Marion Ross seen in very rare snap as she celebrates her 97th birthday

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https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...-birthday.html

By SHARON MAI, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

Published: 19:59 EDT, 27 October 2025 | Updated: 20:01 EDT, 27 October 2025

Happy Days star Marion Ross made a rare appearance while celebrating her 97th birthday in a new snap shared by her son Jim Meskimen on Saturday.

Meskimen, who is also a famous actor and comedian, posted a sweet Instagram tribute and shared a glimpse at how the famous actress celebrated her birthday.

In one photo, the TV star — who is beloved for playing Marion Cunningham on the hit 70s sitcom Happy Days — could be seen blowing out the candles on her cake.

The actress sat in front of the colorful confection and in front of many birthday cards on display in the background.

Meskimen wrote in his caption: 'My mom and yours, Marion Ross, turns 97 today! She loves you, too!'

Many fans took to the comments section to extend happy birthday wishes to the TV legend, and her Happy Days co-star Henry Winkler also took to social media to share a gushing tribute.

He reposted a photo of Ross celebrating her 95th birthday two years earlier and penned a sweet note to his former castmate.

'A magnificent woman, artist and friend,' he wrote. 'HAPPY B DAY Marion ... love, Henry.'

Ross, who starred for 11 seasons from 1974 to 1984 as Marion Cunningham on ABC's Happy Days, previously opened up about living in a beach community in San Diego County in California with her kids in close proximity.

Ross's iconic acting career started in 1953 but it wouldn't be until two decades later when she landed her legendary role of Mrs. C and America's mother with her role in Happy Days.

The actress's long career began over 70 years ago when she made her debut in the film Forever Female, starring Ginger Rogers and William Holden.

That same year, she made her television debut when she played an Irish maid on the series Life with Father and the following year starred as Ginny Thorpe in popular show The Lone Ranger.

She then went on to appear on the silver screen in a slew of movies with stars including James Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Clark Gable, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Cary Grant and Tony Curtis.

But what really thrust Ross into the spotlight was the hit sitcom Happy Days, starring alongside co-stars Henry Winkler aka The Fonz, Ron Howard who played Richie, Erin Moran who played Joanie, and Anson Williams who played Potsie.

After Happy Days ended in 1984 she became a regular on The Love Boat and starred in the critically acclaimed comedy Brooklyn Bridge as well as recurring roles on The Drew Carey Show, That '70s Show and Gilmore Girls.

She was also the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants's grandmother.

Back in November 2019, Ross joined her former sitcom stars for a special reunion at the Garry Marshall Theatre's 3rd Annual Founder's Gala in LA.

Marshall, who created Happy Days and several spin-offs including Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, passed away in 2016 at the age of 81.

Ross walked the red carpet with Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Don Most and Anson Williams as they were honored at the fundraising event.

She previously told Remind magazine that she felt 'very lucky' to live such a long life and enjoy such a withstanding, successful career.

While sharing advice for others who want to live over age 90 like her, she told the outlet in 2023: 'Keep a positive attitude and enjoy every day.'