William Daniels Says He’s Still ‘Very Aware’ of the Lasting Impact of Playing Mr. Feeny on Boy Meets World
Even decades after the final bell rang on Boy Meets World, William Daniels still hears the echoes of Mr. Feeny’s wisdom wherever he goes. For millions who grew up watching the beloved 1990s sitcom, Daniels wasn’t just a teacher on TV — he became a mentor, a symbol of guidance, and a reminder that doing the right thing mattered. Now, at 97 years old, the Emmy-winning actor says he’s deeply aware of how much the character continues to mean to people.
In a recent interview, Daniels reflected on how fans still reach out to him with heartfelt messages, telling him how Mr. Feeny shaped their lives. “I hear it at conventions, in Cameo requests,” he said. “So I hope to use that authority as a teacher and mentor to help protect young people.” There’s something timeless about that statement — it captures exactly what made the role so unforgettable. Mr. Feeny wasn’t just a principal; he was the quiet voice of reason in a world full of teenage noise.
Boy Meets World aired from 1993 to 2000, following the coming-of-age story of Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, and his group of friends as they navigated growing up, relationships, and real-life challenges. At the center of it all was Mr. Feeny, the no-nonsense yet deeply compassionate teacher who seemed to have the right advice for every stage of life. His famous farewell speech in the final episode — “Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.” — remains one of the most quoted TV moments of the era.
What makes Daniels’ continued connection to the role so special is how naturally it blends with who he is off-screen. For him, Feeny wasn’t just a character written into a script. It was an extension of his own values — respect, curiosity, and empathy. Over the years, Daniels has embraced the responsibility that came with being seen as a mentor figure, even after the cameras stopped rolling. He often speaks about the importance of integrity, learning, and caring for one another, echoing the same life lessons Feeny shared in the show’s fictional classroom.
Daniels’ legacy doesn’t end with Boy Meets World. His career spans decades, from St. Elsewhere to voicing KITT, the talking car in Knight Rider, and countless other roles. Yet, for many, he will always be Mr. Feeny — the wise teacher standing at the chalkboard, reminding his students that intelligence means nothing without kindness.
Fans who grew up with the show often describe meeting Daniels as emotional. Some tell him that Feeny’s lessons guided them through real struggles — bullying, loss, self-doubt, or simply the uncertainty of growing up. For Daniels, hearing that kind of feedback is humbling. He’s said that he feels a sense of responsibility to continue using his platform for good, to encourage younger generations, and to honor the positive impact his character had.
At an age when most actors have long retired from the public eye, Daniels remains engaged with his fans, attending conventions and sending personalized video messages through Cameo. He does it not for fame, but for connection — the same kind of connection that Boy Meets World built for years between its audience and its characters. His words, both then and now, carry the weight of a teacher who truly believes in the power of guidance and compassion.
Looking back, it’s remarkable how one role became so much more than a TV performance. Mr. Feeny taught an entire generation about life, responsibility, and self-worth. And William Daniels, in continuing to share that legacy, proves that the lessons of Boy Meets World never really ended. They simply moved beyond the classroom — into the hearts of those who still hear that familiar voice reminding them to “do good.”
