Screen legend who survived WWII to star in Oscar-winning movie and 80s TV phenomenon celebrates 98th birthday

EXCLUSIVE Screen legend who survived WWII to star in Oscar-winning movie and 80s TV phenomenon celebrates 98th birthday Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By SONIA HORON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 19:38 EDT, 31 March 2025 | Updated: 19:38 EDT, 31 March 2025 e-mail View comments He is a screen legend who starred in an Oscar-winning movie and a popular 80s TV show.

And on Monday, this rarely seen cinema icon celebrated his 98th birthday with an outing in Los Angeles . The American star — who survived World War II — was pictured at Art's Deli alongside his Emmy Award winning wife. The pair, who are college sweethearts, are considered Hollywood's longest-lasting active marriage, as they've been wed for 73 years.



He was dressed casually in a blue sweater, layered beneath a grey windbreaker, and completed the look with grey trousers and white sneakers. The actor's distinctive voice brought to life the artificial intelligence of a famous talking car in a classic 80s show. Can you guess who he is? He is a screen legend who starred in an Oscar-winning movie and a popular 80s TV show.

And on Monday, he celebrated his 98th birthday. Can you guess who he is? That's right, it's William Daniels! He is best know as Mr. Feeny in Boy Meets World (1993 to 2000), and as the voice of KITT, the intelligent car in the popular TV series Knight Rider (1982 to 1986).

He also starred as Mr. Braddock (the father of Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman) in the 1967 Oscar winning movie The Graduate. Read More Boy Meets World alum Maitland Ward says she's treated with 'more respect' as a porn star Daniels was accompanied by wife Bonnie Bartlett, 95.

She wore a violet cardigan over a lilac button up and black pants. The pair have been married since 1951. The actor revealed that his plans for his birthday include 'peace and quiet' in an interview with People .

Despite his reserved plans, Bonnie added that it's still a 'special' occasion. 'That's the thing. This seems to be very special that a couple who both are actors live so long and together for so long, it seems to be unique,' she shared.

'I'm sure there are lots of couples out there on farms or businesses, other things. Doctors don't live that long, but a married couple that are actors living that long? That's special.' The actor also revealed he is continuing to work.

That's right, it's William Daniels! He is best know as Mr. Feeny in Boy Meets World (1993 to 2000); pictured (R) in a still with Ben Savage The American star — who survived World War II — was pictured at Art's Deli alongside his actress wife Bonnie Bartlett, 95, whom he's been married to for 73 years He was dressed casually in a blue sweater, layered beneath a grey windbreaker, and completed the look with grey trousers and white sneakers Bonnie wore a violet cardigan over a lilac button up and black pants The pair have been married since 1951 The actor revealed that his plans for his birthday include 'peace and quiet' in an interview with People Despite his reserved plans, Bonnie added that it's still a 'special' occasion 'That's the thing. This seems to be very special that a couple who both are actors live so long and together for so long, it seems to be unique,' she shared 'I'm sure there are lots of couples out there on farms or businesses, other things.

Doctors don't live that long, but a married couple that are actors living that long? That's special' The actor also revealed he is continuing to work 'I like to work. You have to kind of keep at it, otherwise you just fade away,' he shared Bonnie stated that he recently did some voice work reminiscent of KITT (from Knight Rider), adding, 'He got a nice check for that' He also expressed his gratitude for the enduring fan appreciation, and added that he hopes he'll be around 'a little longer' so that he can 'do it again next year' Their family, now full of love with two sons and extended relations, began with a period of tragedy. Their first son William Jr.

was born in 1961, but he sadly died 24 hours later A few years after the death of their first son, the couple adopted their son Michael. Two years after adopting Michael, they adopted their second son Robert Daniels in 1966 Following his 1945 U.S.

Army service in Italy, where he worked as a DJ at an Army radio station, Daniels was encouraged by playwright Howard Lindsay to pursue acting The pair linked arms as they walked into the deli 'I like to work. You have to kind of keep at it, otherwise you just fade away,' he shared. Bonnie stated that he recently did some voice work reminiscent of KITT (from Knight Rider), adding, 'He got a nice check for that.

' He also expressed his gratitude for the enduring fan appreciation, and added that he hopes he'll be around 'a little longer' so that he can 'do it again next year.' Their family, now full of love with two sons and extended relations, began with a period of tragedy. Their first son William Jr.

was born in 1961, but he sadly died 24 hours later. A few years after the death of their first son, the couple adopted their son Michael. Two years after adopting Michael, they adopted their second son Robert Daniels in 1966.

Following his 1945 U.S. Army service in Italy, where he worked as a DJ at an Army radio station, Daniels was encouraged by playwright Howard Lindsay to pursue acting.

He attended Northwestern University's drama department, graduating in 1949. Daniels' career began with his family's singing group in Brooklyn, leading to a 1943 television debut on NBC. His Broadway career began in 1943 with Life with Father, and he continued to work on Broadway for many decades.

Daniels made his film debut as a school principal in the 1963 anti-war film, Ladybug Ladybug. The pair are considered Hollywood's longest-lasting active marriage, as they've been wed for 73 years; pictured at the 1986 Emmy Awards where they both won for their roles on medical drama St. Elsewhere Daniels starred as Mr.

Braddock (the father of Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman) in the 1967 Oscar winning movie The Graduate; pictured in the back His distinctive voice brought to life KITT, the intelligent talking car in the popular TV series Knight Rider (1982 to 1986); David Hasselhoff seen in a still from the show Later, he appeared in the iconic 1967 film The Graduate as the father of Hoffman's character. He also starred as Mark Craig on the drama series St. Elsewhere (from 1982 to 1988), alongside his wife, for which they both won Primetime Emmy Awards.

Meanwhile Boy Meets World earned him four People's Choice Award nominations. He reprised his Knight Rider role in the sequel TV movie Knight Rider 2000, and his Boy Meets World role in the sequel series Girl Meets World. Share or comment on this article: Screen legend who survived WWII to star in Oscar-winning movie and 80s TV phenomenon celebrates 98th birthday e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.

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