My Days: Happy and Otherwise

Written by Marion Ross, Ron Howard and David Laurell

Narrated by Marion Ross, Ron Howard, David Laurell and 8 more

For eleven seasons, Marion Ross was head of one of America’s favorite television households. Now meet the lovable real-life woman behind the Happy Days mom . . .

Before she was affectionately known to millions as “Mrs. C.,” Marion Ross began her career as a Paramount starlet who went on to appear in nearly every major TV series of the 1950s and 1960s—including Love, American Style, in which she donned an apron that would cinch her career. Soon after came the fateful phone call from producer Garry Marshall that made her an “overnight” success, and changed her life . . .

In this warm and candid memoir, filled with loving recollections from the award-winning Happy Days team—from break-out star Henry Winkler to Cunningham “wild child” Erin Moran—Ross shares what it was like to be a starry-eyed young girl with dreams in poor, rural Minnesota, and the resilience, sacrifices, and determination it took to make them come true. She recalls her early years in the business, being in the company of such luminaries as Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, and Noel Coward, yet always feeling the Hollywood outsider—a painful invisibility that mirrored her own childhood. She reveals the absolute joys of playing a wife and mother on TV, and the struggles of maintaining those roles in real life. But among Ross’s most heart-rending recollections are those of finally finding a soulmate—another secret hope of hers made true well beyond her expectations.

Funny, poignant, and revealing—and featuring Garry Marshall’s final illuminating interview—as well as a touching foreword from her “TV son” Ron Howard, and a conversation with her real-life son and daughter, Marion Ross’s story is one of inspiration, persistence, and gratitude. It’s also a glowing tribute to all those who fulfilled her dreams—and in turn, gave us some of the happiest days of our own lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Mar 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781543613926

Marion Ross

Born in Minnesota, actress Marion Ross made her film debut in 1953’s Forever Female, starring Ginger Rogers and William Holden. After working steadily in movies and television, she became famous for playing Mrs. C. on the iconic sitcom Happy Days, which aired from 1974-84, and for which she received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Since then, she has worked on such series as The Drew Carey Show, Touched by an Angel, Nurse Jackie, and The Middle. Ms. Ross has two grown children and lives in California.

Reviews for My Days

[Kristin Eller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sincere, unguarded, and engaging. Marion (Marian) Ross shares deeply personal, and heartwarming memories. This is one of my favorite books, as with any great memoir, it is read by the person who lived the story. Marion Ross reads it as if she is having a conversation with you. If I was able to, I would have given it 10 stars.

[Ellen Hanes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

That was a fun read. It’s a delightful easy read

[Steven Stankevitz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was fantastic. Could put it down. Such a great person. Thanks. Steve

[knahs_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Autobiography of Happy Days "mom" Mrs. C shows how determination to stick to a path will get you where you want to go eventually despite hardships and detours. Enjoyed reading about her days at the film studios and encounters with the likes of Clark Gable, William Holden, Cary Grant, and others. The comments by the cast of Happy Days were great to read. I would have liked it if she had included a photo of her husband, Freeman Meskimen, as I wanted to see what he looked like.