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William Daniels

Here’s to another trip around the sun, Mr. Feeny.

William Daniels, who playedthe beloved teacher onBoy Meets World, turned 94 on Wednesday. Asked how it feels to be reaching the milestone, the actor jokes to PEOPLE, “Better than the alternative!”

Then he, his wife of almost 70 years,Bonnie Bartlett, his son, Michael, and his granddaughter, Grace, will head out for dinner at their local California Pizza Kitchen in Los Angeles. It’s no surprise that when asked to share a life lesson or two that keeps him going, Daniels' answer is short, sweet and profound: “Love and family.”

He also credits exercise — and if you’re ever seeking motivation in that department,this Instagram videoof Daniels doing full-body sit-ups should do the trick.

Daniels played the wise and nurturing Mr. Feeny for all seven seasons of ABC’sBoy Meets World, from 1993-2000. He’s also known for his role as Mark Craig in NBC’s medical dramaSt. Elsewhere, for which he won twoEmmy awards. Adorably, Bartlett, 91, played his real-life spouse on both series and is also a two-time Emmy winner.

The couple met while they were both studying at Northwestern University and wed in 1951. This June, they will celebrate 70 years of marriage.

Frank Carroll/NBCU

Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels

Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels.David Livingston/Getty Images

Bonnie Bartlett and William Daniels

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In an interview withForbeslast December, the two revealed their favorite thing about each other after all of these years.

“I think our relationship is based on mutual respect and I think she is smarter than me, better actor than me, and so I just hang on, you know, and try to get along,” said Daniels, who posted a clip from the interview onInstagram.

With a laugh, Bartlett chimed in, “He doesn’t mean that at all!”

Added Daniels with a smile, “I’m an actor! I’m making it up as I go along.”

source: people.com