Years before Ben Savage “ghosted” his Boy Meets World co-stars, there were “issues” between cast and crew members on the set of the popular teen sitcom.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six, William “Bill” Daniels, who played Mr.
“As they were growing up, they had some problems working together,” Bartlett, 96, said, noting that it is “very unusual” for child stars to “grow up” in front of the cameras and then “stay in the business.”
“They’ve grown up together. They’re so smart and they all get along so well, which is very rare in a cast that includes kids,” she marveled. “They’ve done a good job of it. They’re good people. They’re all good people.”
The actress agreed that her husband, who played a strict, wise and dedicated teacher to his students, was a real-life “positive influence” on the young cast.
“He never told them what to do, but they learned a lot just by watching him… how to behave, what was serious, etc.,” Bartlett elaborated. “For the kids, it’s all a joke and it’s funny. And I think (Daniels) taught them the importance of responsibility.”
Starting around 2020, Savage, who was 13 years old when he started playing star Cory Matthews in 1993, suddenly stopped communicating with his former co-stars, including Daniel Fishel (Topanga Lawrence), Rider Strong (Sean Hunter), and Will Friedle (Eric Matthews).
The trio, who have criticized Boy Meets World co-creator Michael Jacobs in the past, told Variety in a June 2023 interview that they had no idea why Savage “disappeared” and insisted there was no “fight,” “difference,” or “enmity.”
But Savage, now 45, never really disappeared. He tried to pivot to a career in politics. He first ran for West Hollywood City Council in 2022, and then ran as a Democrat in California’s 30th Congressional District in 2024.
“I spoke to him a few years ago when he was running for office. He emailed us and asked if we would support him, but I don’t think anything came of it from then,” Bartlett recalled during an interview.
“But I think he and his wife are having a baby now! He’s no longer[in the acting world].”
In fact, Savage and his wife Tessa Angelmeyer welcomed their daughter in November 2025.
The month before, Savage’s on-screen love interest Fishel competed on season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” and performed a jive to the “Boy Meets World” theme song.
She dedicated the dance to Daniels and gave him a cameo appearance.
“He really loves those kids, doesn’t he, Bill?” Bartlett said during the interview, to which the 99-year-old actor — whose memories aren’t what they used to be — responded, “Well, yeah.”
“Even though he’s forgotten so many things, I haven’t forgotten them,” Bartlett added, looking lovingly at Daniels.
Although he has recently become deaf and has difficulty walking, his beloved spouse insisted he was “happy.”
Hollywood’s oldest living couple, who have admitted they tried to have an “open” marriage several years after tying the knot in June 1951, are preparing to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary.
“Everything in life is an adjustment. It’s always an adjustment,” the “Little House on the Prairie” star explained, stressing that marriage is no different and requires “some wiggle room.”
Bartlett and Daniels (who now sells autographed memorabilia and makes cameo appearances for fans) also praised their “amazing” sons, saying: “We are so lucky.”
