‘The Brady Bunch’: Why Choosing Between ‘Happy Days’ and ‘M*A*S*H’ is ‘Tough’ for Barry Williams
During an interview earlier this year, Barry Williams of “The Brady Bunch” fame was asked to pick between two classic television shows. Unsurprisingly, he had a difficult time making a decision. But in the end, he made his choice.
This impromptu quiz took place when Williams appeared on MeTV Tampa Bay. He was interviewed by media personality Mike Deeson.
“We’re going to play a game called, ‘This Or That,’” Deeson explained to Williams. “And the question is – these are all shows that are on MeTV – and Barry we want to know which is your favorite of the two.”
Later, Deeson got to the question that Williams described as “tough” to answer.
“Now remember, these shows are all on MeTV – and just great shows. Brings back such good memories – ‘Happy Days’ or ‘MAS*H’?”
Maybe this isn’t a fair choice to ask “The Brady Bunch” star to make. “Happy Days” and “MAS*H” are two very different shows, after all. One is a comedy set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the 1950s and 1960s. The other, while oftentimes very funny, had more dramatic elements and took place in an Army hospital during the Korean War of the early 1950s.
On the other hand, appearing on a classic television show might just give one an advantage in making such a choice. Either way, Williams had to give the matter some thought. It was a “tough” decision.
‘The Brady Bunch’ Star Barry Williams Called ‘M*A*S*H’ ‘Groundbreaking’ But Chose Another Show as His Favorite
“Boy I tell you, that’s tough,” Williams said during the interview. “Because ‘MAS*H’ was such an important show, right? It was really groundbreaking. Television was turning around.”
In the end, “The Brady Bunch” star selected “Happy Days.” The reason behind his choice? Friendship.
“However, I have many friends, this man included, in ‘Happy Days.’ And again – I think there’s a theme here with the family thing – but this guy, he really took over the airwaves,” Williams said as he held up a picture of Henry Winkler in character as “The Fonz” from “Happy Days.”
Mike Deeson agreed with that assessment of the level of fame Winkler reached thanks to his role on the beloved sitcom. “He dominated,” the host said.
“He and Ronnie Howard and the whole gang really did a terrific job,” Williams also said. “Donny Most, Anson Williams and they were just terrific. So, I’m going to go with ‘Happy Days.’”
Barry Williams was also asked to choose between “Gunsmoke” and “The Waltons” during the interview. Then, he was given another choice between “Bonanza” and “The Rifleman.”
In addition to being asked to choose his favorite classic television shows, Barry Williams also shared details about “The Brady Bunch” during his appearance on MeTV.” One story involved the animated version of the show. Another dealt with the famous episode where Marcia’s nose is broken by a football.
