Anson Williams Recalls Terrifying Fan Encounter: "Literally Couldn't Breathe

"Happy Days" star Anson Williams shares a chilling experience of being mobbed by fans at the height of the show's popularity, describing it as a suffocating and terrifying ordeal.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, "Happy Days" star Anson Williams recounted a harrowing encounter with overzealous fans that left him breathless and shaken during the show's heyday in the late 1970s.

"I was at a mall in New York City," Williams recalled, "and it was crazy. I had just finished signing autographs for a group of fans, and as I walked away, the crowd just surged forward."

Anson Williams Recalls Terrifying Fan Encounter: "Literally Couldn't Breathe

Williams found himself trapped in a human tidal wave, with fans clutching at his clothes and shouting for his attention. He was pushed and pulled from all sides, unable to move or breathe freely.

"It was like being in a mosh pit," Williams said. "I literally couldn't breathe. I thought I was going to faint."

Anson Williams Recalls Terrifying Fan Encounter: "Literally Couldn't Breathe

Desperately trying to escape the suffocating embrace, Williams managed to reach the edge of the crowd and was pulled to safety by security guards.

"It was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me," he confessed. "I've done a lot of things in my life, but nothing has ever come close to that feeling of being completely overwhelmed and unable to control your own body."

Anson Williams Recalls Terrifying Fan Encounter: "Literally Couldn't Breathe

Williams' experience highlights the intense fandom that surrounded "Happy Days," which became a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s. The show's popularity soared, turning its cast members into instant celebrities.

While Williams expressed gratitude for the fans' adoration, he emphasized the importance of maintaining boundaries.

"It's great to have fans, but there's a line that shouldn't be crossed," he said. "Celebrities are human beings too, and we need to be respected as such."

Despite the harrowing experience, Williams remains grateful for the success of "Happy Days" and the impact it has had on his life.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he said. "I'm so thankful for all the fans who have supported us over the years, but I also hope that people can understand the need for personal space."

Williams' recollection serves as a reminder of the dual nature of fame, where the immense love and support of fans can sometimes come with overwhelming and even dangerous consequences.