It was a heartwarming Boy Meets World reunion on Dancing With The Stars when Danielle Fishel paid an emotional tribute to her beloved on-screen mentor, William Daniels – known to fans as the iconic Mr. Feeny.
During the Oct. 14 Dedication Night episode, Fishel, 44, took to the dance floor alongside her professional partner, Pasha Pashkov, to perform a lively jive set to the Boy Meets World theme song by Twenty Cent Crush featuring Phil Rosenthal. The moment marked a full-circle tribute to Daniels, 98, who made a rare and touching appearance on the ballroom stage.
Before the performance, Fishel reflected on her years working with Daniels, recalling how the Emmy-winning actor treated her with kindness and respect from the very beginning. “He made my 12-year-old self feel like a professional,” she said, noting the profound impact he had on her both on and off set.
Fishel also shared a heartfelt memory from the show’s final episode, revealing that her goodbye scene as Topanga to Daniels’ Mr. Feeny was deeply personal. “Everything Topanga told Mr. Feeny was exactly how I felt about Bill,” she said. “We captured it all in one take. I will never forget you. You were more of a father to me than my own dad.”
When the moment finally came, the audience was treated to a nostalgic surprise. Before Fishel and Pashkov began their dance, Daniels appeared onstage standing behind a familiar desk and chalkboard setup, holding a piece of paper – just like he did as Mr. Feeny in the beloved ’90s sitcom. The couple then began their jive, returning to the desk at the end to embrace Daniels as the crowd erupted in applause.
Daniels was joined in the ballroom by his wife, actress Bonnie Bartlett, and several Boy Meets World castmates – Will Friedle (Eric Matthews), William Russ (Alan Matthews), Betsy Randle (Amy Matthews), Matthew Lawrence (Jack Hunter), Alex Désert (Mr. Williams), and Trina McGee (Angela Moore).
Ahead of the performance, Fishel shared her excitement on Instagram on Oct. 13, posting a photo of her former castmates with the caption, “The fabulous group of people who will be joining me at DWTS tomorrow for Dedication Night!” She added, “I feel such an overwhelming responsibility to give a joyous, celebratory dance to the man who inspired thousands of people to become teachers and helped raise multiple generations.”
Fishel noted that Rider Strong, who played Shawn Hunter, was unable to attend due to work commitments but was “deeply missed.”
In a previous episode of her podcast Danielle With The Stars on Oct. 8, the actress had already hinted at the special appearance, telling listeners that “Mr. Bill Daniels himself” would join her in the ballroom. “I’m so excited,” she shared. “This dance is a dedication to Bill and the role he has played in my life and the role Boy Meets World has played in my life.”
Fishel also spoke about her personal growth through the show and beyond, saying, “I have really felt like Dancing With The Stars has been a second act for me in my career and as a performer.”
As for why she chose Daniels for her Dedication Night performance, Fishel’s answer was simple: gratitude. “He’s such an inspiration to so many of us,” she said. “To be able to say thank you and give him this platform to receive the love he deserves is so memorable.”
Dancing With The Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+ and ABC.
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