William Daniels, the esteemed actor renowned for his iconic portrayal of Mr. Feeny on the classic television series 'Boy Meets World,' is celebrating his remarkable 99th birthday with a heartfelt appeal to his devoted fanbase. In a video shared across his social media channels ahead of his March 31 birthday, Daniels expressed deep appreciation for the connections he has fostered through the personalised video service Cameo.
A Heartfelt Message from a Beloved Star
"Over the years, I've enjoyed connecting with fans and friends through Cameo and at various events," Daniels stated in the video, his voice warm and familiar. He added, "Thank you for keeping me young. Keep it up," before delivering his signature line in character as Mr. Feeny: "Class dismissed." The video, posted on Monday, was captioned with a note of gratitude: "Hard to believe I'm turning 99 tomorrow! I'm so grateful that staying connected with my fans has been so fulfilling in my later years. While I'm taking a pause on long-distance travel, I'm still available on Cameo!"
Staying Active and Engaged
Daniels has been an active participant on Cameo since 2019, where fans can request custom video messages starting at $195 each. He recently appeared at San Diego Rocket Con earlier this month and Pasadena Comic Con in January, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to public engagements. In an interview with People magazine, Daniels reflected on the platform's impact: "I do hundreds of cameos every year, and that feels good. It allows me to perform, which demands a certain amount of energy and focus. I think that's good for me. I like being productive."
Celebrating a Milestone Birthday
The actor, who resides in Los Angeles, shared with Today that he planned to celebrate his 99th birthday surrounded by family, including his wife of 75 years, Bonnie Bartlett, their two sons, and their families. When asked for his secret to a long and happy life, Daniels emphasised the importance of regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, keeping the mind sharp, and cultivating a sense of gratitude. "I think the most important thing you should know is that I am very lucky," he told NBC's morning show. "I've been able to work and keep active and have a sense of purpose. I was on 'Boy Meets World' until I was 73 years old!"
A Storied Career in Entertainment
Beyond his beloved role as the wise teacher and principal Mr. Feeny across all seven seasons of the nineties sitcom, Daniels boasts a distinguished career. He won an Emmy Award for his performance as Dr. Mark Craig on the medical drama 'St. Elsewhere' and famously voiced KITT, the intelligent car driven by David Hasselhoff in the action series 'Knight Rider.' Before his television success, Daniels starred as founding father John Adams in the original Broadway production of the musical '1776,' which depicts the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He later reprised the role in the 1972 film adaptation, showcasing his versatility across stage and screen.
As he enters his centennial year, William Daniels continues to inspire with his enduring passion for performance and connection, proving that age is no barrier to staying engaged with fans and pursuing one's craft.
