Danielle Fishel Honors William “Bill” Daniels With a Touching Mr. Feeny Tribute on Dancing With the Stars
2 mins readIt was a full-circle television moment that brought Boy Meets World fans to tears. During this week’s Dancing With the Stars “Dedication Night,” actress Danielle Fishel paid tribute to her longtime co-star and mentor, William “Bill” Daniels. He portrayed the beloved teacher Mr. Feeny for seven seasons on the classic ABC series.
Fishel, performing with professional partner Pasha Pashkov, danced a lively jive to the Boy Meets World theme song. The stage was designed to resemble Mr. Feeny’s office, complete with a desk and bookshelves that reflected the wisdom and warmth of the character who guided a generation. The highlight came when Daniels, now 98, appeared onstage, offering fans an emotional reunion between teacher and student that few expected to see again.
Before the dance, Fishel spoke about the influence Daniels had on her from the time she joined Boy Meets World at age 12. “He treated me like I deserved all the respect in the world as a fellow actor,” she said. “This dance is a dedication from me to Bill, but I’m representing all of you who loved and appreciated him and his career for so many decades.”
The performance ended with a touching gesture as Daniels presented Fishel with a paper marked “A+.” It was a fitting nod to his years of guiding lessons as Mr. Feeny. The moment brought Fishel to tears and earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Several of Fishel’s Boy Meets World co-stars, including Will Friedle, Matthew Lawrence, Betsy Randle, William Russ, and Trina McGee, were in the ballroom to show their support. Daniels’ wife, Bonnie Bartlett, was also present. The night felt less like a competition show and more like a reunion celebrating a television family that continues to resonate with fans decades later.
Fishel and Pashkov earned a score of 29 out of 40, though the night was more about heart than numbers. For viewers who grew up watching Boy Meets World, seeing Fishel and Daniels together again served as a reminder of the lasting power of kindness, mentorship, and gratitude. Those same values that Mr. Feeny taught on screen continue to inspire audiences today.
Watch the dance routine below.
