William Daniels & Bonnie Bartlett Discuss ‘Boy Meets World’ Set Challenges Before Ben Savage Feud

‘Boy Meets World’ was a beloved TV series that aired for seven seasons, featuring a talented young cast. However, behind the scenes, there were challenges that many fans were unaware of. In a recent interview with Page Six, William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett shared intriguing insights about their experiences on set.

William Daniels portrayed the iconic teacher Mr. George Feeny, while his wife Bonnie Bartlett played Mrs. Feeny. During the interview, Bonnie reflected on the unique difficulties of raising child actors on a television set.

She noted that it’s quite rare for child actors to begin their careers at a young age and continue to thrive in the industry as they grow older. Bonnie praised the ‘Boy Meets World’ cast, stating, “They have grown up together. They’ve been very smart. They’ve done well — all of them. That’s very unusual in a cast with children. They’ve done a good job of that. They’re good people. They’re all good people.”

Despite their success, the cast encountered some difficulties while filming. Bonnie acknowledged that conflicts arose as the young actors matured, which is a common occurrence in any group of children.

William Daniels played a significant role beyond acting; he served as a mentor to the young cast members. Bonnie explained how her husband instilled a sense of responsibility in the kids. She remarked, “He never told them what to do, but they learned a lot just from watching him … how to behave, what is serious. You know, with kids, it’s all a joke, it’s all funny. And I think he introduced them to the seriousness of responsibility.” This illustrates that William was not just a co-star but a guiding figure in their lives.

The main cast included Ben Savage as Cory Matthews, who began the show at just thirteen years old in 1993. Other notable cast members were Danielle Fishel as Topanga Lawrence, Rider Strong as Shawn Hunter, and Will Friedle as Eric Matthews. These actors formed close bonds while growing up on camera.

However, a surprising turn of events occurred around 2020 when Ben Savage ceased communication with his former co-stars. He stopped reaching out to Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, leading to confusion among them. They described it as being “ghosted,” as there was no apparent reason for his silence.

However, Ben Savage didn’t vanish from public life entirely; he shifted his focus to politics. In 2022, he ran for a position on the West Hollywood City Council and later sought a seat in California’s 30th Congressional District in 2024, indicating he was pursuing different interests outside of acting.

Bonnie recalled a time when Ben reached out to her and William during his political campaign. She shared with Page Six: “I spoke to him a few years ago when he was running for office, and he emailed us to see if we would support him, but I don’t think anything ever came of that.” She also mentioned that Ben is now focused on his family life, as he and his wife Tessa Angermeier welcomed a baby girl in November 2025.

While Ben stepped away from acting, Danielle Fishel made a heartfelt gesture. During Season 34 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’, she performed a dance to the ‘Boy Meets World’ theme song, dedicating it to William Daniels and inviting him to join her on stage, showcasing the enduring respect and affection she has for her former mentor.

Now at ninety-nine years old, William Daniels may not remember everything clearly, but Bonnie ensures that their memories remain alive. When asked about his feelings for the cast, he simply replied, Mhm, yes. Bonnie added, “Even now when he’s forgotten so many things, I haven’t forgotten them.” This sentiment highlights the lasting bond they share with the cast.

William and Bonnie also exemplify a remarkable Hollywood relationship. Married since June 1951, they are approaching their seventy-fifth wedding anniversary. William attributes their long-lasting marriage to flexibility, stating, “Life is all adjustment. You’re constantly adjusting.” He emphasized the importance of having “wiggle room” in a relationship, which requires compromise.

Despite facing challenges with hearing and mobility, Bonnie reports that William remains happy. The couple keeps busy by selling signed memorabilia and creating personalized video messages for fans through Cameo. They take pride in their family, and Bonnie reflects on their life together, expressing gratitude for their wonderful sons. Through all the changes in the entertainment industry and their personal lives, William and Bonnie have remained a steadfast couple.

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