Boy Meets World fans got a dose of nostalgia on Dancing With the Stars when William Daniels made a surprise appearance as Mr. Feeny.
On Tuesday’s episode of Dancing with the Stars, competitor Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga on the hit series, honored Daniels with a heartfelt dance and surprise onstage reunion that left audiences in tears.
The 98-year-old Emmy winner made a rare appearance, standing at a desk, much like he did in his infamous role, before Fishel and her dance partner Pasha Pashkov launched into a jive set to the Boy Meets World theme song.
At the end of the dance, Fishel and Pashkov ran back to embrace Daniels at the desk. They were joined by Daniels’ wife, Bonnie Barlett, and several Boy Meets World alumni including 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), per People.
Fishel noted on Instagram ahead of the performance that Rider Strong, who played Shawn Hunter, was unable to attend due to a previous commitment.
In an emotional post-dance interview with Extra’s Sadie Murray, Fishel looked back on the impact Daniels had on her life.
“He just always treated us like we were a peer,” she said. “We found out years later that he had been a child actor. He never told us that. He said, ‘I didn’t want you to think that you needed to ask me about what my experience was like… You were on your own journey and I was just there to help guide you.’”
Fishel also admitted she avoided watching the pre-dance montage so she wouldn’t get overwhelmed with emotions.
“I cried already all night leading up to my dance,” Fishel said, joking that she was singing “la la la” to herself backstage to stay composed.
