Henry Winkler was born on October 30, 1945, in New York City to Ilse Anna Marie (Hadra) and Harry Irving Winkler, who were German immigrants.
Raised on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Henry attended the McBurney School and later went on to Emerson College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. He continued his studies at the Yale School of Drama, earning his Master of Fine Arts in 1970.
Career Beginnings
Winkler’s career began with appearances in various television commercials and guest roles on shows such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Bob Newhart Show.”
His big break came in 1974 when he was cast as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the television show “Happy Days.” The character quickly became a cultural icon, making Winkler a household name. His portrayal of Fonzie earned him two Golden Globe Awards and three Emmy nominations.
Beyond Happy Days
After “Happy Days” ended in 1984, Winkler continued to act, but he also expanded his career to include directing and producing. He directed several television shows and movies, including “Memories of Me” and “Cop and a Half.”
Additionally, he produced television shows like “MacGyver” and “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.” Winkler also had notable acting roles in shows such as “Arrested Development,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Barry,” for which he won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2018.
Battle with Dyslexia
Winkler’s journey was not without its challenges. He struggled with dyslexia, which was undiagnosed during his early years. This learning disability made his academic life difficult, causing frustration and a sense of inadequacy. It wasn’t until Winkler was 31 years old that he was diagnosed with dyslexia, an event that profoundly impacted his life.
Writing Career and Advocacy
In addition to his work in television and film, Winkler has authored several children’s books. He co-wrote the “Hank Zipzer” series, inspired by his own experiences growing up with dyslexia. The books follow the adventures of a young boy with learning challenges and have been well-received for their humor and heart.
Personal Life
Henry Winkler has been married to Stacey Weitzman since 1978, and they have two children, Zoe and Max, and a stepson, Jed Weitzman. Winkler remains active in the entertainment industry and his advocacy work, showing that his influence extends beyond his iconic role as the Fonz. His perseverance and success story continue to inspire many, proving that challenges can be overcome with determination and support.
