His role as Warren “Potsie” Weber on Happy Days not only earned Anson Williams a Golden Globe nomination, but it also secured him a spot in TV sitcom history alongside costars such as Ron Howard and Henry Winkler. Williams—whose character was the primary frontman for the band that Potsie, Ralph, and Richie played in on the show—even released his own pop hit, “Deeply,” which cracked the Billboard Hot 100 chart during the series’ heyday.
In his post–Happy Days days, Williams successfully moved behind the camera, becoming an in-demand director for such hits as Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, Charmed, Lizzie McGuire, 7th Heaven, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, in which he once winkingly appeared as Potsie during a fantasy sequence.
Here, he reveals his favorite things about the Golden State, from its wide range of outdoor adventures to its relaxing and therapeutic indulgences.
Where do you live? After living in Malibu for 30 years, I moved to Ojai. While I miss the beach and beautiful ocean views, I’m thriving in the mountain air, the easy pace, and unbridled joy of always being able to find a parking space.
Why there? I was battling colon cancer, had survived a botched operation followed by a brutal round of chemo, and just needed a place to heal. Ojai is famous for its spiritual vortex, and I wanted to reclaim that part of myself.
Who or what is your greatest California love? The diversity of the state, its people, its landscape. Where else can you surf and ski in the same day?
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? The media tend to push the narrative that we’re a bunch of nut jobs. We’re much more moderate and fair-minded than people realize.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? It’s as beautiful as the imagery in people’s minds.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? A weekend at the Malibu Beach Inn.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? We'd leave Ojai, head to San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara where JFK and Jackie spent their honeymoon for a spectacular dinner at the Stonehouse and overnight at one of their iconic cottages. The next day, hit the road to San Luis Obispo for a crazy, surreal night at the Madonna Inn where we sleep in The Cave Room. To recover from all that, we stop for lunch at the historic Nepenthe restaurant in Big Sur, known for its 1960s vibe and breathtaking views. Then, we push on along the craggy coastline to our final destination: Esalen, where we can enjoy a week of the world’s finest massages and hot tubs fed by natural hot springs that pour out of the side of a cliff. Ahh!
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch. Their dinners and brunches are exquisite—the best service in the state.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Walking along Carbon Beach in Malibu with my beautiful wife and two shih tzus, illegal wine glasses in hand.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I do my shopping sprees on Amazon from my comfy California home.
Best California song? “Surfin’ Safari” by The Beach Boys. I started surfing when I was 13 years old. Listening to The Beach Boys in the car in the pre-dawn darkness got me ready to catch my first wave of the day.
How would your California dream day unfold? Waking up to my beautiful wife on a sunny California morning, making a great cup of coffee, playing with our shih tzus, and holding onto the joy of this moment the rest of the day. This is dreaming big for me.