The ballroom transformed into a piece of ’90s television history as Danielle Fishel reunited with her beloved Boy Meets World co-star, William Daniels (Mr. Feeny), for an unforgettable Dedication Night performance on Dancing With the Stars. At 98 years young, Daniels joined Fishel and pro partner Pasha Pashkov, delivering an emotional “A+” grade that left fans teary-eyed and celebrating a mentorship that transcends the screen.
The magic of Boy Meets World came alive on the Dancing With the Stars ballroom floor during Week 5’s Dedication Night. Fans were treated to an incredibly heartwarming reunion as Danielle Fishel, known for her iconic role as Topanga Lawrence, paid tribute to her legendary co-star and mentor, William Daniels, who famously portrayed Mr. George Feeny.
In a moment that truly felt like coming home for a generation of viewers, the 98-year-old Daniels made a rare and cherished appearance, joining Fishel and her professional dance partner, Pasha Pashkov, for a special performance on the October 14, 2025, episode. The dedication was a testament to the enduring bond forged on set and the profound impact Daniels has had on Fishel’s life and career.
A Mentorship That Transcends the Screen: The Fishel-Daniels Bond
Long before her time on Dancing With the Stars, Danielle Fishel considered William Daniels a profound influence. She joined Boy Meets World at the tender age of 12, and Daniels, a seasoned actor, treated her with an unexpected level of respect and professionalism. Fishel shared her admiration with the cameras before her performance, stating, “I don’t think I would have been the professional that I am [without William Daniels].”
Her dedication was a heartfelt acknowledgement of a mentorship that extended beyond their fictional roles. Daniels, who reprised his role as Mr. Feeny in the spin-off series Girl Meets World, has been an inspiration to Fishel and many others. She expressed a deep desire to use the platform to honor him, noting his incredible career spanning decades. As Fishel eloquently put it, “This dance is for you, Mr. Feeny. Thank you for always showing up even when the cameras stopped rolling.”
The Iconic Jive: Dancing to the ‘Boy Meets World’ Theme Song
The stage was meticulously designed to evoke nostalgia, transforming into Mr. Feeny’s iconic office, complete with a desk and bookshelves. As Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov began their jive routine, dancing energetically to the instantly recognizable Boy Meets World theme song, viewers were transported back to the beloved ’90s sitcom. The performance was a vibrant, story-driven number that encapsulated the essence of the show.
The pinnacle of the routine came when William Daniels himself made his appearance, an unexpected and emotional surprise for both Fishel and the audience. He joined the duo on stage, completing the full-circle moment. As the performance concluded, Daniels delivered the ultimate seal of approval from Mr. Feeny: a paper marked with an “A+,” a gesture that brought Fishel to tears and earned a standing ovation from the entire ballroom, as reported by Us Weekly. It was a fitting tribute to the teacher who guided a generation.
Judges’ Critiques vs. Fan Approval: Scoring the Performance
While the performance was a perfect ten in the hearts of fans, the official judges had a slightly different take. Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov earned a score of 29 out of 40 points, placing them in a vulnerable position with the second-lowest score on the leaderboard for the night. This marked Fishel’s first ‘eight’ of the season from Bruno Tonioli, who praised the act, saying, “You’re pitching Boy Meets World the Musical, because it was such a wonderful number. It had all the structures and all the story lines!” He also suggested Fishel could “sharpen” her moves.
Derek Hough and guest judge Kym Johnson Herjavec echoed similar positive sentiments. However, Carrie Ann Inaba offered the harshest criticism of the night, remarking that Fishel and Pashkov’s dance felt like watching “the same dance over and over.” This critique was met with audible boos from the audience, who clearly felt the emotional weight of the performance outweighed any technical imperfections. Despite the varied scores, Fishel remained positive, telling cohost Julianne Hough, “I’m having so much fun. Sometimes I think I have so much fun I forget that I’m supposed to be dancing!”
A Ballroom Full of Family: The ‘Boy Meets World’ Cast Reunion
The emotional impact of Dedication Night was amplified by the presence of a strong contingent of Boy Meets World cast members in the audience, there to support Danielle Fishel. This made the evening feel less like a competition and more like a cherished family reunion. Among those present were:
- Will Friedle (Eric Matthews)
- Matthew Lawrence (Jack Hunter)
- Betsy Randle (Amy Matthews)
- William Russ (Alan Matthews)
- Trina McGee (Angela Moore)
- Bonnie Bartlett (Lila Bolander, and William Daniels’ wife)
- Alex Désert (Eli Williams)
The collective support underscored the deep bonds that still exist among the cast decades after the show concluded its seven-season run in May 2000. While Rider Strong, who played Shawn Hunter, was unfortunately working out of town, his absence was noted amidst the heartfelt gathering. Fishel emphasized the significance of this support on her “Danielle With the Stars” podcast, noting that Daniels is “just such an inspiration to so many of us,” according to Entertainment Weekly.
Feeny’s Enduring Legacy and Fishel’s Continued Journey
At 98 years old, William Daniels continues to inspire. His active presence, from attending conventions to joining Fishel on the dance floor, highlights a remarkable career and an enduring spirit. Fishel views her journey on Dancing With the Stars as a “second act” in her career, making this dedication to Daniels even more poignant. She previously honored her Girl Meets World co-star, Sabrina Carpenter, with a dance to Carpenter’s song “Manchild,” demonstrating her consistent connection to her television family.
Danielle Fishel during her memorable Dedication Night performance on Dancing With the Stars.
The dedication to William Daniels was more than just a dance; it was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of kindness, mentorship, and gratitude that Mr. Feeny embodied. For fans who grew up with Boy Meets World, seeing the teacher and student together again was a poignant experience, cementing the show’s legacy as a beloved coming-of-age story that continues to resonate with audiences today. This particular Dedication Night episode concluded without any eliminations, allowing all participants to advance, ensuring that the celebration of these emotional tributes could continue.
