Anson Williams, known as Warren “Potsie” Weber from “Happy Days,” revealed he just got married at 73.
His friend he often calls “brother,” who was also his series co-star, served as his best man during the ceremony.
After beating cancer, he devoted his life to his family and lives in a small farm town.
Anson Williams is most popularly known for starring as Warren “Potsie” Weber in the American sitcom, “Happy Days”—a somewhat gullible yet good-hearted singer who entertained the audience throughout the show’s 11 seasons.
The iconic role became integral to Williams’ career and earned him three Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Series, Miniseries, or TV Film, and Best Supporting Actor. But recently, the actor has been in the news for a completely different reason.
Williams, 73, is a happily married man after tying the knot with Sharon MaHarry on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The lovely and dreamy wedding ceremony occurred in his own yard, marking an important milestone in the actor’s life.
In addition to a rocky love life, Williams endured a harrowing health battle.
The TV icon looked dapper in a black suit, which he paired with a light blue dress shirt and a gray patterned tie. He also wore a boutonniere on the jacket’s lapel and finished his look with black spectacles.
On the other hand, Williams’ bride looked stunning in a full-sleeve floor-length lace gown comprising a boat neck and full skirt. She let her short blonde tresses down, with some of her hair pinned away from her face, and held a lovely flower bouquet.
The newlyweds beamed joyfully as they eternalized their love surrounded by their loved ones. Williams, who once ran for mayor of Ojai but was unsuccessful, wed MaHarry at a private residence in the seaside town of Los Angeles.
The couple’s wedding ceremony took place in the groom’s lush green and spacious yard, adorned with colossal flower and plant pots. Bright lights were hung from trees to create a mesmerizing effect and make the occasion even more special.
Friends and family watched in awe as MaHarry’s daughter walked her down the aisle to marry the love of her life. A romantic tune played in the background as the bride and groom vowed to stay together for the rest of their lives.
According to his Facebook profile, Williams got engaged to MaHarry on April 3. Throughout the ceremony, he wore a bright, warm smile that perfectly encapsulated his happiness. Williams’ best man was none other than his series co-star, Don Most, who played Ralph Malph on “Happy Days.”
The two men share a phenomenal bond that dates back to their time on the show. Williams considers Most a great friend and refers to him as his “brother.” The duo’s heartwarming connection has stayed strong over the years.
When Williams shared photos from his big day on social media, many fans noticed Most’s presence and left messages of appreciation and support for him and the newlyweds.
“Congratulations!!! What a beautiful bride and I love your best man! He’s still got it!” wrote one user. “Anson you both look amazing. I haven’t [seen] you smile like that in a long while. God Bless you both,” commented another netizen.
Meanwhile, the happy groom, who couldn’t contain his excitement while looking at his gorgeous bride, captioned his Facebook post, “A magical moment in time.”
Williams was said to have met his better half in the winter of his life and knew she was the one meant for him. After surviving a terrifying health ordeal and seeing his marriage of 30 years come to an end, he still believes, “It’s never too late to get it right!”
MaHarry has been running a successful career as a seasoned real estate agent and has also dabbled in advertising and writing. She holds a degree in English from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia.
Earlier, she served as the senior vice president and creative director at Young and Rubicam Advertising Agency in New York. She has also written the book, “Crazy Mama: A Memoir of Love and Madness.” She has one daughter, Lindsay, who works as a journalist in Los Angeles.
Williams married MaHarry in Ojai, California, a small town where he moved in 2011 to enjoy a quiet, peaceful life. Talking about his decision to leave Los Angeles at the time, the “Melrose Place” alum expressed how he wanted his kids to live in a fail-safe community.
Back then, he only went to Ojai occasionally or on weekends but fell in love with its people and ambiance. Gradually, Williams started visiting the place more often with his family and moved there permanently.
In addition to falling in love with Ojai’s loving community and safe environment, the place reportedly offered Williams a tranquil respite from his personal woes. He further mentioned:
“I owe a lot to Ojai for that, for my health, my sanity, and the ability to move forward.”
Williams has been married twice before—he tied the knot with Lorrie Mahaffey in 1978 and called it quits in 1986. His second marriage was to Jackie Gerkens, and after staying together for over three decades and sharing five kids, there was trouble in paradise for the duo. Initially, they broke up but changed their minds soon after and decided to give their relationship another chance.
The duo first ventured on the divorce road in September 2019; however, a month later, Williams was reportedly in court to file for a dismissal. However, nine months later, things turned odd, and the couple finally divorced in 2020.
In addition to a rocky love life, Williams endured a harrowing health battle. A little before Christmas 2016, he received his Stage 2 colon cancer diagnosis.
Soon afterward, he had two surgeries and stayed in the hospital for three weeks. Not only did he emerge victorious in his battle against the life-threatening condition, but he also gained a new perspective on life.
After understanding his purpose for living, Williams said he developed a newfound love and appreciation for his family, including his children and grandchildren. He expressed:
“I always knew I loved them, and they were important, but now it’s at a whole new level.”
Today, Williams is a doting grandfather to four grandkids and a married man, and we hope he continues to celebrate life and create precious memories!
I Woke up with a Stranger’s Baby in My Arms and a Note in Her Little Hands
They say miracles come when you least expect them. But as I sat in the park, drowsy from another failed fertility treatment, I never imagined waking up with a newborn baby in my arms and a note in her tiny hands that would shatter my world into a million pieces.
Some days change your life forever. For me, it was an ordinary Tuesday in September when my world turned upside down. I’m Grace, 35 years old, and for eight years, my husband Joshua and I have tried desperately to have a child. We’ve endured countless treatments, shed more tears than I can count, and watched our dreams slip away month after month…😔💔
A woman holding a plastic doll of a newborn baby | Source: Midjourney
That afternoon, I had just left another disappointing appointment at the fertility clinic. Dr. Rivera’s words still echoed in my head, “I’m sorry, Mrs. Thompson. The latest round wasn’t successful.”
The drive home was a blur. I pulled over twice, unable to see through my tears. As if mocking my situation, the radio played a commercial for diapers, and I had to turn it off.
Eight years of this emotional rollercoaster had taken its toll on both of us. Joshua and I barely talked about it anymore, the silence between us growing with each failed attempt.
A sad woman in a car | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t face going home right away.
Joshua would be there, trying to be strong for both of us, and I couldn’t bear to see the hope die in his eyes one more time.
So I went to Riverside Park, our quiet haven in the chaos of the city.
“Just need to clear my head,” I mumbled to myself, settling onto a sun-warmed bench. The medication always made me drowsy, and before I knew it, my eyes were drifting closed.
A wooden bench in a park | Source: Unsplash
The gentle cooing of pigeons and the distant laughter of children must have roused me from my medication-induced slumber.
As my eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the late afternoon sun, I realized everything had changed.
In my arms was a sleeping newborn baby girl, swaddled in a pale yellow blanket. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming.
A baby swaddled in a pale yellow blanket | Source: Midjourney
“Oh God, oh God!” I jerked upright, trying not to jostle the infant even as panic seized my chest. My eyes darted wildly around the park. “Hello? Please, is anyone there? This baby… whose baby is this?”
That’s when I noticed the note, clutched in her tiny fist like a lifeline. With trembling fingers, I carefully unfolded the paper. The handwriting was rushed, almost frantic:
“Her name’s Andrea. I can’t take care of her anymore. Now she’s yours. Forgive me for everything. Don’t look for me. You’ll never find me. Take care of her. Goodbye.”
A woman holding a piece of paper | Source: Midjourney
My heart was pounding so hard I could barely breathe.
Next to the bench was a diaper bag, packed with everything a newborn would need — formula, diapers, a few onesies, and even a small stuffed rabbit with a pink bow.
I fumbled for my phone, nearly dropping it as I dialed Joshua.
“Grace? Aren’t you supposed to be at the clinic?” he was alarmed.
“Josh, I need you. Now. Something’s happened. Someone left a baby with me in the park. She was… she was just sleeping in my arms. I don’t know what to do.”
A woman holding a phone | Source: Unsplash
There was a long pause. “Don’t move. I’m coming right now.”
“Josh, I’m scared,” I whispered, looking down at the peaceful face of this mysterious baby. “What if someone’s looking for her? What if something’s wrong?”
“Stay calm, honey. I’ll be there in ten minutes. Just… just keep her safe.”
While I waited, I couldn’t help but study the little one’s perfect little face. She couldn’t have been more than a few weeks old. Her skin was so soft, her tiny pink fingers curled into fists. Despite the insanity of the situation, something in my heart felt… weird.
A baby fast asleep | Source: Unsplash
An elderly woman walked by, smiling at us. “What a beautiful baby,” she said. “How old is she?”
My throat tightened. “Just a few weeks.”
“Treasure every moment,” she advised. “They grow up so fast.”
If only she knew.
An older lady talking to a young woman | Source: Midjourney
Joshua’s car screeched to a halt at the park entrance fifteen minutes later. He ran toward us, his face brimming with confusion and concern.
“Oh my God,” he whispered, staring at the sleeping little angel. “Is this real?”
“I don’t know what to do,” I said, tears finally spilling over. “We need to go to the police, right?”
A startled woman | Source: Midjourney
He nodded, running a hand through his hair, a nervous habit I knew well. “Yeah, we do. But first, is she okay? Does she need anything?”
As if on cue, Andrea began to stir, her face scrunching up. Before she could cry, I found myself swaying her gently, the way I’d always imagined I would with our own baby.
“Shh, it’s okay, little one,” I whispered. “We’ll figure this out.”
Grayscale of a woman holding a baby | Source: Unsplash
Joshua watched us, confused and happy at the same time. “You look so natural with her, Grace,” he said softly.
“Don’t,” I warned. “This isn’t… we can’t think like that. We need to do the right thing.”
He nodded, but I could see the longing in his eyes. The same longing I’d been fighting all these years.
“Let’s go to the police station,” he said finally. “They’ll know what to do.”
A sad man | Source: Midjourney
The police station buzzed with activity. As officers pored over security footage from the park, I noticed the face of the woman who abandoned the baby was frustratingly blurry, thwarting attempts to identify her.
Meanwhile, social services were notified, and I found myself repeating my story countless times.
“No, I didn’t see anyone… Yes, I was asleep… The note was in her hand when I woke up…”
A kind officer named Brooke brought us coffee and a bottle of milk for Andrea. “You’re doing the right thing,” she assured us. “We’ll figure out where she belongs.”
A lady police officer smiling | Source: Pexels
Through it all, I couldn’t let go of Andrea. She needed a diaper change, and Officer Brooke directed me to a small bathroom.
That’s when everything changed again.
As I carefully changed the baby’s diaper, I saw it — a small, distinctive birthmark on the inside of her thigh.
My heart stopped.
It was identical to Joshua’s, the same mark I’d traced with my finger countless times over our years together.
A woman changing a baby’s diaper | Source: Pexels
The world turned upside down. And memories flashed through my mind. Joshua working late last year, the strange calls he’d take in another room, and the distance that had grown between us.
I walked back out to the waiting area on shaky legs. Joshua was talking to an officer, his back to me.
“Josh,” I called out. “I need to show you something.”
In a quiet corner of the station, I showed him the birthmark. The color drained from his face in an instant.
A stunned woman | Source: Midjourney
“Is there something you need to tell me?” I asked, my teary eyes boring into his. “Are you hiding something from me, Josh?”
He sank into a chair, head in his hands. “Grace, I… I can explain.”
“Then explain.”
“Remember last year, when I was working late on the Miller account?” He couldn’t meet my eyes.
“Tell me… I’m all ears.”
An anxious man | Source: Midjourney
“There was this woman, Kira. She was going through a divorce, and we started talking. She knew about our struggles to have a baby…”
“Did you sleep with her?”
His silence was answer enough.
“It was just a few weeks,” he finally confessed. “We ended it. I never knew she was pregnant. I swear, Grace, I had no idea.”
A romantic couple in bed | Source: Pexels
I felt like I was underwater, everything muffled and distant. “While I was taking hormones and going through painful procedures, you were having an AFFAIR?”
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I never meant for any of this to happen.”
I looked down at Andrea, still sleeping peacefully, unaware of the chaos she’d brought into our lives.
“How could you do this to us?” I cried, staring at Joshua… the man I loved. And trusted unconditionally.
An emotional woman | Source: Midjourney
“I was lost,” he said, his eyes pleading. “Watching you go through all those treatments, seeing how much pain you were in… I couldn’t handle it. Kira was just… there.”
“And now her baby… your baby… is here. With us.”
The DNA test later confirmed what we already knew. Andrea was Joshua’s daughter.
Close-up of a newborn baby | Source: Unsplash
That night, in our too-quiet house, with Andrea asleep in a hastily purchased bassinet, I finally broke down.
“Do you know what it’s been like? Everyone questioning why I couldn’t give you a child. The pitying looks. The suggestions to ‘just relax and it’ll happen.’ And all this time while you…”
Joshua reached for me, but I backed away. “Don’t. Just… don’t.”
A heartbroken woman | Source: Midjourney
“I know I messed up, Grace. But please, can we try to work through this? For Andrea’s sake?”
I looked at the sleeping baby. Despite everything, my heart swelled with love for her. She was innocent in all of this.
“I don’t know how to forgive you,” I admitted.
“I don’t know how to forgive myself,” he replied.
A distressed man | Source: Midjourney
Days turned into weeks. We started therapy, trying to rebuild what was broken. Some days were harder than others.
My sister thought I was crazy for staying. “He cheated on you, Grace! File for divorce!”
But as I held Andrea each night, watching her tiny chest rise and fall, I knew it wasn’t that simple. Love rarely is.
A woman carrying a baby | Source: Pexels
“I don’t know if I can ever trust you again,” I told Joshua one evening as we sat on opposite ends of the couch.
He nodded, his eyes glistening. “I understand. But I’m not giving up on us.”
It’s been months since the stormy revelation of my husband’s affair and the baby that resulted from it. As I rock Andrea to sleep every night, I realize that life doesn’t always follow the path we imagined. Sometimes it takes unexpected turns, bringing us gifts wrapped in challenges.
A heartbroken man holding his head | Source: Midjourney
Yes, Joshua betrayed me, and that pain won’t fade overnight. But looking down at this precious little girl in my arms, I know I can’t walk away. Not from her, and maybe not from us either.
Healing takes time. Trust needs to be rebuilt, slowly and steadily. But as Andrea’s tiny fingers wrap around mine, I feel a glimmer of hope. Perhaps this isn’t the family we planned for, but it’s ours now. And maybe, just maybe, we can find our way to a new kind of happiness… one day at a time.
Grayscale of a woman holding a baby | Source: Pexels
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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