Danielle Fishel Reveals Her Sentimental Gift Idea for “Boy Meets World ”Costar William Daniels' 99th Birthday (Exclusive)

Erin ClackSun, March 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM UTC

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Danielle Fishel shared her sentimental gift idea for her Boy Meets World costar William Daniels' upcoming birthday

The actor, who famously played Mr. Feeny in the '90s coming-of-age series, is set to turn 99 on Tuesday, March 31

Fishel also reflected on Daniels' "incredible," decades-spanning career, which began when he was just a child

Danielle Fishel has the perfect gift idea for her Boy Meets World costar William Daniels' upcoming birthday.

The actor is set to turn 99 on Tuesday, March 31, and Fishel, 44, told PEOPLE that she would love to give him something "sentimental" that celebrates his prolific entertainment career.

"I think the older you get, the more sentimental you get about things. And Bill has had such an incredible career," the actress — who is partnering with Lysol to promote its Lavender & Cotton Blossom scented cleaning products — said in an exclusive PEOPLE in 10 interview.

From left: Rider Strong, Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel and William Daniels in 'Boy Meets World' on ABCCredit: Scott Humbert/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

"So I'd love to go back and find maybe some pictures of some of his original jobs," Fishel continued. "Because, you know, he was a child performer, and he was a tap dancer, and I just want to go back to that 1920s time period and see if I could find something for him."

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"Maybe a nice framed photo of him and his sister or something," she added, referring to Daniels' sister, Jacqueline, with whom he performed as a song-and-dance team as a young boy.

Daniels famously starred as teacher Mr. Feeny in the beloved '90s TV series Boy Meets World. Fishel played Topanga Lawrence, the friend and eventual love interest of Mr. Feeny's neighbor, Cory Matthews (Ben Savage).

Danielle Fishel and William Daniels on 'Dancing with the Stars' on Oct. 14, 2025Credit: Eric McCandless/Disney

When Fishel competed on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars last year, she honored Daniels in an emotional tribute during the Oct. 14 episode. Before she and her professional partner, Pasha Pashkov, took the stage for Dedication Night, Fishel opened up about Daniels' mentorship to her and shared that the words that Topanga said to Mr. Feeny in their last scene together in the Boy Meets World series finale echoed her real-life bond with Daniels.

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Topanga told Mr. Feeny, "I will never forget you. You were more of a father to me than my own dad."

During her and Pashkov's DWTS performance, Daniels was seen onstage standing by a desk in front of a chalkboard with a piece of paper, just like his character always did. Later, Fishel ran back to the desk set and lovingly embraced Daniels.

Weeks after Daniels celebrated his 98th birthday last year, PEOPLE spoke exclusively with the actor and his wife, Bonnie, who appeared in five episodes of Boy Meets World, playing Dean Lila Bolander, Mr. Feeny's eventual wife.

William Daniels in 2022Credit: Albert L. Ortega/Gett

Bonnie, 96, told PEOPLE that her husband "misses" working and hanging out on set with his former costars, who, in addition to Fishel and Savage, include Will Friedle and Rider Strong.

"Bill adores them all. He really does," Bonnie said.

"He misses that experience with them," she continued, explaining, "He likes to be part of a group. That's what really keeps you going — community."

For his part, Daniels said at the time that he was "pleased" that fans still appreciate and watch his acting work.

"Well, you have to be pleased, and I certainly am," he said. "And I hope I'm around a little longer, and we'll do it again next year."

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”