Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler
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Name	Henry Winkler
Caption	Winkler in 2011
Birth date	30 October 1945
Birth place	Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	Emerson College (BA), Yale University (MFA)
Occupation	Actor, comedian, author, director, producer
Years active	1970–present
Spouse	Stacey Weitzman, 1978

Henry Winkler is an acclaimed American actor, comedian, director, producer, and author, best known for his iconic role as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the long-running ABC television series Happy Days. His portrayal of the leather-jacketed, motorcycle-riding "Fonz" made him a defining figure of 1970s American popular culture and earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Beyond this signature role, Winkler has built a diverse and enduring career spanning over five decades, including notable work in film, television, and as a co-author of the popular Hank Zipzer children's book series, drawing from his own experiences with dyslexia.

Early life and education

He was born in Manhattan to German Jewish parents who had fled Berlin in 1939 to escape the Nazi regime. His early years were marked by academic struggles, as he was not diagnosed with dyslexia until he was an adult. He attended the McBurney School in New York City before pursuing higher education at Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then refined his craft by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Yale School of Drama at Yale University.

Career

His breakthrough came in 1974 when he was cast as Fonzie on Happy Days, a role that transformed him into a global superstar and a merchandising phenomenon. During and after the show's run, he successfully avoided typecasting by taking on varied roles in projects like the thriller Night Shift directed by Ron Howard, and the comedy Scream. He also established himself as a prolific producer and director through his company, Fair Dinkum Productions, co-producing shows such as MacGyver and directing episodes of series like Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In the 21st century, he experienced a career renaissance with acclaimed roles, including acting coach Gene Cousineau on the HBO series Barry, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Personal life

He has been married to Stacey Weitzman since 1978, and they have three children. An advocate for children with learning differences, he frequently speaks about his experiences with dyslexia and has served on the board of the Children's Action Network. His passions include fly fishing and supporting various charitable organizations. He maintains a residence in Los Angeles and is known in the entertainment industry for his enduring professionalism and kindness.

Filmography

His extensive screen work includes starring roles in films like Heroes, The Waterboy, and Holes. Notable television credits, beyond Happy Days, include recurring roles on Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, Royal Pains, and a starring role in the BBC/Starz series Outlaws. He has also lent his voice to animated projects such as The Simpsons, Bob's Burgers, and Monsters at Work.

Awards and nominations

His performance on Barry earned him a Primetime Emmy Award, a Critics' Choice Television Award, and two Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards. For his work on Happy Days, he received two Golden Globe Awards and was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards. He has also been honored with a Daytime Emmy Award for his children's programming and a Saturn Award for his role in Scream. In 2011, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Legacy and influence

He remains a beloved and influential figure, with Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli consistently ranked among the greatest television characters of all time by outlets like TV Guide and Bravo. His successful children's book series, co-written with Lin Oliver, has helped countless young readers. His late-career success on Barry has been hailed as a masterclass in reinvention, inspiring actors and earning praise from critics at The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter. His advocacy work has had a significant impact on awareness and understanding of learning disabilities.

Category:American male actors Category:American television producers Category:People from Manhattan