By Kayla DeKraker
Actor Bill Daniels, perhaps better known as Mr. Feeny on BOY MEETS WORLD, is about to celebrate his 99th birthday.
“I’m a kind of amazed frankly that people still love BOY MEETS WORLD and I especially feel proud when teachers tell me they were inspired by George Feeny,” the actor told ABC news, recently reflecting on people’s continued love for Mr. Feeny.
As far as his 99th birthday party, he said, “The family is getting together. Our family from New York are coming in, and we’ll have a nice birthday party.”
Daniels’ wife Bonnie Bartlett chimed in, saying, “We have one son and his family. And they’ll all [get] together.”
Bartlett also reflected on her husband’s iconic career.
Related: BOY MEETS WORLD’s William Daniels and Wife Bonnie Bartlett Share Secret to 70-year Marriage
“It’s kind of incredible, but I understand it because of the characters he has played, and he has brought to life such a marvelous people,” she said. “You know, Mr. Feeny, John Adams, even Dr. Craig is marvelous, even though he’s a cranky old guy. But he brings to life, [and] he puts something very real and honest and wonderful into these characters, and that’s why they last so long.”
She added, “Bill is able to take that. He’s able to take good writing and make it even better.”
Last year, Daniels told PEOPLE of his legendary role, “I’m very aware of the respect people have for my character, George Feeny. I hear it at conventions, in cameo requests. So I hope to use that authority as a teacher and mentor to help protect young people.”
In a post to his Instagram, Daniels shared the news of his upcoming birthday.
“99 years and the party keeps going! Grab yourself a cupcake and join the festivities in our online shop — we’re celebrating with $99 hand-signed Feeny tee shirts and free shipping on all orders of $99 and up. Offers valid through March 31st (my birthday, don’t forget!),” he wrote.
People in the comment section celebrated Daniels.
“Happy Birthday @mrbilldaniels! I’ve been inspired by you since I was 4 years old!” one fan said. Another added, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR MR. FEENY SIR. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Daniels and Bartlett are a rare gem in Hollywood. The couple has spent over 75 years together. In a sweet post to Instagram on Valentine’s Day, Daniels shared, “Bonnie and I have had a lot of fun playing fictional couples on ST. ELSEWHERE and BOY MEETS WORLD, but our favorite role is being real-life partners for over 75 years!”
Daniels’ life and career exemplify the impact that a good actor who portrays wholesome values can have on generations to come.
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