How 'Happy Days' Helped Spread the Heimlich Maneuver

Anson Williams, who played Potsie on the sitcom, says the show's success was key to the life-saving technique's widespread adoption.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Anson Williams, a cast member on the hit sitcom 'Happy Days', recently revealed that the show's success played a major role in the widespread adoption of the Heimlich maneuver. Williams' second cousin, Dr. Henry J. Heimlich, invented the abdominal thrust technique in 1974 to save choking victims. Williams used his connections in the entertainment industry to get Dr. Heimlich an appearance on 'The Merv Griffin Show', helping to make the Heimlich maneuver known to millions.

Why it matters

The Heimlich maneuver has gone on to save countless lives around the world since its creation. Williams' revelation sheds light on how popular culture and entertainment can play a surprising role in the adoption of important medical innovations and procedures.

The details

In 1974, thoracic surgeon Dr. Henry J. Heimlich, who was Anson Williams' second cousin, invented the Heimlich maneuver as a technique to clear the airway of a choking person. Williams, who played Potsie Weber on 'Happy Days', used his connections in the entertainment industry to get Dr. Heimlich an appearance on 'The Merv Griffin Show' in the 1970s. This helped spread awareness of the life-saving technique and contributed to its widespread adoption.

  • In 1974, Dr. Henry J. Heimlich invented the Heimlich maneuver.
  • In the 1970s, Anson Williams arranged for Dr. Heimlich to appear on 'The Merv Griffin Show'.

The players

Anson Williams

An actor who played Potsie Weber on the sitcom 'Happy Days' and is the second cousin of Dr. Henry J. Heimlich, the inventor of the Heimlich maneuver.

Dr. Henry J. Heimlich

A thoracic surgeon who invented the Heimlich maneuver in 1974 as a technique to clear the airway of a choking person.

The Merv Griffin Show

A popular television talk show that featured an appearance by Dr. Heimlich in the 1970s, helping to spread awareness of the Heimlich maneuver.

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What they’re saying

“My Uncle, Dr. Heimlich, created the Heimlich Maneuver. Happy Days is a major reason for its success. It's a long story, but the creators and cast of Happy Days have helped save more lives than any other program in history!”

— Anson Williams, Actor, 'Happy Days'

The takeaway

This story highlights how popular culture and entertainment can play an unexpected role in the adoption of important medical innovations. The success of 'Happy Days' helped spread awareness of the life-saving Heimlich maneuver, demonstrating the power of media to influence public health outcomes.