Boy Meets World Stars Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle Reveal Shocking Revelation about Their Relationship with Ben Savage

Ben Savage Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Boy Meets World alumni Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle are now closer than ever. However, their relationships with former co-star Ben Savage have become distant, leaving them wondering why he abruptly cut ties.

“He disappeared, and I still don't know the reason to this day," Friedle, now 46, expressed in a recent interview with Variety. "There was no argument, no falling out, no ill will. It was as if he woke up one morning and simply decided that he no longer wanted this person in his life."

Friedle, who played the character of Eric Matthews, the older brother of Cory Matthews on the well-loved sitcom, revealed that he reached out to Savage after 30 years of friendship, expressing his concern and stating his intention to keep in touch. However, after not receiving any response for a month, Friedle decided to stop trying.

Having known Savage since he was 11 years old, they share a past together. They were even attending conventions together, allowing them to bond as adults. However, at some point, Savage seemed to have cut off contact, leaving Friedle hurt and confused. He admitted that discussing this estrangement is a sensitive topic for him. Friedle made multiple attempts for months to mend the relationship until his wife intervened, advising him to stop torturing himself. It became apparent that Savage no longer wanted Friedle in his life.

Savage, Friedle, Strong, 43, and Fishel, 42, were all part of the popular ABC hit from 1993 to 2000, instantly gaining international popularity as teen idols. The beloved show aired on Friday nights for seven seasons, following the journey of Cory and his friends from middle school to college. Friedle portrayed Cory's eccentric older brother, while Strong and Fishel played his childhood best friend and long-term girlfriend, respectively. In 2014, the sitcom's revival series, Girl Meets World, premiered on Disney, featuring appearances from all four main characters across its three seasons.

For a long time, the group attended fan conventions together, until Savage abruptly disappeared without explanation. Reflecting on this, Fishel shared with Variety on Wednesday that Savage had been there for her during a difficult time when her first son was born prematurely and placed in the NICU in June 2019. (Fishel and her husband Jensen Karp have two sons, Adler, 4, and Keaton, 2.)

"We had such a strong connection, especially during that period. He used to keep in touch with me regularly," she recounted. While Fishel asserted that Savage abruptly cut off contact after that time, she expressed optimism about the possibility of reconnecting in the future.

"Through this podcast, I've realized that everyone is on their own unique path, with experiences that can be perceived in various ways, depending on one's perspective," she explained. "Personally, Ben and I may be currently estranged and have our grievances against each other, but I will always cherish my love for him and want what's best for him. I believe our story isn't over yet, but only time will reveal the truth."

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From the inception of their podcast, "Pod Meets World," which entails the cast members revisiting the sitcom and providing their own unique analysis, Savage immediately dismissed the concept.

“He was adamant that it wasn't for him,” Fishel shared. “He made it clear, ‘I don't want it to hinder you. If you guys want to proceed, go ahead.’ The time between those conversations and when we actually started the podcast was quite significant.”

While Savage may not have enjoyed reminiscing, Fishel, Strong, and Friedle have achieved tremendous success with the podcast. They have received over 17 million downloads and have sold popular merchandise. Additionally, the trio has held two live shows and featured numerous guest stars from Boy Meets World, such as Betsy Randle, Trina McGee, Matthew Lawrence, Adam Scott, and even Mr. Feeny himself, William Daniels.