Anson Williams built second career due to low sitcom pay

Actor Anson Williams revealed during an interview that his music career began as a financial necessity. He explained that his earnings from 'Happy Days' were significantly lower than current TV salaries.

Williams discussed with fellow actors David Cassidy and Barry Williams about their off-screen income from music, which inspired him to pursue his own singing career.

After speaking with show creator Garry Marshall, Williams was given the chance to perform on the show. Marshall asked him to sing to a bulldog as a test, which he passed.

The performance led to increased interest, and Williams was given creative control over the music on the show. This eventually led to a major agent and a decade of booking at state fairs.

Williams noted that his music career became more profitable than his acting work and provided a new life experience. Marshall later praised him for finding an opportunity to benefit the show.

During the show's run, it experienced a decline in ratings but was saved by switching to a live audience format, which helped it reach No. 1 in the world.

Marshall encouraged Williams and his co-stars to use their platform for good, a philosophy that continued to influence his work in film and television.