Linda Purl’s Latest Ventures and Reflections on ‘Happy Days’

Linda Purl was recently seen in Los Angeles picking up a birthday cake and groceries. Purl, known for her role in ‘Happy Days’, celebrated her 71st birthday this week. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, she played Ashley Pfister, Fonzie’s fiancée on the iconic sitcom. She also portrayed a different character who dated Richie Cunningham, played by Ron Howard, in an earlier season.

Apart from ‘Happy Days’, Purl starred in ‘Matlock’, playing the daughter of Andy Griffith. She also had a role on ‘The Office’ as Pam Beesley’s mother. Currently, she is in a relationship with ‘Dallas’ actor Patrick Duffy. They have been together since 2020, reconnecting during the pandemic.

Continuing her acting endeavors, Purl remains active with roles in ‘General Hospital’, ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, and the movie ‘Hollywood Grit’. She recently released a new album, ‘From My Heart’, which features classics from the Great American Songbook. Additionally, she is starring in the off-Broadway play ‘Crazy Mama’, directed by her former ‘Happy Days’ co-star Anson Williams.

“The play is directed by my dear friend of many decades now, fellow actor, Anson Williams,” she told BroadwayWorld.

Purl and Duffy also started a sourdough bread company aimed at combating food scarcity, donating all profits to related efforts. Initially a small operation, their bread is now available in over 2,300 Kroger stores across the country, significantly increasing their charitable contributions.

Reflecting on her time in ‘Happy Days’, Purl noted it was one of her first jobs in Los Angeles. She shared her experiences auditioning and eventually rejoining the cast as a different character. Describing the set as a place filled with friendship and laughter, she emphasized the strong bonds formed with her fellow cast members.