Happy Days star Donny Most's alternative career — see him then and now


The former actor played jokester Ralph Malph on the sitcom for seven seasons


Donny Most as Ralph Malph in Happy Days© Disney General Entertainment Con
Hannah Hargrave
Hannah HargraveUS Deputy Editor
2 minutes ago
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Donny Most may be forever frozen in time as red-headed teen, Ralph Malph, in Happy Days, but more than four decades after leaving the show, he completely reinvented himself. 

Viewers of the sitcom knew him as the witty jokester who was always trying to be as cool as the Fonz

As it turns out, his alternative career after his Happy Days success might just make him that!

Ron Howard, Anson Williams, Donny Most and Henry Winkler on the set of Happy Days© Disney General Entertainment Con

Donny as Ralph

Ralph the Mouth

Donny quickly became a fan favorite with his signature catchphrase; "I still got it," and his nickname, Ralph the Mouth. 

He had brilliant comedic timing and became the ultimate sidekick. 

But Donny originally auditioned for the role of Richie Cunningham — which went to Ron Howard — however after seeing him perform, producers created a new role for him. 

Pictured, bottom left: Marion (Marion Ross) and Howard (Tom Bosley), the parents of Joanie (Erin Moran), Richie (Ron Howard, bottom right) and Chuck (original actor Gavan O'Herlihy, top right, was replaced by Randolph Roberts in 1974, before Chuck went to college and was never seen again). Richie's friends were Ralph (Donny Most, top left) and Potsie (Anson Williams, top center). Henry Winkler (center, right) played Fonzie, who moved into a small apartment over the Cunningham garage.  (Photo by Bob D'Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)© Disney General Entertainment Con

A born performer

Donny's acting career

When he left the show in 1980, he'd starred for seven seasons but was ready to pursue other projects. 

Donny worked steadily as a versatile actor and director, appearing in shows like Star Trek: Voyager and Murder, She Wrote, and he had a recurring role in Glee. 

But he eventually discovered his true love wasn't acting.

Tough break© Disney General Entertainment Con

Donny was a goofball on the show

Tough break

Donny initially found it difficult after the success of Happy Days to carve out an acting career away from his goofy character. 

He feared being type cast but fortunately found himself success on the stage too, and admitted theatre was a "life saver."

But he eventually discovered his true love wasn't acting. 

Donny performing in a band with the other Happy Days cast on the show

His ultimate passion was somewhere else

First love

Donny always had a passion for music and he released a bubblegum pop record at the height of his Happy Days fame. 

He also performed vocals in several episodes of the show as his character was part of a band with Potsie, Richie and Chachi.

Donny Most from Happy Days with white hair and suit© Getty Images for Princess Cruise

Never too old!

Swinging into his second act

In 2016, Donny switched to swing music and a year later began touring in a show called "Donny Most Sings and Swings," performing a host of '50s hits with a seven-piece backing band.

Donny Most with his wife Morgan© Getty Images

He's a family man

Groovy grandpa

Just ahead of his 70th birthday, Donny had huge success with his full-length album "New York High," proving it is never too late to pursue your dreams.

He's been married to his wife Morgan Hart since 1982. They are proud parents and grandparents, even relocating from Los Angeles to Colorado to be closer to their family.

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