Henry Winkler, synonymous with the iconic character Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli from the beloved series Happy Days, swiftly became the emblem of cool in the 1970s. Born on October 30, 1945, in New York City, Winkler’s passion for acting, coupled with his later roles as producer, director, and writer, defined his career. Reflecting on his journey, Winkler emphasized his unwavering dedication to acting, stating, “I always knew acting was my destiny. I never considered a Plan B; acting was the only path I envisioned for myself.”
Throughout his childhood, he grappled with academic challenges, fostering a strained dynamic with his parents. Unbeknownst to them, Henry Winkler struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia, a hurdle not recognized until later in life.
His parents, oblivious to his condition, branded him as “dumb,” resorting to hurtful terms like ‘Dummo Hund,’ or dumb dog.
Despite these obstacles, Winkler pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in 1967 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1970.
Following a brief stint in a Broadway production in 1972, Winkler found success in commercials, solidifying his presence as a recognizable face. Reflecting on this period, he remarked, “I excelled in securing commercial roles, eliminating the need for additional employment to sustain myself. This allowed me the freedom to pursue theater engagements at the Manhattan Theatre Club during evenings.”
Upon his debut on Happy Days, countless fans were captivated by his charisma and rugged allure, with his motorcycle and leather jacket emerging as iconic symbols of the show. While the role catapulted his acting career into the limelight, Winkler confessed that securing a substantial acting opportunity post-Fonz took nearly eight years.
He openly recognized dyslexia as a silent obstacle that had shaped his journey. Overcoming auditions by meticulously memorizing scripts, he leaned on humor to camouflage any perceived shortcomings, emphasizing his ability to encapsulate the ‘essence of the character.’
Following the conclusion of the series, the Prime Time Emmy Award recipient transitioned from acting to producing and directing. His production company spearheaded numerous successful shows, including MacGyver, So Weird, and Mr. Sunshine. Additionally, he showcased his acting prowess in films such as Scream and The Waterboy, as well as television series like The Practice and Arrested Development.
In 2018, Winkler assumed the role of acting teacher Gene Cousineau in the comedy/drama series Barry, co-starring alongside Bill Hader. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, production for the series faced delays. “We were in the midst of reading the scripts for Barry. On March 13, they said, ‘Go home and don’t come back,’” he recounted to Entertainment Tonight. “Then we heard July, then we heard September, now January…Praying we go back to work in January. I’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to embody Gene Cousineau since December of 2018.”
Since the early 2000s, Winkler has authored approximately 30 books.
“When I was first approached to write books, I dismissed the idea entirely. I told Alan Berger [Winkler’s agent at CAA], who proposed the idea to me, that there was no way I could ever write a book,” he shared with the Hollywood Reporter in 2011.
Winkler and wife Stacey Furstman Weitzman have been married since 1978.
The pair’s initial meeting occurred when he visited a clothing store where Stacey was employed, seeking a coat. Stacey assisted him in selecting one, and a week later, he returned, asking her out on a date, which she nearly declined.
Reflecting on their first encounter, Winkler reminisced, “She wore purple parachute pants, and her red hair caught my attention instantly. Without her uttering a single word, I thought, ‘Wow, a beautiful woman standing before me’. I revisited the store the following week, and she was there. Within just 10 minutes, I witnessed her incredible strength.”
Shortly after they began dating, Stacey and her then 4-year-old son moved in with Winkler, and the couple embarked on navigating Winkler’s burgeoning fame.
”People would flock to Henry, sometimes stepping right over me. Once, I exclaimed, ‘You’ve just completely ruined my stockings.’ And this woman replied, ‘But I love Fonzie!’” Stacey recounted to People.
The couple later welcomed a daughter and a son, Zoey and Max. Max followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in Hollywood as a writer, producer, and director, contributing to popular productions like New Girl and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Stacey has overcome cancer twice. Her first battle occurred in the 1990s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then, in 2007, she faced it again, undergoing a double mastectomy. Since then, she has remained cancer-free.
In solidarity with his wife, Winkler has actively participated in various organizations dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. Among his contributions, he served as a guest speaker at the 13th annual “In The Pink of Health” Luncheon, an event organized by the organization to raise funds for breast cancer patients and their families.
What distinguishes Winkler is his unabashed expression of love for his long-time wife in public. When James Corden surprised them with a photo of their wedding day on his show, Winkler remarked that Stacey has remained as beautiful as the first day he saw her.
Stacey once shared with People the essence of sustaining a long-lasting marriage: “It does require effort. There will be bumps along the road, moments where things feel a bit askew, but if you possess the commitment and resilience rooted in love, then your bond and companionship only grow stronger.”
Henry Winkler and his wife thoroughly enjoy the role of being grandparents.
Their story is truly inspiring.
