More than two decades after “Boy Meets World” became a beloved coming-of-age sitcom, one relationship from the cast remains unresolved.
Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong are opening up about their estrangement from former co-star Ben Savage, revealing they still don’t know exactly why the actor cut off communication with them several years ago.
The trio addressed the situation while promoting “Doc Meets World,” a new documentary following their sold-out “Pod Meets World” live tour. According to People, Savage declined an invitation to participate in the popular rewatch podcast and then stopped responding to calls and texts around 2020.
While the situation has been difficult, Friedle said he hasn’t lost hope that they will reconnect one day.
“There’s so many times I want to pick up the phone and still do,” Friedle told People. “I haven’t given up on my friend.”
The actor explained that there are still moments while recording the podcast when the trio finds themselves wishing Savage was there to answer questions or share memories from their years working together on the hit series.
Savage famously played Cory Matthews throughout the show’s seven-season run and later reprised the role in Disney Channel’s sequel series, “Girl Meets World.”
Danielle Fishel Reflects on Ben Savage’s New Chapter
Fishel, who played Topanga Lawrence on the series, said she often thinks about Savage and the life he’s built away from the spotlight.
According to People, she reflected on Savage’s role as a husband and father and admitted it makes her sad not knowing how he’s doing these days.
Savage married Tessa Angermeier in 2023, and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in November 2025. At the time, Savage announced the birth on Instagram with the caption, “Welcome little one,” while sharing photos of himself holding his newborn daughter and wearing a “Girl Dad” T-shirt, per E! News.
Fishel said Savage was once a significant part of her life and her children’s lives before their friendship unexpectedly came to an end.
Still, she made it clear there is no bitterness on her part.
Instead, Fishel said she understands that not everyone wants to revisit the past the way she, Friedle and Strong have through their podcast. She acknowledged that revisiting old memories and discussing difficult experiences may simply not be something Savage wants to do.
Ben Savage Has Kept a Low Profile in Recent Years
Since stepping away from his former castmates, Savage has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
In addition to starting a family, he briefly explored a career in politics. According to ABC News, Savage filed paperwork in 2023 to explore a run for California’s 30th Congressional District after previously running unsuccessfully for a seat on the West Hollywood City Council in 2022.
The Stanford University graduate has long shown an interest in public service and political issues outside of acting.
Despite the distance between them, Friedle, Fishel and Strong emphasized that their feelings toward Savage are rooted more in sadness and confusion than anger.
Fishel has previously said she still loves her former co-star and wants the best for him, even if they are currently estranged.
As the trio continues revisiting their shared television history through “Pod Meets World” and “Doc Meets World,” Savage’s absence remains one of the biggest unanswered questions from the cast’s story.
“I don’t think this is the end of our story, but time will tell.”
