Marion Ross, born on October 25, 1928, is a celebrated American actress, best recognized for her portrayal of Marion Cunningham on the beloved ABC series, Happy Days, which aired from 1974 to 1984. Originally named Marian Ross, she hails from Watertown, a small town in Carver County, Minnesota. The daughter of Gordon and Ellen (née Hamilton) Ross, she spent her early years in Waconia before moving to Willmar and later Albert Lea. At the age of 13, she altered the spelling of her first name from "Marian" to "Marion," believing it would enhance her visibility on stage.
After completing her sophomore year of high school, Ross relocated to Minneapolis, where she worked as an au pair while immersing herself in drama studies at the MacPhail Center for the Arts and attending Southwest High School. A year later, her family moved to San Diego, California, where she graduated from Point Loma High School. Ross continued her education at San Diego State University, earning the title of the most outstanding actress before graduating in 1950. Following her degree, she graced the summer theater scene in La Jolla, California, where a director recognized her exceptional talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in film.
