Henry Winkler
Henry Winkler became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars as The Fonz on Happy Days — but the role that made him famous also nearly derailed his career. In this candid conversation, Winkler opens up about the highs and lows of his decades in Hollywood: from being typecast after Happy Days to rebuilding his career, finding purpose in therapy, and continuing to work at 80.
Winkler also shares deeply personal stories about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, his parents’ escape from Nazi Germany, his complicated relationship with money, and the lessons he’s learned through 48 years of marriage and raising a family. He reflects on his friendships and encounters with stars including Tom Hanks, Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt, Robin Williams, Jimmy Kimmel and John Ritter — and reveals the stories behind Scream, Barry, MacGyver and some of his most meaningful Hollywood memories.
Henry Winkler
CLIPS
Henry Winkler: I stopped Happy Days from being renamed
Henry Winkler reflects on the massive success of “Happy Days” and how his character, The Fonz, became so dominant that the show’s identity nearly shifted around him. He recalls how network executives even considered renaming the series “Fonzie’s Happy Days,” a move he ultimately pushed back on because he felt it would overshadow the ensemble cast and disrupt what was working. Winkler explains that while the show was reaching peak popularity, he believed its strength came from the full team, not just one character, and helped keep its original vision intact.
Henry Winkler: The story behind my reputation in Hollywood
Henry Winkler reflects on what it means to be known as one of the “nicest” people in Hollywood, explaining that much of his warmth comes from a deeper sense of gratitude shaped by early insecurity and feeling “less than” in his career. He recalls an early experience on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” where he felt isolated and out of place during a lunch break, describing it as a moment that stayed with him and influenced how he treats others on set. Winkler explains that because of that experience, he made a personal promise never to let anyone around him feel unseen or excluded. He also discusses how that mindset extends beyond work.
Henry Winkler at 80: “I think I would just wither” if I stopped working
Henry Winkler reflects on the “valley of career death” he experienced after “Happy Days,” describing how he was left without a clear path forward and struggled with the mental toll of being typecast as The Fonz. He recalls sitting in his office at Paramount unsure of his next step, receiving roles that only reinforced his iconic character, and feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty while supporting his family. Winkler explains that despite the fear and isolation of that period, he eventually rebuilt his career through resilience, later helping develop projects like “MacGyver” and continuing to work consistently. He also shares how, even today, he remains deeply committed to acting and describes the process of working as something he genuinely loves, likening it to solving a complex puzzle that keeps him fully engaged.
Henry Winkler: Studio regretted cutting me out of “Scream” promotion
Henry Winkler recalls being cast in “Scream” by Wes Craven and immediately embracing what he thought was a small, fun role as a school principal—only to find himself literally covered in blood during filming. He shares a behind-the-scenes story about how the studio ultimately refused to include his name on the poster or marketing because of his identity as The Fonz, fearing it would disrupt the film’s horror tone. Despite initially feeling insulted and bewildered, he reflects on how audiences responded positively in test screenings and explains the lesson he took from the experience about showing up, trusting the process, and letting outcomes unfold beyond your control.
Henry Winkler on his family’s Holocaust escape and his dad’s big lie
Henry Winkler reflects on how the Holocaust shaped his family’s history and his understanding of identity, sharing deeply personal stories about his parents’ escape from Germany. He describes how his father used a six-week work visa to leave the country, ultimately rebuilding their life in New York. Winkler also recounts the emotional weight of discovering his uncle’s fate during a trip to Berlin, where a memorial stone brought him to tears. He explains that while his parents survived and rebuilt, the trauma of what was lost and left unsaid continues to shape him, and he reflects on how he has only recently begun to open up and process that inherited pain.
Henry Winkler on therapy: “I was out of balance. I was out of my f***ing mind.”
Henry Winkler reflects on “cracking the code” to get to a better place mentally after years of struggling with self-doubt and feeling stuck under what he describes as a “net” of negativity. He credits therapy and a doctor he’s worked with closely for helping him reframe his mindset and change his outlook on life, saying he’s grateful every day for meeting her and that no gift could ever fully repay what she’s given him.
Henry Winkler: My dad stole my Bar Mitzvah money
Henry Winkler opens up about his complicated and emotional relationship with money, admitting it has long been a source of anxiety despite his success. He explains that even small financial decisions can trigger fear about running out or not being able to provide, and reflects on how that mindset traces back to childhood experiences, including a painful moment when his father asked him for his bar mitzvah money. Winkler also discusses how those early lessons shaped his extreme caution with spending and why, even today, he’s still working to feel more secure and at ease with finances.
Henry Winkler on getting fired by Tom Hanks: “I didn’t handle it well”
After being fired from “Turner & Hooch“ following a clash with Tom Hanks, Henry Winkler opens up about the decades-long rift the film created between them. He admits he still doesn’t fully understand what sparked the bad blood, reflects on Hanks’ early days as a guest star on “Happy Days,” and reveals whether he believes the two could ever truly put the feud behind them.
Henry Winkler on the one celebrity who left him starstruck and tongue-tied
Henry Winkler reflects on a series of unexpected encounters with major cultural figures, including being invited by Adam Sandler to a basketball game with Brad Pitt and Jim Carrey. Despite his stature in Hollywood, Winkler recalls feeling awkward and overwhelmed.
Winkler recalls working alongside Robin Williams, describing his explosive comedic talent even in his early years. Winkler also touches on working with Katharine Hepburn late in her career, a brief and nerve-wracking encounter with Mick Jagger and a memorable meeting with Frank Sinatra.
Henry Winkler explains why Ron Howard asked him to raise his kids
Henry Winkler reflects on his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, describing how he had to learn partnership over time and shift from a “me and you” mindset to building a “we.” He shares insights from 48 years of marriage, raising three children, and having seven grandchildren, along with candid reflections on openness, emotional growth, and what it means to truly be present in a family.
Inside Henry Winkler’s home: The stolen “Happy Days” jacket & meeting John Lennon
Henry Winkler gives a tour of his home, sharing personal memorabilia and stories from a decades-long career in entertainment. He points out framed photographs he’s taken himself, including his love of capturing reflections, and recalls moments with friends and collaborators like Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Sandler. Winkler also reflects on meaningful items tied to his career, including a water bottle from working with John Ritter on “8 Simple Rules,” scripts donated to Emerson College, and a signed softball from his time in the Broadway League. Along the way, he connects each object to personal memories, blending Hollywood history with moments from his life off-camera.
Henry Winkler: My wife and I only fight while fishing
Henry Winkler and his wife Stacey reflect on their relationship through the lens of fly fishing and long-term marriage dynamics. They discuss how they eventually learned they cannot fish together because their styles clash on the river—Henry’s instinctive, rule-bending approach versus Stacey’s more structured method. The conversation expands into how they first met, early impressions, and how their connection grew over time.
Henry Winkler reveals Jimmy Kimmel’s secret lodge and star-studded parties
Henry Winkler reflects on the focus required for both fly fishing and pistol practice. He discusses how activities like shooting and fishing demand full concentration and mental discipline. The conversation also touches on his relationships within the entertainment industry, including connections to Jimmy Kimmel and gatherings at Kimmel’s fly-fishing lodge, where Hollywood friends and chefs come together for fishing trips and dinners.
Fishing with Henry Winkler and why he’ll never eat trout
Henry Winkler takes Graham fly fishing on the Snake River in Swan Valley, Idaho, guiding him through casting, patience, and catching trout. Along the way, he reflects on his own first fly fishing trip down the Smith River. He explains how being on the river became a kind of mental reset, where stress and overthinking fade and clarity takes over. For him, fly fishing isn’t just a skill or hobby, but a way of slowing down, staying present, and reconnecting with something steadier than everyday pressure.
Henry Winkler: Full Interview
Henry Winkler became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars as The Fonz on Happy Days — but the role that made him famous also nearly derailed his career. In this candid conversation, Winkler opens up about the highs and lows of his decades in Hollywood: from being typecast after Happy Days to rebuilding his career, finding purpose in therapy, and continuing to work at 80.
Winkler also shares deeply personal stories about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, his parents’ escape from Nazi Germany, his complicated relationship with money, and the lessons he’s learned through 48 years of marriage and raising a family. He reflects on his friendships and encounters with stars including Tom Hanks, Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt, Robin Williams, Jimmy Kimmel and John Ritter — and reveals the stories behind Scream, Barry, MacGyver and some of his most meaningful Hollywood memories.