Henry Winkler

Background

Henry Winkler is a household name in the acting industry, best known for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in the sitcom “Happy Days.” Winkler was born Henry Franklin Winkler in New York. His Zodiac sign is Scorpio, while his ethnicity is German Jewish. Winkler had a difficult childhood; he grew up with “a high level of low self-esteem,” a condition they will later identify as dyslexia. Winkler’s parents are Anna Marrie and businessman Harry Irving Winkler, both German Jews. Winkler’s top priority after college was to become an actor, but if that failed, he would become a child psychologist. Winkler began his career in the late 1960s, appearing in guest roles on television shows. His first major role was in the 1969 film “The Lords of Flatbush.” He went on to star in several films throughout the 1970s, including “The One and Only” (1978), “An American Christmas Carol”(1979), and Heroes” (1977).

In 1974, Winkler was cast as Fonzie in “Happy Days.” The show was a huge success, and Winkler became a household name. He remained with the show for 10 years until it ended in 1984. After the show’s end, Winkler decided to change his focus from acting to producing and directing. He directed films like “MacGyver” (1985) and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (1996). He later starred in “The Waterboy” (1998) and the series “Arrested Development” (2003), to name a few. In 1999, Winkler produced “So Weird,” which aired on the Disney channel. He starred in one of the episodes of the show. Winkler has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career, winning two Golden Globes Awards, a Critic Choice Award, and two daytime Emmys. In 1981, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Winkler had difficulty in childhood as he struggled with issues of self-esteem. He struggled in school and never realized he had dyslexia. When his son was diagnosed with the condition, he realized he too suffered from it. Between 2016 and 2018, he starred in the television reality show “Better Late Than Never.” He has written several books, including his memoir in 2011 titled “I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River” and a science fiction trilogy called “Alien Superstar.” Winkler’s wife is called Stacy, and they got married in 1978. Together, they have two children, Max and Zoe, and stepson Jed Weitzman. Winkler is also a philanthropist who has contributed to various charities and causes.