Richard J. Cunningham is a fictional character in the 1970s TV sitcom Happy Days,[1] played by Ron Howard.

Ron Howard and Winkler continued to share top billing in the show's opening credits.

Examples in the show's plotlines included him buying a new car and joining a local gang.

Whenever he was feeling lucky—especially when he spotted a prospective girlfriend—he would sing the Fats Domino line, "I found my thrill... on Blueberry Hill."

Throughout the series' run, Richie remained best friends with Fonzie, Ralph Malph, and Potsie Weber.

He joined the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and met his girlfriend and future wife, Lori Beth Allen.

In the TV series True Story with Ed & Randall, Gastor describes the police officer who pulls him over as Richie Cunningham (in the first season sixth episode).