Not so happy Scott defends Erin blast

HAPPY Days star Scott Baio has explained he was responding to media reports when he suggested the death of his former co-star Erin Moran may have been due to substance abuse problems.

Authorities in Indiana said Moran likely died from cancer at her home on Saturday at the age of 56.

Responding to news of her death earlier in the day, Baio, also 56, told New York’s WABC radio: “If you do drugs or drink, you’re going to die”, but added that he did not know if drugs or alcohol were the cause.

Baio’s comments led to a backlash on social media, so he clarified in a Facebook post that he’d heard reports she had died of a heroin overdose and the radio interview took place before authorities mentioned her cancer.

Baio also explained he is “heartbroken” over Moran’s death.

Baio and Moran played young lovers Chachi Arcola and Joanie Cunningham in US sitcom Happy Days, as well as its spin-off, Joanie Loves Chachi.