how he died? Illness or car accident? Unless you can reach someone related to the show who remembers him, he may remain a mystery. Also check here:
http://www.death-record.com/d/n/Michael-Wagner

If you can name more episodes with him in them, I'll post more stills of him in this thread for you.

Sad if he died so young. I wonder if it is him, and how he died? Illness or car accident? Unless you can reach someone related to the show who remembers him, he may remain a mystery. Also check here:
http://www.death-record.com/d/n/Michael-Wagner

If you can name more episodes with him in them, I'll post more stills of him in this thread for you.


Thank you, and thanks also for that link. I'll take a look at it. And yes, I've seen several more episodes with him in the show within the last 3 weeks. One of them was called, Graduation, but I can't remember the episode number. It's where Fonzie announces to everyone at a party that he had been going to night school and will be graduating with the rest of the seniors. That episode is kind of confusing though, because my guy is clearly shown in the background dancing with a girl, but in the very next scene, it shows someone who looks like him, sitting on a chair next to a girl, and they look at each other while moving their chairs a little closer. How can he be sitting on a chair and dancing at the same time? It's got to be two different guys, but both of them sure look like 'my guy'. I can't quite figure that one out, lol.

Thank you, and thanks also for that link. I'll take a look at it. And yes, I've seen several more episodes with him in the show within the last 3 weeks. One of them was called, Graduation, but I can't remember the episode number. It's where Fonzie announces to everyone at a party that he had been going to night school and will be graduating with the rest of the seniors. That episode is kind of confusing though, because my guy is clearly shown in the background dancing with a girl, but in the very next scene, it shows someone who looks like him, sitting on a chair next to a girl, and they look at each other while moving their chairs a little closer. How can he be sitting on a chair and dancing at the same time? It's got to be two different guys, but both of them sure look like 'my guy'. I can't quite figure that one out, lol.

http://t.imgbox.com/abf1cO6r.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abf1cO6r) http://t.imgbox.com/abvkqyMy.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abvkqyMy) http://t.imgbox.com/acsRznpP.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acsRznpP) http://t.imgbox.com/adoq8sBu.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adoq8sBu)
WOW! YOUR RIGHT!! There he is AGAIN! GOOD FIND!! Sadly, he was not mentioned in the credit at the end of this episode.

http://t.imgbox.com/abf1cO6r.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abf1cO6r) http://t.imgbox.com/abvkqyMy.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abvkqyMy) http://t.imgbox.com/acsRznpP.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acsRznpP) http://t.imgbox.com/adoq8sBu.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adoq8sBu)
WOW! YOUR RIGHT!! There he is AGAIN! GOOD FIND!!


LOL, thanks! What's strange is that it clearly shows him dancing with a girl, but then it immediately shows the next scene as him sitting in a chair with a different girl!

Oh and there's another episode that I saw him on about a week ago titled, "Joanie's Weird Boyfriend". It's where Joanie sneaks out to a Red Devil's Party. Right at the beginning of the show, the gang is all at Arnold's celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a dance and 'my guy' is shown in the background in a couple of scenes. All of the guys are wearing green hats, and 'my guy' is wearing a green shirt. I really like this episode because it shows how big brother Richie comes to his sister's aid against the Red Devils!

I'm not completely positive about this, but I believe an actor generally has to have a speaking line in order to be credited. If this person never spoke, it's unlikely that he's Wagner.

I'm not completely positive about this, but I believe an actor generally has to have a speaking line in order to be credited. If this person never spoke, it's unlikely that he's Wagner.


That makes sense, and you could be right about that. Thanks for the input!

This is quite the interesting thread!

If you guys keep this up, this fella will become known as "The Ghost of Happy Days". . . . . .

If you guys keep this up, this fella will become known as "The Ghost of Happy Days". . . . . .

LOL LOL LOL!!!

Keep naming the episodes, and I'll keep checking him for the credits and making stills. I think we found a new character that went M.I.A. other than Chuck

HEY! THERE HE IS AGAIN!
http://t.imgbox.com/adiDdj58.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adiDdj58) http://t.imgbox.com/acuANbRu.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acuANbRu) http://t.imgbox.com/abe9G7B8.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abe9G7B8) http://t.imgbox.com/abeQDdd0.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abeQDdd0) http://t.imgbox.com/abca2xCL.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abca2xCL) http://t.imgbox.com/aclnCHNW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aclnCHNW) http://t.imgbox.com/abhu6yLu.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abhu6yLu) http://t.imgbox.com/acwlcG2A.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acwlcG2A)
season 4 episode 68 Happy Days Fonzie's Hero - Potsie saves Fonzies life from a fire and wants to be best buds but is driving him crazy!
I think this is him again right? Y/N?

HEY! THERE HE IS AGAIN!
http://t.imgbox.com/adiDdj58.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adiDdj58) http://t.imgbox.com/acuANbRu.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acuANbRu) http://t.imgbox.com/abe9G7B8.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abe9G7B8) http://t.imgbox.com/abeQDdd0.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abeQDdd0) http://t.imgbox.com/abca2xCL.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abca2xCL) http://t.imgbox.com/aclnCHNW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aclnCHNW) http://t.imgbox.com/abhu6yLu.jpg (http://imgbox.com/abhu6yLu) http://t.imgbox.com/acwlcG2A.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acwlcG2A)
season 4 episode 68 Happy Days Fonzie's Hero - Potsie saves Fonzies life from a fire and wants to be best buds but is driving him crazy!
I think this is him again right? Y/N?

YES! Wow, you did great! I missed seeing him in that one!

He's also in the episode called, "The Evil Eye", Season 6, Episode 124, aired Oct. 31, 1978. It's where Al thinks he's cursed by this old woman, and Richie and the gang set up an exorcism at the Cunningham house. He doesn't show up until about half way into the show, where the kids are at Arnold's, setting up Halloween decorations. In this episode, you only see the back of him, or just the side of his face. But it's definitely him!

ALSO: Episode 132, called, "Smokin Ain't Cool", where Joanie is a part of a girl's social club called the Magnets, and starting to smoke. My guy shows up right at the beginning of the show, at Arnolds, dancing with a girl, then sitting in a booth, and then walking across the room, and then standing behind Richie, while Richie is trying to talk to Joanie, who is sitting with the Magnets.

He is in SO MANY episodes, that he is actually a 'regular' background character!

ALSO: Episode 132, called, "Smokin Ain't Cool", where Joanie is a part of a girl's social club called the Magnets, and starting to smoke. My guy shows up right at the beginning of the show, at Arnolds, dancing with a girl, then sitting in a booth, and then walking across the room, and then standing behind Richie, while Richie is trying to talk to Joanie, who is sitting with the Magnets.

-------


Oh! I forgot to mention that he shows up toward the end of this episode, at Arnolds, dancing with a girl!!

Keep naming the episodes, and I'll keep checking him for the credits and making stills. I think we found a new character that went M.I.A. other than Chuck

I would like to know who he is also but unless he had a speaking role you're not too likely to find him in the credits of any episode. Background characters are rarely (if ever) given on-screen credit unless they have a significant part and just standing around in any particular scene doesn't qualify as significant. The Twilight Zone has it's own background actor by the name of Robert McCord who has been spotted in over 70 of the 156 episodes and he was only credited in 2 because he had speaking roles.

I would like to know who he is also but unless he had a speaking role you're not too likely to find him in the credits of any episode. Background characters are rarely (if ever) given on-screen credit unless they have a significant part and just standing around in any particular scene doesn't qualify as significant. The Twilight Zone has it's own background actor by the name of Robert McCord who has been spotted in over 70 of the 156 episodes and he was only credited in 2 because he had speaking roles.


That makes sense. Instead of checking credits, if someone knows of an email address of someone who might be able to help me, that might be the better way to go. Such as Garry Marshall, or someone like that. I would first like to get email addresses, instead of regular addresses because it's faster, and I just think there's a better chance of someone actually seeing my letter and reading it if it's through email. When it's regular mail, you never know if it will actually get seen by anyone. The two casting directors have passed away, so it's no use there.

ok
I have only seasons 1-4 on dvd. I have to set my VCR to record the Hallmark channel (which they cut 50% of the show for silly commercials) Hopefully he'll have made the cut.
Season 6 Episode 124 The Evil Eye
Season 6 Episode 132 Episode 132 "Smokin Ain't Cool"

Gary Marshall? Try:
I have not been able to find Gary Marshall email but when I searched for him found:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garry-Marshall/112102972139156?rf=106585629377683
http://www.fanmail.biz/7667.html

Maybe contact his daughter Penny?
http://famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/Penny_Marshall/Contact.asp

ok
I have only seasons 1-4 on dvd. I have to set my VCR to record the Hallmark channel (which they cut 50% of the show for silly commercials) Hopefully he'll have made the cut.
Season 6 Episode 124 The Evil Eye
Season 6 Episode 132 Episode 132 "Smokin Ain't Cool"

Gary Marshall? Try:
I have not been able to find Gary Marshall email but when I searched for him found:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garry-Marshall/112102972139156?rf=106585629377683
http://www.fanmail.biz/7667.html

Maybe contact his daughter Penny?
http://famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/Penny_Marshall/Contact.asp


Thank you so much for that info! I'll probably break down and just mail a letter to Garry Marshall, and then just hope he gets it and can help me. First though, I'm going to continue checking to see if there is any email addresses to anyone who may be associated with the show ( remember, I emailed Erin Moran, but I never heard back from her), and if I can't find any, then I will just go ahead and mail Garry Marshall. I'll also check out info on Penny and see if she may have an email address.
Thanks again! Who knows, maybe someday I'll have my answer to share with all of you!

Keep trying anyone from the cast who may or may not know?
Anson, Donny, Ron, Henry Winkler ( I think he's on twitter? https://twitter.com/hwinkler4real) you never know, maybe at least, someone who knows someone. Interesting though, I google all the top stars of the show and NONE of them have their own website except Erin. At least IF they go online, they aren't easy to find, so I dunno?

Gary Marshall? Try:
I have not been able to find Gary Marshall email but when I searched for him found:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garry-Marshall/112102972139156?rf=106585629377683
http://www.fanmail.biz/7667.html

Maybe contact his daughter Penny?
http://famous-relationships.topsynergy.com/Penny_Marshall/Contact.asp

Penny is Garry's sister.

http://i.imgur.com/sSX7jGd.jpg (http://lunapic.com>)

I can't believe it. 'My guy' is in yet another episode that I watched today! He for sure is a 'REGULAR' background character on Happy Days. This episode is called 'Potsie Quits School', Season 6, and it's where Potsie is harassed by the teacher and ends up getting all of the answers right on the test, after Fonzie helps him on how to study, by using music. Most of the scenes take place in the classroom, and 'my guy' is shown in the background with other students. He's wearing a yellow shirt, and there is even a real close up of him when he's right behind Ralph, when Ralph is sharpening his pencil. Since he's in SO MANY episodes, I'm hoping that by writing to Garry Marshall, he'll be able to know who I'm talking about, and remember his name.
I'm going to keep checking for a few more days to see if I can find any email addresses, but then I'm going to give up and send a letter to Garry Marshall, through regular mail, and just hope that he reads it.

http://i.imgur.com/sSX7jGd.jpg (http://lunapic.com>)


LOL, I like that!!

I believe "The Mystery Guy" was in HD til the very end; I have almost the entire series recorded and I've seen him in some Season 10-11 episodes if I'm not mistaken. In those episodes, he obviously looks older and has a mustache. I'll see if I can post some screen caps later.

Originally posted by antman67
Keep trying anyone from the cast who may or may not know?
Anson, Donny, Ron, Henry Winkler ( I think he's on twitter? https://twitter.com/hwinkler4real) you never know, maybe at least, someone who knows someone. Interesting though, I google all the top stars of the show and NONE of them have their own website except Erin. At least IF they go online, they aren't easy to find, so I dunno?


Anson Williams has a Facebook page and he posts regularly in it. You can try and send him a message. Ron and Henry have Twitter pages but I guess they receive tons of messages every day.

Please post some DVR images from the shows you mentioned, because I have just a VCR and the quality is awful. I only have Seasons 1-4 that are available on DVD and don't have anything past that. You have done your homework and identified almost all of the episodes. I wonder if he is in higher episodes Season 7,8,9,10 or 11?

So far we need to make still images from:
Season 6 Episode 124 "The Evil Eye"
Season 6 Episode 132 "Smokin Ain't Cool"
Season 6 Episode 142 "Potsie Quits School"

The rest is up to you. Help us help you. Thank You!

I haven't seen the Hollywood episodes in a while, but an actor named James Daughton is in all three plus a 1974 episode. From his IMDB picture he kind of looks like "our guy".


Since he might have been a background character as late as the last seasons could he be a guy from the crew who just filled in as an extra?

Please post some DVR images from the shows you mentioned, because I have just a VCR and the quality is awful. I only have Seasons 1-4 that are available on DVD and don't have anything past that. You have done your homework and identified almost all of the episodes. I wonder if he is in higher episodes Season 7,8,9,10 or 11?

So far we need to make still images from:
Season 6 Episode 124 "The Evil Eye"
Season 6 Episode 132 "Smokin Ain't Cool"
Season 6 Episode 142 "Potsie Quits School"

The rest is up to you. Help us help you. Thank You!

Hi Antman, I would love to do that but I'm embarrassed to say that I have no idea how to do it. The only reason I was able to get a still image of him combing his hair in the bathroom in my very first post was because I saw it on another site and I saved it to my files of pictures. You've been just absolutely great doing it for me and I really appreciate it, but I understand that you can no longer do it.

I haven't seen the Hollywood episodes in a while, but an actor named James Daughton is in all three plus a 1974 episode. From his IMDB picture he kind of looks like "our guy".


Since he might have been a background character as late as the last seasons could he be a guy from the crew who just filled in as an extra?

Hi Matt! Thanks so much for wanting to help. No, James Daughton is not the guy who I'm talking about. Personally, I don't think my mystery guy was from the crew who filled in as an extra. 'My guy' was a regular background character actor, just like many of the other background character actors in the show. I see 'him' in so many of the episodes because I'm looking just for HIM. But there's also some other background actors who I see on there quite regularly too. Thanks for the help though. I really appreciate it! I really appreciate EVERYONE'S help!! :)

I believe "The Mystery Guy" was in HD til the very end; I have almost the entire series recorded and I've seen him in some Season 10-11 episodes if I'm not mistaken. In those episodes, he obviously looks older and has a mustache. I'll see if I can post some screen caps later.



Anson Williams has a Facebook page and he posts regularly in it. You can try and send him a message. Ron and Henry have Twitter pages but I guess they receive tons of messages every day.


WOW, what a great idea! I didn't know Anson had a Facebook page! In fact, I read your message about an hour ago, and decided to see if I could find his FB page. And I did! I sent Anson a message and hopefully he'll see it and respond back to me! Wouldn't it be great if he does and we finally get this solved?!!! Thanks so much!!!:wave:

Hi Antman, I would love to do that but I'm embarrassed to say that I have no idea how to do it. The only reason I was able to get a still image of him combing his hair in the bathroom in my very first post was because I saw it on another site and I saved it to my files of pictures. You've been just absolutely great doing it for me and I really appreciate it, but I understand that you can no longer do it.

Hit pause on the TV screen and take a photo with your camera then. I want to slam dunk as many pics of this guy as we can. I'm really curious about this Happy Days backround character too. I'll set my VCR and see if I can catch some stills of him but the quality won't be great but will try for you. PM me with Anson's Facebok page. I'd love to check it out. Thanks

WOW, what a great idea! I didn't know Anson had a Facebook page! In fact, I read your message about an hour ago, and decided to see if I could find his FB page. And I did! I sent Anson a message and hopefully he'll see it and respond back to me! Wouldn't it be great if he does and we finally get this solved?!!! Thanks so much!!!:wave:

You're welcome :) . I hope he answers your question. One of the notable things about HD is that it featured the same group of extras for several seasons. It would be interesting to try and find out who some of them are, I know some of them were indeed credited, but that can be discussed in a new thread.

Hit pause on the TV screen and take a photo with your camera then. I want to slam dunk as many pics of this guy as we can. I'm really curious about this Happy Days backround character too. I'll set my VCR and see if I can catch some stills of him but the quality won't be great but will try for you. PM me with Anson's Facebok page. I'd love to check it out. Thanks

I'll try to do that. Unfortunately, I still live in the stone age. I don't take a lot of pictures, so all I have is one of those disposable cameras, and when it's filled up, I have to take it in to be developed. As for Anson's FB page, if you're familiar with FB at all, all you need to do is go to FB and type in Anson Williams, and several pages come up. I looked at all of the pages, but only one shows where he currently shares and posts, so that's the one where I messaged him on. His profile picture shows him sitting in a car. I'm now a follower of his page so anything that he posts on his Timeline also shows up on my news feed. He just made a post on his timeline about 30 minutes ago, and it immediately showed up on my news feed. So I know at least that he goes to his FB page quite often. If he'll read my message and respond back , well, that's a different story. I hope he does anyway.

No response yet from the message I sent to Anson Williams. I have a 1 and 1/2 page letter all written up to Garry Marshall, and if I don't get an answer soon from Anson, I'll just go ahead and send my letter, and HOPE that Mr. Marshall reads it, or his secretary reads it and writes back. Even if he reads it, it may take him time to get back to me. I don't care if it takes a lot of time before anyone writes back, but I just hope somebody does. I always worry that letters don't always make it into the right hands, and then they just get lost or trashed. But I'm going to at least try. Again, I'm going to give it a few more days, and if I don't get an answer soon, then my letter will be mailed.

I'm really curious to see if Anson or Gary remembers him. So long ago, I doubt it but you never know?

I'm really curious to see if Anson or Gary remembers him. So long ago, I doubt it but you never know?

I know. I thought of that too, but, oh well, it's worth a try!

Just found this thread, this is pretty interesting lol

WOW, what a great idea! I didn't know Anson had a Facebook page! In fact, I read your message about an hour ago, and decided to see if I could find his FB page. And I did! I sent Anson a message and hopefully he'll see it and respond back to me! Wouldn't it be great if he does and we finally get this solved?!!! Thanks so much!!!:wave:

I saw him sitting next to Fonzie the other day on the show..Why not email Henry Winkler and see if he knows who he is?

I saw him sitting next to Fonzie the other day on the show..Why not email Henry Winkler and see if he knows who he is?


Thanks! I hadn't thought of that. I'll see if I can find an email address for Henry.

I actually have had to put all of this on the back burner because of some personal issues that has come up recently. I haven't even sent the letter out to Garry Marshall yet. I need to get the personal things taken care of first, and then I'll get back to this. But be rest assured, if I ever DO find out who this guy is, I will definitely let everyone here know! You all have been so helpful, and I appreciate all of the responses! And of course if anyone finds out the answer, please share it! :)

Kathy

I've been wondering who this guy is as well. I see him all the time on HD (though surprisingly, never saying a word of dialogue).

Yeah! Okay everyone, I finally found out who this guy is!!! I just got an email from a very nice gentleman who lives in Melbourne Australia. He actually saw my question on the TV.com Happy Days Forum ( not the one from here), and he replied on the forum, plus emailed me. The guy who I'm been trying to find out is Mickey Wheatley and he was born in June of 1955. He was an attorney for many years, and is an activist in the gay and lesbian rights movements. In 2005, he was in a horrible motorcycle accident which almost took his life. So he is now disabled and retired. He has a Face Book Page. Just look up the name MICKEY WHEATLEY on Face book, OR, do a Google Search, and his name will show up.

I am just SO elated to finally know the answer to my question! And of course I emailed the gentleman to thank him for the info!

Just wanted to let you all know! Thanks again to all of you who tried to help!
Kathy

Congrats! I am glad someone knew!

Yeah! Okay everyone, I finally found out who this guy is!!! I just got an email from a very nice gentleman who lives in Melbourne Australia. He actually saw my question on the TV.com Happy Days Forum ( not the one from here), and he replied on the forum, plus emailed me. The guy who I'm been trying to find out is Mickey Wheatley and he was born in June of 1955. He was an attorney for many years, and is an activist in the gay and lesbian rights movements. In 2005, he was in a horrible motorcycle accident which almost took his life. So he is now disabled and retired. He has a Face Book Page. Just look up the name MICKEY WHEATLEY on Face book, OR, do a Google Search, and his name will show up.

I am just SO elated to finally know the answer to my question! And of course I emailed the gentleman to thank him for the info!

Just wanted to let you all know! Thanks again to all of you who tried to help!
Kathy

How or who got Michael Dennise Wagner (shown below)
http://t.imgbox.com/adv5oTcW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adv5oTcW)
from MICKEY WHEATLEY ??
Talk about swing and a miss from the credit department on the Happy Days show. WOW! Here he is: https://www.facebook.com/mickeyjwheatley
Very little info on his FB page though

How or who got Michael Dennise Wagner (shown below)
http://t.imgbox.com/adv5oTcW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adv5oTcW)
from MICKEY WHEATLEY ??
Talk about swing and a miss from the credit department on the Happy Days show. WOW! Here he is: https://www.facebook.com/mickeyjwheatley
Very little info on his FB page though

I guess it really depends on what you mean by very little. If you go to his FB page, and click on 'ABOUT', and then at the bottom of that, click on, 'SEE ALL', it does share when his birthday is, where he lives, what he did for a living, what happened to him in 2005, and things that he's involved in. Ironically, his profile picture( the one with him in the bathroom at Arnolds), he shared it on his FB page right about the same time I started my search for him. I think it was back in March. He has 2 pictures that he shares with the public, and the one with him in the bathroom, he actually has several of his friends commenting on that picture.

Anyway, like I said, I'm just really glad to finally find him, and I have that gentleman from Melbourne Australia to thank for that!!! :)

Kathy

i think i liked it better NOT knowing who he is or what happened to him. Sometimes solving a mystery is no where near as exciting as the mystery itself.

i think i liked it better NOT knowing who he is or what happened to him. Sometimes solving a mystery is no where near as exciting as the mystery itself.


I understand what you're saying, and normally I would agree with you. But I'm thinking of it differently. I'm glad to find out who he is and what he's been doing with his life since Happy Days. After all, that's the reason why I started the thread. I wanted to get some info on him. Of course I didn't know until now what kind of life he had lead after Happy Days, but since I couldn't find anything on him, I just pretty much thought that he was either dead, or he had just blended in with the rest of society. But to find out that he went to law school and became an attorney, is, to me anyway, quite an accomplishment. It's an accomplishment for anyone who does that. He's definitely has had a pretty interesting life. More interesting than mine, LOL!

I guess it really depends on what you mean by very little. If you go to his FB page, and click on 'ABOUT', and then at the bottom of that, click on, 'SEE ALL', it does share when his birthday is, where he lives, what he did for a living, what happened to him in 2005, and things that he's involved in. Ironically, his profile picture( the one with him in the bathroom at Arnolds), he shared it on his FB page right about the same time I started my search for him. I think it was back in March. He has 2 pictures that he shares with the public, and the one with him in the bathroom, he actually has several of his friends commenting on that picture.

Anyway, like I said, I'm just really glad to finally find him, and I have that gentleman from Melbourne Australia to thank for that!!! :)

Kathy

oops! your right. on FB go to his page, click on about, but what I didn't see was click on (SEE ALL) for more:
About Mickey
Same Old Me
Queer man; Gay man
The Newest Me
Moved to Phuket, Thailand about seven years ago to open a restaurant with my Thai boyfriend. Just before we were ready to open, on December 9, 2005, I had a serious motorcycle accident that almost killed me from bleeding in my brain. I was unconscious for six weeks. Couldn't walk at all for six months. Was pretty much in bed watching TV during those last years. I have lost about 98% of my senses of taste and smell. In the last yearish, I've begun exercising again, now bike ride almost daily with my buddy, Maeo.
http://t.imgbox.com/acdv0A8M.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acdv0A8M)
Wish there were more pix of him though.....

I think we had more fun trying to solve the mystery, then when the illusion was revealed we lost all our steam. He gave a wonderful treasure hunt I will say.

How or who got Michael Dennise Wagner (shown below)
http://t.imgbox.com/adv5oTcW.jpg (http://imgbox.com/adv5oTcW)
from MICKEY WHEATLEY ??
Talk about swing and a miss from the credit department on the Happy Days show. WOW! Here he is: https://www.facebook.com/mickeyjwheatley
Very little info on his FB page though

I wonder if he just used a "stage name" so he could be a member of the actors union?

Here is more information that I have obtained through the gentleman from Australia:
He wrote, " When I get a bit of time, I am going to go through my files and give you the names of the 'background stock company' of actors. One particular episode that I remember where I learned their names (as many were uncredited), is 'The Graduation Part 2' from the 4th season. When Dick Van Patten calls out the names of the grad recipients at the ceremony, it is the real names of those uncredited actors. I'll get back to you on this".
------------------------------------------------------------------

He also went on to say that when doing a Google search, he came across this article: ( this was from some time ago)

"Gay Civil Right Attorney Mickey Wheatley advised Gregory never to speak with me alone, so nearly all of our conversations over the last few weeks were mediated by Wheatley. The 41 year old lawyer grew up in Los Angeles and was, oddly enough, a bit regular on Happy Days--he played one of the kids who hung out a Arnold's all of the time. Since then, he has represented more than 30 alleged victims of sexual harassment and has also worked with national gay-rights groups. Quoted as saying, "Before I had even passed the bar, I was doing { media} interviews", he brags. More recently, his name has surfaced in the gay press because he's representing a group of D.C. gay bars charged with sex violations".

I know this thread is old, but I saw something very interesting today while watching Happy Days. In the episode The Graduation Part 2, when the diplomas are being handed out, "Your Guy" is handed his diploma and the Assistant Principal actually says his real name, Mickey Wheatley, as he announces his name as he receives the diploma.

I know this thread is old, but I saw something very interesting today while watching Happy Days. In the episode The Graduation Part 2, when the diplomas are being handed out, "Your Guy" is handed his diploma and the Assistant Principal actually says his real name, Mickey Wheatley, as he announces his name as he receives the diploma.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, and thanks for sharing that information! The gentleman from Australia who told me the name a few months ago had also told me about that episode, and I've been waiting---and waiting---and waiting for it to come on, so I could watch it. It hasn't been on. Just as soon as I read your post, I went to my TV to do a search, to see if The Graduation Part 2 might be coming up soon, and at least through the end of September, there's no listing for it. How did you get to be so lucky? :lol: Anyway, I hope it will be on sometime so I too can see it! Thanks for sharing!
Kathy

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi, and thanks for sharing that information! The gentleman from Australia who told me the name a few months ago had also told me about that episode, and I've been waiting---and waiting---and waiting for it to come on, so I could watch it. It hasn't been on. Just as soon as I read your post, I went to my TV to do a search, to see if The Graduation Part 2 might be coming up soon, and at least through the end of September, there's no listing for it. How did you get to be so lucky? :lol: Anyway, I hope it will be on sometime so I too can see it! Thanks for sharing!
Kathy

Kathy,

The episode is on the Season 4 DVD so you buy it if you can't wait.

Kathy,

The episode is on the Season 4 DVD so you buy it if you can't wait.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, I may do that if it doesn't come on soon. Maybe I'll buy it for myself as an early Christmas present, lol. Thanks.
Kathy

http://t.imgbox.com/acyuRoTd.jpg (http://imgbox.com/acyuRoTd)
Is he the guy playing the piano too?

http://t.imgbox.com/aciFMaHC.jpg (http://imgbox.com/aciFMaHC)
Here is a still image of them handing him his diploma

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks, I may do that if it doesn't come on soon. Maybe I'll buy it for myself as an early Christmas present, lol. Thanks.
Kathy

I uploaded the Mickey Wheatley from Happy Days Diploma scene for you here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEzAmTC0rqA
I hope the video remain online long enough for you to view it.
YouTube is on the WAR PATH removing all copyright material so enjoy!

Why was his last name changed in the credits like that?

Jack

I uploaded the Mickey Wheatley from Happy Days Diploma scene for you here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEzAmTC0rqA
I hope the video remain online long enough for you to view it.
YouTube is on the WAR PATH removing all copyright material so enjoy!
I remember reading somewhere (possibly this forum) that when they announced the graduating class they used their real names (the extras). I guess it IS TRUE!

Just googled myself and was shocked to find anyone asking after me. If you have questions, I'm at mickeyjwheatley@outlook.com.

Hi Mickey, welcome to the board! :wave:

Just googled myself and was shocked to find anyone asking after me. If you have questions, I'm at mickeyjwheatley@outlook.com.


Hi Mickey! It was me who started this thread, and I feel really honored that you replied!! :) With the help of some really nice people, I was able to find out your name! The only way I knew you replied is, I got an email saying that you did! Otherwise, it might have been months before I even came back to this forum! Thanks so much for the contact info. I will contact you sometime! Oh, and welcome to the board! :wave:
Kathy

I remember reading somewhere (possibly this forum) that when they announced the graduating class they used their real names (the extras). I guess it IS TRUE!

I just realized that I forgot to thank you for sharing this video! My apologies to you. You, and so many others, were great in helping me find out who Mickey Wheatley is! Thanks again! :)

He kind of looks like a young Benedict Cumberbatch. But I know it can't possibly be him. Not helpful, I know.:crazy:

EDIT: Never mind. It seems you found him. Congrats!

http://thumbnails109.imagebam.com/32318/4f2ae9323177137.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4f2ae9323177137) http://thumbnails111.imagebam.com/32318/100aab323177140.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/100aab323177140) http://thumbnails111.imagebam.com/32318/bdba18323177141.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/bdba18323177141) http://thumbnails109.imagebam.com/32318/4397c6323177142.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/4397c6323177142) http://thumbnails112.imagebam.com/32318/5939f9323177145.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/5939f9323177145) http://thumbnails109.imagebam.com/32318/fdf819323177146.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/fdf819323177146)
I think I just him again in episode "s4ep84 Happy Days Fonz How Inc" He was wearing the red jacket and uncredited in the ending titles.

http://thumbnails109.imagebam.com/32324/2ce9e8323232780.jpg (http://www.imagebam.com/image/2ce9e8323232780)
Another Mickey Wheatley sighting s4ep82 Happy Days The Physical