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TMZ: Anson Williams of 'Happy Days' Files for Divorce from Jackie Gerken for 2nd Time in a Year

Odette Odendaal
By Odette Odendaal
Jun 11, 2020
08:09 A.M.

"Happy Days" star Anson Williams returns to court for the second time in less than a year to divorce from his wife of over three decades, Jackie Gerken.

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Gerken and Williams started building their lives together back in 1988. Now several decades and children later, legal proceedings reportedly got started for the second time to end their marriage.

Anson Williams attends the 14th annual official Star Trek convention on August 6, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images.

Anson Williams attends the 14th annual official Star Trek convention on August 6, 2015, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images.

WHEN HE FILED THE FIRST TIME

The 70-year-old actor first filed for divorce on September 11 last year, but less than a month later, on October 1, Williams had the filing dismissed.

On Wednesday, Williams reportedly went to file divorce papers for the second time at the California Superior Court and cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split.

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Anson Williams and wife Jackie Gerken attend The National Conference of Christians and Jews Gala on October 16, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Anson Williams and wife Jackie Gerken attend The National Conference of Christians and Jews Gala on October 16, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images.

FOR THE LOVE OF HIS DAUGHTERS

After the first filing, Williams wanted to split legal and physical custody of their kids, and he reached out with some clarification on the matter and said at the time:

"Despite best efforts to work things out or make allowances, and as difficult as it is, sometimes you have to do what's best for everyone."

Portrait picture taken of Anson Williams circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images.

Portrait picture taken of Anson Williams circa 1974. | Source: Getty Images.

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Gerken and Williams' oldest daughter, Hannah, had long left the home and made her own life at the age of 27, but the couple still had another four daughters at home when he underwent surgery for colon cancer back in 2017. Shortly before his surgery, Williams gushed:

“Hannah is 27, she works for Buzzfeed. I have four daughters at home from 19 years old to 10. Three are black belts.”

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WHAT MADE HIM FAMOUS

Williams became famous as the iconic character Potsie Weber on "Happy Days" that became very popular during its eleven-season run from 1974 until 1984. While the role earned Williams a Golden Globe nomination, he went on to become a very successful Hollywood director.

Acting credits aside, Williams worked as a director on shows like "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Melrose Place," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," and "Beverly Hills: 90210."

INTERESTING FAMILY MEMBERS

Interestingly, Williams has an uncle that became famous for the invention of something amazing. When someone chokes, a technique called the Heimlich maneuver can be used to dislodge the stuck item. His uncle, Dr. Henry Heimlich, invented the technique.

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Apart from working for Buzzfeed, Anson Williams' grown-up daughter Hannah Williams followed in her father's footsteps in the sense that she also creates content for YouTube.

Called "the world's okay-est mom" by her three children, she is happily married to Matt Gruber and speaks her mind about topics involving parenting and the freedom and accessibility to information to the younger generations.

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