Anson Williams, Potsie of TV comedy ‘Joyful Days,’ seeks a nonfiction function – Mayor of Ojai

The Fonz was fishing in Idaho when he heard the information. Potsie Weber was fascinated with operating for mayor of Ojai. You’ve bought my vote, Henry Winkler informed him. Good luck.

Richie Cunningham heard the information on social media and let his pal from “Joyful Days” know he was in his nook. No matter you want, Ron Howard stated. Simply let him know. Donny Most, Ralph on the present, chimed in, too. Go for it, he stated.

It’s been virtually 40 years since they had been the celebs of one of the vital fashionable reveals on TV, and when it resulted in 1984 after a 10-year run, they made a pact to remain shut and be there for each other.

And now, Williams, 72, — lovably naïve Potsie Weber, Richie’s greatest good friend on the present — was doing simply that. He crossed out the final title on the record of the individuals he liked and trusted for recommendation, and walked over to Metropolis Corridor to throw his hat within the ring. He signed the papers two weeks in the past. It was official, he was operating for mayor of Ojai.

Williams has been residing on this quaint city of seven,637 residents (2020 U.S. Census) in Ventura County for nearly 4 years now — escaping the massive metropolis and all the private {and professional} upheaval he was going by means of after being recognized with colon most cancers, which he says he’s beating.

“I used to be in a nasty, damaged place, and this little neighborhood wrapped it arms round me,” Williams stated once we talked this week. Now, he desires to wrap his arms round Ojai. Pay it again.

Image Mayberry, he says, solely with 900,000 vacationers a 12 months stopping by the sheriff’s workplace to see Andy and Opie. It might get slightly crowded in Ojai, and overwhelming, he says. Unsustainable tourism, he calls it.

That’s a key phrase in his marketing campaign. How a lot is sufficient? When does tourism overwhelm a neighborhood relying on tourism {dollars} to pay the water payments and defend it from hearth throughout the scorching, summer season months? How do you do this and likewise defend the standard of life for the individuals who reside there?

He thinks he has the solutions, however so does the present mayor, instructor Betsy Stix. That’s the primary rule of operating for political workplace. Vote for me, I’ve the solutions. The second rule is slightly trickier. It’s a must to persuade the voters of that.

Williams shouldn’t be fairly positive but if that little little bit of fame he carries round with him is a assist or hindrance.

“You get individuals you’ve by no means met and don’t know you, however have already outlined you,” he says. “They suppose you’re Hollywood, and it’s a must to persuade them you’re not. It’s going to take a whole lot of work, however I’m wanting ahead to it.

“I inform them I’m 5’10, weigh 168 kilos, I’m a Democrat, and I’ve by no means lived in Hollywood,” he laughs. His resume since “Joyful Days” consists of performing, directing, enterprise ventures and being an outspoken proponent of an eco-friendly life-style.

To most individuals, although, he’ll all the time be Potsie from 1957.

“‘Joyful Days’ is a present that retains getting generations of latest followers, so I do get acknowledged,” he says. “The present by no means will get previous as a result of it’s all the time been previous. We went on the air in 1974, however had been set within the Fifties.”

He credit Garry Marshall, the creator and govt director of “Joyful Days” and a string of many profitable TV reveals, for taking a solid of younger actors nonetheless moist behind the ears, and giving them sound recommendation.