‘Happy Days’ Marion Ross Celebrates 98th Birthday as Son Shares Heartfelt Tribute

Happy Days star Marion Ross — who played Marion Cunningham in the ’70s and ’80s sitcom — just celebrated her 98th birthday. And her son, Jim Meskimen, shared a touching poem he wrote for the actress on her big day.

On Sunday, October 25, Meskimen, 67, took to Instagram with a carousel of photos featuring himself, Marion, and other family members through the years. “Happy Birthday, Mama, 98!” he wrote alongside a red heart emoji.

The featured image showed Meskimen smiling while standing and leaning over to pose with his mother, who was seated. A birthday banner and balloons were visible in the background.

In the comments, Marion’s former Happy Days costar, Henry Winkler, notably shared a string of fire emojis. Others pointed out how great she looks at nearly 100, with one writing, “No way! She looks so much younger than 98! Happy birthday to her!”

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A post shared by Jim Meskimen (@jimpressions)

Winkler, 80, also posted a birthday tribute on X, writing, “Marion is my friend, was an extraordinary acting partner. Marion is so wise, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO you. You are a loving human.”

Marion is my friend , was an extraordinary acting partner , Marion is so wise and HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO you, You are a loving Human

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) October 25, 2026

Additionally, Meskimen posted a video on Instagram of himself reading a poem he wrote for his mother’s 98th birthday. He said he read to Marion during a brunch with his wife, Tamra Meskimen, his daughter, Taylor, and his in-laws.

‘Today, we gladly mark the date as worthy to commemorate the birth of our dear Marion as she turns ninety-effin’-eight,” Meskimen said. “No one today would hesitate to say her contributions great to lives both near and quite far-flung, from Sydney to the Emirates.

He added, “Born way back in ’28, this actress planned her bold escape from Midwest proletarians she simply couldn’t tolerate. She splurged on urges to create and entered Paramount’s tall gate, snubbing authoritarians and anyone who would negate.”

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A post shared by Jim Meskimen (@jimpressions)

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Meskimen concluded, “‘In Happy Days, she demonstrates formidable maternal traits and happily still she carries on to this grand day we celebrate. So if we were to calculate our love for her at 98, the total would rise on and on, impossible to exaggerate. Happy birthday, our dear Marion. Thank you for your caring and the love and joy you cultivate. Congrats on ninety-effin’-eight.’”

According to Meskimen, Marion called the poem “wonderful.”

Happy Days aired for 11 seasons from 1974 to 1984. In addition to Ross and Winkler, the sitcom starred Ron Howard, Tom Bosley, Erin Moran, Anson Williams, Don Most, Al Molinaro, and Scott Baio, among others.

Happy Days, streaming on Pluto TV and Paramount+