Ben Savage, known for his role as Cory Matthews in the ABC sitcom "Boy Meets World," was recently spotted in Santa Monica, California. The sighting marks a rare public appearance for the actor, who has largely stepped away from acting to pursue a career in politics.
Savage, 45, was seen wearing a navy-blue striped polo shirt, matching pants, and canvas sneakers. This public outing follows a period where he has reportedly been out of touch with his "Boy Meets World" castmates.
In recent years, Savage has made attempts at a political career. In 2022, he ran for the West Hollywood City Council but was unsuccessful. The following year, he lost a bid for California's 30th congressional district, with Laura Friedman winning the seat.
In contrast to his public endeavors, Savage has not spoken to his "Boy Meets World" co-stars Will Friedle, Danielle Fishel, and Rider Strong for approximately six years. Fishel, who played his onscreen love interest Topanga Lawrence, shared her feelings about the estrangement in a recent interview. "There's so many times I want to pick up the phone and still do," Fishel told People. "I know I'm shouting into the void, but I'm going to keep doing it. I haven't given up on my friend. And I'm hoping that he comes back into our lives at some point, and when he does, we're going to have a lot to talk about."
Fishel also commented on Savage's new chapter as a father, noting that he and his wife, Tessa Angermeier, welcomed a baby girl. Savage and Angermeier, a graphic designer, met in 2018 and married three years ago. On Saturday, Savage shared an Instagram story featuring Angermeier holding their seven-month-old daughter at a seaside celebration.
Fishel, who co-hosts the "Pod Meets World" podcast with Friedle and Strong, last saw Savage in June 2019 when he visited her in the NICU after the premature birth of her son. "I love imagining him in this new chapter of his life as a dad. I know he has had a baby girl. He's now a husband. So I love just thinking about him [in that capacity]," Fishel said.
Friedle, who played Savage's older brother Eric Matthews on "Boy Meets World," stated that there was no falling out or animosity before Savage's departure from their social circles. The documentary "Doc Meets World," which premiered in June at the Tribeca Film Festival, captured Friedle, Fishel, and Strong during their sold-out live tour for the rewatch podcast.
Savage's last acting credit was in 2022, portraying kidnapper Felix/Nathaniel Kibby in the Lifetime movie "Girl in the Shed: The Kidnapping of Abby Hernandez." He began his acting career at age eight alongside his brother Fred Savage in the 1989 film "Little Monsters."