‘Happy Days’ Star Marion Ross Gives Advice on How to Live Into Your 90s
Marion Ross played the mother you wished you had as Mrs. Cunningham on Happy Days. Prior to Happy Days, she started her career back in the 1950s and has continued to work steadily, also known for her role as Gran Lorelai “Trix” Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, Eric’s grandmother in That ’70s Show, and even Grandma Squarepants in a few episodes of Spongebob Squarepants. Ross recently turned 95 years old on Oct. 25, 2023, and has a lot to celebrate.
Ross said that she feels “very lucky” to be 95 and have a successful life and career to look back on. While she admitted that it was probably easier to become a famous actor back in the days of contract players’ systems, she still believes that she is extremely lucky to have captured the roles that she did.
20th Century Fox Film Corp./Everett Collection
Ross is now retired and said her goal is to make it to 96 years old! In terms of advice for those who want to live to be over 90, she said the goal is to “keep a positive attitude and enjoy every day!” These days, she enjoys time with her family and friends including her two children that followed in her footsteps. Her daughter Ellen Kreamer is a writer and television producer who worked on Friends while her son Jim Meskimen is an actor.
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Ross also keeps her TV family close. She said that she bonded with Ron Howard when they worked together on Happy Days and they still keep in touch to this day. A star she wishes she could still talk to? The late Gavin MacLeod, who passed away in 2021. She shared, “We were friends for years when I married him on ‘The Love Boat.’ He was the kindest man. Before he died, he asked his pastor to check on me from time to time… and he does.”
Happy birthday, Marion!
1970s Fall TV
September 2023
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