At 96, ‘Happy Days’ Alum Marion Ross Struggled After Disastrous Marriage Left Her To Raise 2 Children On Only $35 Daily

Mar 03, 2025 by apost team

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Born on Oct. 25, 1928, this Hollywood star was a fixture of the sitcom “Happy Days” for all 11 seasons, and her role became a career-defining moment that she will always treasure. She was going through a challenging period when she was cast on the show, but the opportunity was very appealing. Reflecting on the show’s success, the actress remarked: “It was even beyond my dreams. Who knew that we would become an American legend?” 

This icon overcame many struggles, including a challenging marriage and life as a single mother. However, she was determined that nothing would keep her from pursuing her dreams. In a 2018 interview, she revealed that her early feeling of being unnoticed as a child fueled her desire to be seen: “I didn’t get any attention. But inside, there was somebody screaming, ‘Look at me!’ That makes you become an actress.” 

At 21, she eloped with fellow actor Freeman “Morse” Meskimen. Together, they had two children, but their marriage faced many difficulties. She opened up about her turbulent relationship with Freeman in her 2018 memoir, “My Days: Happy and Otherwise,” describing her husband as an “unmotivated, moody drinker.”  

The actress revealed that their marriage at first gave her the false impression of stability, but 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. 

She admitted: “...our life... never gave me the feeling that now things would be the way I had always wanted them to be.” Their marriage was tense and filled with arguments, ultimately ending when Freeman “began to have an affair with his secretary.” 

The star is none other than Marion Ross, and after nearly two decades of marriage, the actress divorced her husband. Reflecting on that time, the “Gilmore Girls” star shared:

“When I was 40, I got divorced. Nobody had a job (for me), and I had two small children.”

Recalling her financial struggles at the time, she said:

“I rented out one of the bedrooms in my house to pick up some money. I’d think, ‘I made $35 today.’ It was hard.”

After overcoming many challenges, Ross fell in love again at 60 with actor Paul Michael. Their relationship was filled with affection, mutual understanding, and a serene connection. In a 2010 interview, Ross said:

“People are capable of very hot romances as they get older. We sort of forget that, and sort of give up on that.” 

Her partner, Michael, echoed her sentiments, saying his time with Ross was “the happiest days of my life.”

In 2011, Michael passed away at 84 due to heart failure after spending 23 years of love with Ross. In 2018, years after Michael’s death, the seasoned actress revealed she had retired two years earlier. She explained that she had already achieved everything she wanted and preferred to focus on quality time with her family. 

Ross embraces life joyfully with her son, actor Jim Meskimen, sharing precious moments on TikTok, including a heartwarming video of the actress on her 95th birthday.

In September 2024, Jim posted a photo with his famous mom, and fans continued to express their love. A netizen wrote:

“She’s lovely, was a gem!”

Others shared similar sentiments, with one fan adding, “She’s amazing!”

“Oh my goodness, I’m in tears. This is so incredibly sweet and beautiful!” one person exclaimed. 

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Marion Ross’s timeless legacy continues to inspire fans around the globe, even in retirement. What’s your all-time favorite “Happy Days” episode? Let us know, and then pass this along to fans of the actress and let them discover her incredible life story!