Marion Ross
- Born
- Oct 25, 1928age 97
- height
- 5'5" (or 165 cm)
- nationality
- American
Career
Active 1953 – 2021
Biography
About Marion Ross
At 97 years old, Marion Ross remains one of television's most recognizable actresses, best known for her portrayal of Marion Cunningham on ABC's Happy Days from 1974 to 1984. Born on Thursday, October 25, 1928, in Watertown, Minnesota, she is an American of Caucasian ethnicity. Standing at 5'5" and weighing 126 lbs, she has red hair and brown eyes. She is straight and has been active in the industry from 1953 to 2021, a span of 68 years. Her career began when she was around 24 years old, and she has since become a beloved figure in classic television.
Ross's role on Happy Days earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations. She also received two additional Emmy nominations for her work on CBS's The Broken Bridge and one more for Touched by an Angel. Her film credits include The Glenn Miller Show, Teacher's Pet, Lust for Life, Sabrina, Operation Petticoat, and Honky, as well as an appearance on TV's The Lone Ranger. She starred in the sequel to Terms of Endearment, The Evening Star, which brought her a Golden Globe nomination and a win for Best Supporting Actress at the Lone Star Film and TV Awards. Since the 1990s, she has been known for recurring roles in sitcoms and voiceover work.
Ross attended San Diego State University. She effectively retired as of 2021, ending a remarkable career that spanned nearly seven decades. Her legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic television.
Record
Profile details
Frequently asked
What awards and nominations did Marion Ross receive for her role in Happy Days?
She earned two Primetime Emmy nominations for playing Marion Cunningham on Happy Days, though she did not win.
How did Marion Ross's career evolve after Happy Days ended in 1984?
She took on roles in television films like The Broken Bridge and Touched by an Angel, earned a Golden Globe nomination for The Evening Star, and later focused on recurring sitcom roles and voiceover work before retiring in 2021.
Is Marion Ross still active in acting?
No, she effectively retired as of 2021, capping a career that began in 1953.
Did you know
- Marion Ross was born on October 25, 1928, making her a Scorpio.
- She changed the spelling of her first name at age 13, thinking it would look better on a marquee.
- Her post-Happy Days work included a Golden Globe nomination for The Evening Star.
- She voiced characters in animated projects during her later career.
Help improve this profile
Spot something wrong or missing? Fix a detail, add a link, or share a fact. Every submission is reviewed before it goes live.
Are you Marion Ross?

















