Un-Happy Days: RIP Tom Bosley

Tom Bosley passed away today at 83 years old. I was genuinely saddened by this news and I’m not sure why. I don’t have any claim to have ever met Mr. Bosley and I know nothing of his life off-screen. In fact, when it comes down to it, my opinion of him is largely formed through a relatively constant TV stream of ‘Happy Days‘. Still, I believe his gentile appearance, friendly face, soft-edged reasoning and amiable approach to being the head of the Cunningham household was probably a true reflection of his real personality. Bosley never had to try to be Howard Cunningham; he was Howard Cunningham.

He was an inspiration to Dads and kids everywhere, especially when you consider that he won the on and off-screen affections of the Fonz. I think what upset me, was that a little nugget of my childhood passed on today. His character is rare in our popular culture and he represented a degree of loyalty and understanding that even as a kid was obvious to me. During the 11 years that Happy Days ran for, he sort of unknowingly brought up his co-actors around him in character. In-fact, reading the eulogies on the net today, it appears that they felt the same way. His career is chock-full of Santas, Grandad’s, Dad’s, old salts, Vicars and other folk who are generally rather jocular in their daily activities. I bet Bosley never played a villain. Ever.

Time for a long-earned rest, Tom.