This iconic Hollywood actress overcame the challenges of a troubled marriage and fully embraced life as a single mother. She was determined that “nothing” would stand in her way.
This beloved TV star, who turns 96 on October 25, 2024, is most recognized for her memorable role in the classic sitcom “Happy Days,” where she graced the screen for all 11 seasons. However, she has traveled far beyond that iconic chapter in her career, overcoming numerous personal challenges.
The actress on the set of “Happy Days,” 1975 | Source: Getty Images
Despite her personal struggles, this star was resilient and soon got a role that would forever change her life. Playing Marion Cunningham, the warm and loving mother on “Happy Days,” wasn’t a stretch for her, as the character closely mirrored her compassionate nature.
When she landed the part, she was having a tough time. The opportunity to portray Marion was life-altering for the actress, who had dreamed of becoming an actress since childhood.
The actress on the set of “Happy Days,” 1974 | Source: Getty Images
The role defined her career and became one she would always cherish. Reflecting on the show’s success, she expressed her gratitude, “It was even beyond my dreams. Who knew that we would become an American legend?”
The actress, born in Watertown, Minnesota, moved several times during her childhood before settling in Albert Lea. At 13, she changed the spelling of her name from “Marian” to “Marion” because she believed it would look better on a marquee.
The actress on the set of “Happy Days,” 1982 | Source: Getty Images
Feeling unnoticed as a child, she explained in a 2018 interview that this sense of invisibility fueled her ambition. “I didn’t get any attention. But inside, there was somebody screaming, ‘Look at me!’ That makes you become an actress,” said the veteran star.
Her desire to be seen and heard carried into adulthood, and at 21, she surprised her parents by eloping with fellow actor Freeman “Effie” Meskimen in 1951. The couple had two children, Jim and Ellen Meskimen, but their marriage was far from ideal.
The actress and Ellen Ross attend Fifth Annual Mother-Daughter Fashion Show on March 27, 1986, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The mother of two candidly described her husband as “an unmotivated, moody drinker,” reflecting the difficulties she faced during that time.
The actress detailed her marital woes in her 2018 memoir, “My Days: Happy and Otherwise.” She opened up about her turbulent relationship with Freeman, describing how their outwardly stable life masked deeper struggles.
The actress visits the SiriusXM Studios on April 4, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite Effie holding a steady job and the family appearing settled, the pressure to support her children and take on every role available weighed heavily on her. She admitted, “our life […] never gave me the feeling that now things would be the way I had always wanted them to be.”
Over time, she realized that Freeman was a “functioning alcoholic.” The actress explained how he drank every evening until he passed out yet still managed to wake up early, read the paper, and go to work, seemingly functioning well.
