Ron Howard on TV Dad Tom Bosley: "I Miss Him Already"

Late actor is fondly remembered by those who worked with him

The sad news has choked up Richie Cunningham, Chachi and The Fonz. Heck, even Doogie Howser is bummed with word of Tom Bosley's passing earlier today.

"Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the Happy Days experience," Ron Howard, who played Bosley's son Richie on the popular 1970s sitcom, told E! News. 

"A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom led by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it. My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life. I miss him already."

Henry Winkler, who portrayed Fonzie on Happy Days, expressed just how close he, Bosley and the rest of the show's cast were during the sitcom's run and even after it ended in 1984. 

"We were a make-believe family for 10 years, and like a real family for over 30," shared Winkler. "He will so, so be missed."

Meanwhile, Bosley's wife on Happy Days, Marion Ross, had this to say about her Mr. C.

"He was my husband for 11 years and the father of the company in many ways," recalled Ross. "We made a perfect couple."

And Scott Baio, aka Chachi, remembers Bosley as being like "everybody's father," adding, "He was a good guy and he helped us all within the business and in terms of business. He was a professional and funny guy. I miss him."

Soon after Happy Days went off the air, Bosley signed on to play Sheriff Amos Tupper on Murder, She Wrote, and the show's star, Angela Lansbury, shared this sentiment: "I was very saddened to hear of Tom's passing," she told E! News. "It is a loss for us not to have Tom with us anymore, but I know he had a wonderful life and he loved his wife and his family. He was a very genuine individual."

An Emmy nominee for his TV work, Bosley also was a Tony-winning Broadway vet. One former costar, Neil Patrick Harris, tweeted out a eulogy:

"Sad news: Tom Bosley has passed away. Such a wonderful man. We worked together in Cabaret on Broadway. So kind. He will be missed...

Indeed.