Erin Moran: From 'Happy Days' To Not-So-Happy Days

By | September 7, 2018

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Left: Tom Bosley, Erin Moran, and Scott Baio on 'Joanie Loves Chachi.' Right: Erin Moran publicity photo cfrom 1983. Source: IMDB; Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images via Getty Images

For Erin Moran, performing on Daktari, Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi made her one of the most famous child stars and young television actresses of her day. Unfortunately, Moran's story ended like that of too many child actors who struggle to sustain their careers into adulthood -- with financial misfortune and, ultimately, tragedy. Though fans of Happy Days and her other work were shocked to learn of her death in 2017, she left behind a TV legacy that continues to be enjoyed to this day thanks to the enduring appeal of Happy Days.

Erin Moran's Promising Career

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Erin Moran with castmates from 'Happy Days.' Source: Photo by ABC Photo Archives - © 2007 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. via IMDB

Erin Moran, as we all know, became quite popular through her child role on Happy Days as little Joanie Cunningham. Unlike the majority of most actors and actresses, she began acting at quite an early age. Her first exposure to acting was in a commercial for a bank at the age of five years old.