William Daniels, best known for his role as the beloved teacher Mr. Feeny on the iconic television show *Boy Meets World*, is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone—his 99th birthday on March 31. Reflecting on his long and successful marriage to actress Bonnie Bartlett, who is 96, Daniels shared insights into their enduring relationship, which has spanned nearly 75 years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/bonnie-bartlett-william-daniels-hallmarks-home-and-family-universal-city-042825-e4593cd6f8ee4cc29626b55a181d8179.jpg)
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Daniels attributed the longevity of their marriage to their shared commitment to one another. “I think the main reason why we’ve been married for 75 years is because we never seriously considered being with anyone else,” he explained. “So we had to work things out. You know?” Their union, which began on June 30, 1951, stands as the longest active marriage in Hollywood.
Despite the outwardly idyllic portrayal of their relationship, both Daniels and Bartlett have openly discussed the challenges they faced over the years. In her recently published memoir, *Middle of the Rainbow*, Bartlett revealed that their early years were marked by struggles, including a brief phase of an open marriage. She candidly shared, “I never felt guilty about extramarital affairs, because I never felt tied to fidelity, and neither did Bill.” However, their relationship faced a turning point when Bartlett discovered Daniels had an affair with a producer in the early 1970s, leaving her “devastated.” This experience prompted her to re-evaluate the boundaries of their marriage.
Despite these complications, the couple managed to navigate their difficulties, which Bartlett credits to their ability to “grow up together” and adapt to the changes in their relationship over the decades. Both Daniels and Bartlett have developed a supportive routine that focuses on their health and well-being. They exercise together regularly, with Daniels recounting, “We have a trainer who works with us twice a week. I used to swim about 45 minutes almost every day. I did that well into my 80s.”
As his birthday approaches, Daniels expressed excitement about reuniting with family to celebrate the occasion. He shared that his two sons, their wives, and four grandchildren would gather together, stating, “Half of our family lives on the East Coast, so it’s great to have everyone in one place.” Although he anticipates slicing into some birthday cake, he dismissed the idea of hosting a large party.
In addition to family gatherings, Daniels continues to maintain connections with his former colleagues from *Boy Meets World*. He frequently attends fan conventions, which have taken him as far as Texas. Recently, he had a heartwarming reunion with co-star Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga, during her appearance on *Dancing with the Stars*. This reunion highlighted the mentor-mentee bond they shared during their time working together, with Fishel noting how Daniels made her feel like a professional at just 12 years old.
Fishel recounted a touching moment from the show’s finale, reflecting on the significant impact Daniels had on her life. “I will never forget you. You were more of a father to me than my own dad,” she told him in that pivotal scene, encapsulating the deep connection they forged during their years on the show.
Daniels also enjoys socialising with former co-star Ed Begley Jr., with whom he starred in the critically acclaimed medical drama *St. Elsewhere*. The duo regularly meets for breakfast, further illustrating Daniels’ enduring friendships in the industry.
As he approaches his 99th birthday, Daniels’ reflections on life, love, and friendship serve as a reminder of the importance of commitment and resilience in relationships. With a legacy that extends beyond television screens, William Daniels continues to inspire with his lifetime of experiences and lessons drawn from both his professional and personal life.