Henry Winkler, born on October 30, 1945, in New York City, is an esteemed American actor, director, producer, and author. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984), a role that became a cultural touchstone.
Career Highlights:
- Early Career: Winkler’s acting journey began with his role in Crazy Joe (1974). He also appeared in The Lords of Flatbush (1974), alongside Sylvester Stallone.
- Television Success: Beyond Happy Days, Winkler’s television work includes producing MacGyver (1985–1992) and acting in series like The Practice (1997–2004) and Arrested Development (2003–2006). More recently, he received acclaim for his role as acting coach Gene Cousineau in HBO’s Barry (2018–2023), earning three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, winning in 2018.
- Film Contributions: Winkler’s film appearances encompass The Waterboy (1998), Scream (1996), and collaborations with Adam Sandler in movies like Click (2006) and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008).
Personal Life:
Married to Stacey Weitzman since 1978, Winkler has two children, Zoe and Max, and a stepson, Jed. He has openly discussed his experiences with dyslexia, a condition that went undiagnosed until he was 31. This led him to become an advocate, working to raise awareness about learning differences.
Recent Activities:
In 2024, Winkler reunited with Happy Days co-star Ron Howard at the Emmy Awards to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. They delighted fans with a nostalgic sketch revisiting their iconic characters.
Henry Winkler’s enduring career and advocacy have solidified his status as a cherished figure in American entertainment.