Happy Days Star, 77, Shares Shirtless Selfie — But It's Not For Vanity
In October 2026, 77-year-old Anson Williams took to Instagram to share a shirtless photo of himself with a positive message about aging. "My yearly reminder to every Boomer: NEVER let anyone diminish us because of our age," the "Happy Days" alum wrote in the caption. "I'm 77. More creative, healthier, busier, more curious — and more alive than I was at 40." Detailing some things that help him feel his best in his late 70s, Williams wrote that he has a spirit for adventure, kindness in his heart, and a partner who loves him.
Of course, the beloved sitcom star couldn't deny that his commitment to eating a nutrient-dense diet and exercising regularly also benefits him as he ages. Another thing that helps him thrive in his 70s is "The absolute refusal to let anyone else decide [his] worth." He elaborated on that sentiment with a not-so-gentle nudge to people his age, stressing, "We didn't come this far to become invisible. We came this far to become unstoppable." To end the post, he reminded his fellow baby boomers that their best days are all ahead of them and they ought to march into them with their heads held high.
While that photo sparked positive discussions online, it wasn't the first time the actor had shared a shirtless photo to defy negative societal notions about aging. In December 2017, the then-68-year-old shared a similar photo of himself on Facebook and captioned it with a bold remark: "Societal age is a manipulation to control." Using a quote that he carried around in his wallet, he encouraged people to live their lives to their heart's content, without the perceived limits of aging.
Anson Williams encourages people to stay young at heart
Considering everything that Anson Williams has said about aging over the years, it's clear that he is one of the many celebrities over 50 who absolutely love the process of aging. During an April 2026 appearance on the "Keeping It Fresh with Aron Geml" podcast, Williams shared a pearl of wisdom with baby boomers, saying, "You're never too old to move forward." The director once again encouraged baby boomers to ignore societal messaging that tells them to retire, adding, "You've got to constantly create. You've got to constantly challenge [yourself]." Ultimately, he wishes that people his age would listen to their inner child who wanted adventures and experiences and had an unyielding desire to learn new things. Suffice it to say, that was some of the best aging advice shared by a celebrity over 50 in 2026.
Williams' philosophies don't just sound nice on paper, though. Research from over the years has indicated that your attitude towards aging can influence your health as you get older. A 2012 study published in International Psychogeriatrics found that people who maintained a positive attitude towards aging had greater satisfaction with life, felt they had good physical and mental health, and experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Interestingly, the study also found that people who were employed were more likely to have a positive attitude toward aging. That discovery seems well aligned with how Williams has been living in his 70s. In 2026, the 77-year-old directed the off-Broadway play "Crazy Mama." Moreover, during an April 2026 appearance on the "2 B***ches from Texas" podcast, he shared that he is in the process of optioning a self-written script.