Their marriage didn’t begin with sparks of romance. It nearly fell apart due to betrayal. It was saved by a move across the country. But today, after 73 years together, William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett are still one another’s greatest love story.
Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels celebrating their win at the Emmy Awards in Pasadena, California, on September 21, 1986. | Source: Getty Images
In a world where Hollywood marriages are often short-lived, theirs has withstood the storms. From two young acting students to beloved faces in American pop culture, their journey hasn’t been flawless — but it’s been real.
A Love That Started on Stage
William Daniels — known to millions as Mr. Feeny in Boy Meets World, Dr. Craig in St. Elsewhere, and the voice of KITT in Knight Rider — met Bonnie Bartlett at Northwestern University, where both were studying drama.
William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett photographed in 1986. | Source: Getty Images
Their first encounter? Awkward, funny, and unforgettable. Daniels recalls hearing a voice in class that caught his attention. When he turned, he saw a lovely blonde — Bonnie.
William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett photographed at Sardi’s Restaurant in New York on April 13, 1986. | Source: Getty Images
After class, he asked her out. She joked, “You’re too short,” but agreed to have coffee. What he didn’t know then? She’d already noticed him. She’d heard he had been on Broadway and was quietly following him around campus.
From the very beginning, their connection was built on shared ambition, respect, and a deep love for acting. “There was never any jealousy,” Bonnie said. “We were happy when the other one was working.”
William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett filming “St. Elsewhere” in 1987. | Source: Getty Images
That mutual encouragement would become the backbone of a marriage that had to survive serious trials.
Infidelity, Grief & Growing Up Together
Their early years were far from idyllic. They both admitted their relationship wasn’t fueled by romantic fantasy. “We got married for convenience,” Bonnie wrote in her memoir. “It was mental, physical — but not dreamy.”
William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett of “St. Elsewhere” photographed in 1987. | Source: Getty Images
They married in 1951. Daniels later said he might not have graduated without Bonnie’s support.
But during their time in New York, the marriage began to crack. Both had affairs. “There was a lot of sex, a lot of freedom, but not enough commitment,” Bonnie said. “It was painful.”
Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels on the set of “St. Elsewhere” circa 1987. | Source: Getty Images
She had a brief affair in 1959. Years later, Daniels had an emotional relationship with a producer — a betrayal that deeply hurt her. Yet despite the pain, they didn’t walk away.
“I was always the one threatening to leave,” Bonnie admitted. “And Bill would just say, ‘You’re crazy about me. You’re not going anywhere.’”
Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels at the NBC Affiliates Party on June 2, 1987, at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Their struggles weren’t just emotional — they also endured unimaginable tragedy: the loss of one of their sons. The pain could have destroyed them. But instead, it changed them.
A New Life in California
They eventually moved to California with their surviving children, hoping to reset their lives — and it worked.
William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett at the cocktail party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade on January 22, 1989, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
“Hollywood saved our marriage,” Bonnie said. “We finally lived like a normal family. Weekends with the kids, dinners at home, just being together — that changed everything.”
With time, they found their rhythm. The pain didn’t disappear, but it shaped a new kind of love — one grounded in patience, honesty, and commitment.
“It takes years to build a real partnership,” Bonnie reflected. “You have to adapt, to put the other person first. You grow up together. That’s what we did.”
Seventy-Three Years Later…
Today, William is 97. Bonnie is 95. They still sit side by side, reading the paper, making each other laugh, and attending conventions together.
“He’s way more romantic than I am,” Bonnie said. Daniels smiled, “I still make her laugh. That’s what matters.”
They now have four grandchildren and spend holidays with family — something that brings them more joy than any red carpet ever could.
In 2024, Emmy-nominated host Jeff Conway honored their 73rd anniversary in a heartfelt post, calling them “two of my favorite people in the world.”
After seven decades, their marriage is proof that real love isn’t about perfection — it’s about perseverance. It’s about showing up, forgiving, learning, and choosing each other again and again.
William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett didn’t have a fairy tale. What they built was something even more rare: a love story that grew stronger with time — and never let go.
