He was quite expressive in several interviews about his disappointment towards the direction the show went after the first few seasons as more storylines revolved around the Fonz and his superhuman powers. Watching the last couple seasons with him, he appeared to just phone it in. I think Ron was just ready Ron to move on regardless how soon he would’ve became a director.

Staying on a tv show for 7 years is a very long time. It’s not surprising he would have gotten bored of doing same thing for so long.

Imagine if the Fonzie had not been the huge breakout character BUT the show was still a good success. Richie would have been the focus and had a more specific character arc. Very possibly the show would have ended with him graduating College or sooner.

I can see where that would happen. I know I am beyond burned out from my job.

He was the big star. I'm sure he was disappointed.