William Daniels and Bonnie Bartlett opened up about the unconventional beginnings of their union as they prepare for their 75th wedding anniversary.
In a new interview with the Daily Mail, published on May 18, Bartlett repeated comments she made in 2023 that surprised fans when she described their first year together as “a little bit of an open marriage.”
“There was never any discussion about what we should do,” the Emmy-winning actress explained. “It wasn’t spoken. Bill and I never sit down and make rules. We just don’t. We just live our lives. And if he’s gone for a year, he’s gone for a year.”
Barlett acknowledged that both she and Daniels occasionally pursued romances outside of their marriage.
“So there have been times, well, both of us, on both sides,” she said. “We never got hung up, but our lives went in different directions every now and then.”
He emphasized that his devotion has always been with Bartlett.
“I wouldn’t want to be with anyone in my life other than this woman sitting next to me,” he said.
Barlett is known for St. Elsewhere, Little House on the Prairie and Home Improvement, while Daniels, who famously played Mr. and Mrs. Feenie on Boy Meets World.
The couple were married in June 1951, and their enduring bond has long been celebrated in Hollywood.
Just last year, Daniels appeared on Dancing with the Stars during Dedication Night, when Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel honored him with a performance.
