Tom Bosley, Howard Cunningham of 'Happy Days', Dies at 83

As reported by Fox News, Tom Bosley, who played Howard Cunningham on "Happy Days," died of heart failure on Tuesday. Bosley, 83, was also battling lung cancer and passed away at a hospital near his Palm Springs home.

Set in the 1950s and filmed in the 1970s, the TV show "Happy Days" intermingled old-fashioned standards with modern ideals. In 2004, TV Guide ranked his Howard Cunningham character at No. 9 on its list of the "50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time."

As Howard Cunningham, Bosley was a careful balance of a tough man's man and a loving father and husband. This was often evident in his one-on-one discussions with his son. He tried to empathetically listen to his son's teenage woes, but could not understand why his son did not simply go with the flow. Still, he managed to impart a broad bit of fatherly wisdom to help his son find his own way to the right choice.

His rare clashes with wife Marion, played by Marion Ross, were particularly poignant as the couple navigated traditional gender roles and changing times. The two gave the appearance of a traditional '50s couple, but Marion also explored interests outside the home and tried a part-time job with Howard as her supportive, loving and evolving husband.

Bosley played many memorable roles in film and on television. Before the "CSI" and "Law and Order" franchises dominated the airways, less gory mysteries were popular. During the 1980s and 1990s, two classics, "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Father Dowling Mysteries," starred Bosley. Jewish in real life, he played the title role of Father Dowling, the crime-solving Catholic priest.

Perhaps best known as the all-American dad on "Happy Days," Bosley also deserves recognition for contributing to the existence of today's popular prime time animated shows. He once again played the common-sense dad faced with changing social mores in the 1970s prime time animated series "Wait Till Your Father Gets Home."

A clear precursor to shows like "The Simpsons," "King of the Hill" and "Family Guy," the animated series, meant for an adult audience, gently pushed the envelope by featuring controversial themes of the day, such as, the draft, Communism, hippies and women's lib. The catchy theme song and nostalgia factor make it Netflix-worthy.

From playing Mimi's dad on "The Drew Carey Show" to his role in 2010's "The Back Up Plan," Tom Bosley was an entertainment staple with a special screen presence unmatched by anyone.

Sources:
'Happy Days' Dad Tom Bosley Dies, FoxNews.com
"Tom Bosley, Mr. C on Happy Days, Dies at 83", TVGuide.com
Tom Bosley, IMDB.com