Henry Winkler | Becoming 'The Fonz' | FANE

[@RushWorkingMan]

Henry Winkler stole every scene of Happy Days. What an iconic character played by such a sweet man and gentleman. I love seeing him act in anything.

[@alphabeets]

It’s hard to explain to younger folks just what a huge phenomenon the Fonz was.

[@ThomasGilmore-fi6gb]

Just tell them that his leather jacket is in the Smithsonian Institution 😊

[@rcpineapple1348]

Genius

[@TheCornbread31]

@@ThomasGilmore-fi6gb I didn’t know that but it’s definitely well deserved!!

[@VENOMS_WRAITH]

​@@TheCornbread31It has been since 1980

[@gb-bp1me]

I had a poster of him.

[@johnwilsonwsws]

His acting was so good I never knew he was acting. I feel like “Henry Winkler” is the part that Arthur Fonzirelli is playing.

[@Despondencymusic]

No doubt.

[@harveycreekin]

👏 it all makes sense now! 😎

[@RobMacKendrick]

Jewish guy playing a cool Italian, and nailing it. Now that he's old, I not only relish the Jewish genius of Mr. Winkler's performances since, but also the pronounced Jewish moxy of the Fonz. That's what you call "bringing what you got" to a role.

[@ziff_1]

This was impossible to stop watching.

[@Great_Sandwich]

Great comment. 😊

[@TheCornbread31]

Agreed

[@vilod]

He's very captivating.

[@Samlol23_drrich]

I totally agree. Sent it to my wife and told her she’s got to watch

[@roberthenry9319]

Why?

[@websurfer191]

What a great story teller. I've said this before and I will say it again. When I was a kid the Fonz was my hero, as an adult Henry Winkler is my hero.

[@ebogar42]

Well, he's been bragging about it for 65 years, so he should be good at telling the story.

[@JeffMitchell-lv4zx]

​@@ebogar42it didn't come off as bragging to me. I'm sure he's told the story before, but it's a good story! :)

[@alexshatner3907]

That pink sweater doesn't make him look cool, it pretty much ruins my inspiration on how he was depicted as fonzie

[@writingishard]

They say don’t meet your heroes, but Henry “The Fonz” Winkler is the proverbial exception to that rule. In 2019, my wife and I had the honor of meeting him at a Comic-Con, and we went all in for the occasion, dressing as 1950s greasers. I had spent days planning what I would say or ask him, knowing I’d have only a few moments at best. But when my turn finally came, everything I’d rehearsed disappeared from my head. I was surprised at how long his line was. Most younger fans likely associated him with Coach Klein from The Waterboy or his role as Gene Cousineau in HBO’s Barry, but for me, it was always about The Fonz. He was one of only two television actors I’d ever dreamed of meeting, (the other is Alan Alda), and I couldn’t believe I was about to check that off my bucket list. When I finally stepped up, it was clear how kind and genuine he was. He spent a long time with the young girl and her mom ahead of me, giving them his full attention, even as his handlers urged him to move faster. When it was my turn, I handed him a picture I’d brought from home, which he graciously signed. Feeling like a star-struck fool, I told him how much he meant to me as a kid and, in full fanboy mode, blurted out, “You were the coolest.” That’s when it happened. In an instant, this kind, humble man transformed right in front of me. His entire demeanor shifted, his face lighting up as he channeled The Fonz. He leaned back, gave me a perfect “Woah,” and I swear it felt like 1976 again. I was no longer at a Comic-Con-I was in the presence of Arthur Fonzarelli. Still in character, he pointed to the collection of photos on the table and told me to pick one. He signed it with a classic “Aayyyy!” before handing it to me, sealing the moment as something I’d never forget. I was absolutely floored, unable to process how surreal and incredible the interaction was. Even though the line was long and he had to move on, Henry Winkler made those few moments feel magical, turning a brief encounter into a dream come true for the seven-year-old version of me who still lives inside. He was, is, and always will be my favorite.

[@michaelsessums]

One of my coaches said that you should never go into an audition with the thought “ I have to get this job”, because it will show in your audition. Only do it with enthusiasm and the goal to have fun and make bold choices. Winkler reinforces this. Such a great story to see we are not alone in our journey.

[@Rob-z7k]

Hey..thats kinda true. The job interviews that i said..im tired of another interview and didnt care about but did it and didnt really show enthusium....i got the job!

[@TheCornbread31]

@@michaelsessums This is great advice and could apply toward athletes and their mindset before big games as well.

[@zvishineweather8962]

​@@Rob-z7kor parole! Think Shawshank Redemption!

[@liammac303]

I grew up, looking at Happy Days on Irish TV in the late 1970's . I had a poster on my bedroom wall of 'The Fonz' . I grew up and became a Firefighter - Paramedic in Dublin Fire Brigade, Ireland. Only 2 months ago, my lifelong dream came thought. Henry Winkler was in Dublin, doing his One Man Show, staying at the Shelbourne Hotel on Saint Stephens Green. There was a small fire in the Hotel and Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene and quenched the blaze. Henry Franklin Winkler visited Tara Street Fire Station HQ the next day. All us Firefighters were privileged to have our photos taken with this Great Man. What a Gentleman, What a Legend, What a Memory for me. D.F.B. salutes you, Sir. 🫡

[@rmendoza5953]

WOW!

[@ebogar42]

You're a dude and had pictures of dudes hanging up? Hilarious. 😂😂🏳‍🌈🏳‍🌈

[@fletchkeilman2205]

THAT, good sir, is so awesome. Stay safe. God bless. Greetings from a possible distant cousin in America!

[@velocity5918]

ROBERT DE NIRO WOULD NEVER HAVE DONE THAT!!

[@Frontdesk99]

You probably set the fire.

[@janecopher4734]

Nobody could've played The Fonz better than Henry Winkler.

[@alexshatner3907]

That pink sweater doesn't make him look cool, it pretty much ruins my inspiration on how he was depicted as fonzie

[@UncleChisel]

Henry Winkler is a gentleman and a treasure

[@MsElke11]

still has that energetic charisma!!

[@sachah2400]

I met Henry in 1996 and he was wonderful. He did a favor for me without thinking. A very nice man. I always remember how natural he was.

[@Phoebedumplings]

His relationship with Mrs Cunningham was great, she was the only person allowed to call him Arthur

[@susancoffey9632]

And he always called her mrs. c and would kiss him on the cheek.

[@allanbard6048]

She also was the ONLY one who told Fonzie "Sit On It!"

[@susancoffey9632]

@@allanbard6048 LOL! I forgot about that. Mr C was jealous of their relationship.

[@BeingJapan]

I have a photo of him as Fonz on my wall here in Japan. I have such respect for Henry.

[@beniannozzi6066]

Fonzi was it in the 70's and early 80's and only Henry Winkler could play him Phenomenally

[@t9j6c6j51]

Fame never went to this guy’s head. He knows how fortunate he is and loves to help others. (His Stallone story is just as incredible).

[@hazelb7218]

Loved him as the Fonz.....love him even more as Henry Winkler.....seems such a genuine man x

[@boomer3150]

Same here...my wife and I watch The Most Wonderful Time of the Year every December...he's good in that, as he is in everything else.

[@alexshatner3907]

That pink sweater doesn't make him look cool, it pretty much ruins my inspiration on how he was depicted as fonzie

[@marklechman2225]

Henry Winkler has been one of my personal heroes since 1978.

[@bobbyjohnstonmusic8260]

I actually met Henry Winkler when I was in LA. He is such a magical soul! Very approachable and your instant best friend!

[@daboys1215]

You youngsters have no clue how big "The Fonz" was to us as kids 50 years ago. I had the lunchbox for school and even a Fonzie mug which I still have. My favorite character on my favorite show. I even went out as the Fonz for Halloween once.

[@ricka4192]

For real, he was a phenomenon.

[@seanogrady2629]

Before everyone wanted to be like Mike, everyone wanted to be cool like Fonzie.

[@VH-OU812]

Oh man, you had the lunchbox? Sweet!!! I had the Mork & Mindy, The Fall Guy, Star Wars, but believe it or not, my favorite that sticks out was a Cracker Jacks lunchbox.

[@daboys1215]

@@VH-OU812 Yup. In grade 1. 1979. I wish I still had that thing. It came with a thermos inside. According to a higher authority in the family, I went through those things pretty quick. Cheap plastic. :) I had a scooby doo one and a spiderman one too.

[@VH-OU812]

@@daboys1215 Yeah, plastic ones kinda sucked but were ok though, nothing beats the metal ones.

[@elwyndude]

Such a sweet genuine guy. And the Fonz was iconic.

[@stemikger]

The Fonz was as famous as the Beatles at one time. I love how well adjusted and successful he became after dealing with that kind of fame. Love Henry, a great actor who deserved my respect as one of the greats.

[@highplainsdrifter8518]

Henry Winkler, the Fonz. There is no substitute! I could listen to Henry all day and not get bored!

[@DrexelGregory]

Winkler is such a beautiful human being

[@SADFORIAN]

A terrible lawyer though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5_YgaiPipabf6M

[@TESORO-b1x]

Yes, but his politics suck.

[@TM_Stone]

@@TESORO-b1x I bet he's not such a "beautiful human being" towards DJT or his supporters.

[@RobMacKendrick]

This is all magnificent, but that last message is pure gold. As a guy who learned that too late, let me tell younger folks: listen to Mr. Winkler. That stuff about instinct is 100% correct.

[@broncobilly4029]

The Fonz = The GOAT of TV Characters

[@perry92964]

jim ignatowski might be better, that driver test question "what does a yellow light mean" is one of tv's funniest moments

[@broncobilly4029]

@@perry92964 Funny you mentioned that. Iggy is one of my all time favorite TV characters too, and that scene is classic. I like when he sells vacuum cleaners door to door too. I still have to give Fonz the edge, because he seemed larger than life to me when I was 6-8 years old.

[@ebogar42]

Not even close. The Fonz was a dumb character with a dumb accent that looked 35 years old playing a HS kid.

[@broncobilly4029]

@@ebogar42 True. It's all relative. I was 5-10 years old at that time. My sensibilities were simple and my attachment is mainly nostalgic. At my current station in life, Don Draper or Ray Donovan appeals more. There are days when Gus Fring makes sense to me. ha.

[@resurrectionsunday]

Yessir

[@jmm1817]

Henry Winkler The Fonz is true blessing and huge part of my childhood

[@floridaactor]

When "Happy Days' was becoming popular, Henry Winkler was a passenger on one of my flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. We always wondered what our celebrity passengers would be like. We had nice celebrities like Betty White, or we had people like Jerry Lewis. In this case, Henry Winkler was one of the nicest people ever!

[@rangerwhite5165]

Do tell, there's probably a book in there. Any other horrid celebrities?

[@DennisPietrantonio]

One of the Best moments in my acting career was working with Henry Winkler. Here comes the Boom

[@paulpolpiboon9535]

Noice!!

[@fletchkeilman2205]

That is a damn good movie. Very underrated

[@Timlovescomics]

I first heard of Henry Winkler as the Fonz. I couldn’t imagine him as anything else. 40 years after Happy Days and seeing him as Henry thus whole time, I can’t believe he was ever the Fonz. Love him!

[@altha-rf1et]

selling reverse mortages how he has fallen into this I would not know

[@dandannerson5925]

I have never seen an actor who portrayed a character that was so unlike himself but still so believable. I still have a hard to time believing this mild mannered gentleman is also Arthur Fonzarelli. Since I was a kid I haven't been able to wrap my mind around it.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

In all honesty, their are PLENTY of exemplary actors (such as Winkler) who aren't even a shadow of their characters. They disappear into their roles like the job requires. Oldman is one such example. Washington as well. I think Pacino was also fantastic at it, especially because people STILL believe he's some insane wack job like the characters he's portrayed over the decades. As a matter of note, I've been involved with production for 30+ years. I am *nothing* like any of the characters I've played. I'm far more than all of 'em combined.

[@Sandy-ij6mw]

Ive always loved Henry Winkler, he is a wonderful man!

[@colindeer9657]

Brilliant. Many thanks. Love you Henry. A genuine human being.

[@DagmarMasoumi]

Henry is the best! Met him, he is so generous, genuine and awesome German!!! Love love!

[@alexshatner3907]

That pink sweater doesn't make him look cool, it pretty much ruins my inspiration on how he was depicted as fonzie

[@The_Cannabis_Connoisseur]

He will always be The Fonz for me!

[@stevemcmahon7676]

Exactly

[@JimInIssaquah]

What an amazing story teller.

[@steveflemmingppl8know998]

The Fonz appeared right before our eyes by the end of his speech. His instincts, aka the fonz is real!

[@LinkRocks]

Henry is a kind, gentle man.

[@BCSExpress1]

Henry Winkler's appearance on The Mary Tyler Moore Show was incredible because he turned his shortest line - complimenting Mary's meal - into one of the biggest laughs of the episode. Mary Tyler Moore & Valerie Harper passed him the ball, and then Winkler scored a slam dunk. It couldn't have been an accident that much bigger success was not far behind for him. He had a magical aura that was honest & which audiences loved.

[@kenharvey8946]

He has always impressed me as a real person ,likable and approachable.

[@CMichaels56]

He tells a great story of how he turned down Danny Zucco in Grease. He said he didn’t want to be typecast, then he went home and had a Gingerale. John Travolta went home and bought a plane.

[@voicetube]

D'oh! 🙂

[@sstrykert]

That he paid back into scientology

[@voicetube]

@@sstrykert A) I'm sure he didn't pay in that much B) Scientology is actually pretty awesome, doesn't have to cost a lot of money (depending on what one does in it) and does change many lives for the better. A lot of the attacks against it are just "fake news" (truly).

[@sstrykert]

@@voicetube so many apologists on KZbin,so little time

[@voicetube]

@@sstrykert God, IKR?? So true!

[@AngieRIamHIS4Life]

Henry Winkler is an original, and there will never be another one... They'll never be another Fonzie! 👍

[@moon2019-z7p]

It's amazing that after playing one of the most iconic characters in TV history, Henry was able to fashion such a great career afterwards. No typecasting for him. I love the way he's always embraced his years on Happy Days. Definitely one of the good guys of Hollywood.

[@steveperry1344]

i'm glad i watched, henry turned fonzi into an icon on his instinct, the character really made the show.

[@edyuill8517]

This man is so incredibly inspirational and funny! He is so spot on with listen to your instincts!!

[@Wooley689]

Watching and listening to this raised my happy spirit three-fold. Advice at end he gives, that is truth, all truth.

[@callerslist9335]

I have always loved him and his character. I love his story! I'm 80 years old now.

[@labspeciman7402]

I was so lucky to have seen Fonzie as a child. Henry is a phenom. Brought the music to the forefront for an all new audience. These shows your children can watch safely.

[@Shlockrock1]

That was the most amazing 10 minutes. He conveys his fears, his emotions, his thought process in the early years when he was not established. Amazing stuff!

[@kevinferguson3990]

What a great actor and a great man.. thank you

[@rep10101]

Awesome

[@aaronjaben7913]

I love this guy!! I had the Fonz shirt when I was a kid. Aaayyyyy!

[@lliamjurdom9505]

This is a delightful anecdote of his career ... impressive ...

[@Newsphere101]

Ironic............lol............The Fonz wearing a pink sweater. Henry Winkler is awesome. Loved Happy Days.

[@alexshatner3907]

That pink sweater doesn't make him look cool, it pretty much ruins my inspiration on how he was depicted as fonzie

[@markmarkofkane8167]

Henry Winkler will always be the Fonz to me. He was perfect for the part. I've seen him in movies. I can't see him and not think of his character in Happy Days. The other actors were great, too .

[@joshua646646]

One of my favorite actors of all times. Love this guy ❤️

[@alexshatner3907]

That pink sweater doesn't make him look cool, it pretty much ruins my inspiration on how he was depicted as fonzie

[@chefmike5192]

One of the truly wonderful human beings, Henry Winkler just makes you feel better about yourself when you hear him talk much like Jeff Goldblum.

[@JeffMitchell-lv4zx]

Both Henry & Jeff speak intelligently. It's pleasing to hear articulate people tell stories

[@nickhall7763]

Wonderful. The fonz was the man when I was a kid.

[@BigHairyKev]

*Great story teller!* ⭐😃👍

[@JeffMitchell-lv4zx]

In the 70s i was a huuuuge Happy Days fan. I had the fonzie doll (which i later made into Gene Simmons) & the leather jacket. Now i see that Henry Winkler is so likeable & kind, im not surprised that his Fonzi took the country by storm!

[@Realtor1983]

Instinct. He's correct 😊

[@mplsmark222]

We were big fans of Happy Days. I remember the first time I saw Henry on a chat show. When he spoke in his own voice it blew my mind. I was just a kid, but it was the first time I saw how a great actor can become a whole other person. The man is a master and a national treasure.

[@goldenera4ever]

To hear the Fonz come out of Henry after all these years is iconic.

[@strumbolli]

Henry seems a genuinely lovely guy, a pleasure to watch.. Great advice here!! Little did he know how big Happy Days would be.

[@squirewellsrealtor]

The Best TV Character Ever! My opinion such a transition from his real self.

[@dasse1588]

I had a t-shirt 1976 with Fonzie on it. Felt like I was Superman as a kid

[@margielewis6009]

great advice, Thank you for being you.

[@jennifertaylor5776]

Mr. Henry Winkler, you are a treasure we in Canada love you so so much may God bless you and your entire family🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕👋🇨🇦❤️❤️❤️

[@Cheryl-b3j]

Love Harry Winkler ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sarafoster5803]

Henry we❤❤❤ you!!!

[@bettycogswell9851]

I love this man so much. He is a Legend.

[@deanm375]

I can't stand his politics but I absolutely love this Henry Winkler. As a 9 year old in 1974 he was my hero. In 1975 he was featured in the kids magazine "Dynamite" and I couldn't believe he was 29 years old. I never missed an episode of the show.

[@magiccheeseball]

What's his politics? I hope he's not a Hollywood liberal sell out one of my favorites was Mark Hamill but now I can't stand him he's way off the wall typical virtue signaling hypocritical Hollywood sellout Trump hater

[@HappyBanjo-oc3pc]

I feel sorry for people who aren’t old enough to truly appreciate how iconic Henry Winkler was as The Fonz like I am.

[@ralphromeo7066]

As a kid of fourteen, l was thrilled to view Happy Days and its debut in 1974. Henry played a small role which was soon to emerge as iconic.

[@genawatkins1029]

Wow... I had to watch it all. I never thought i would love listening this much to Henry Winkler

[@Bud2681]

So much knowledge in this man !!!

[@DancingCurls-z5s]

I thoroughly enjoyed that! I love Henry Winkler!!!

[@martinalaniz6852]

I love this Fonzi!! 1971

[@chronomatt6990]

One of the nicest guys in the business. Such sage advice.

[@carollewis3912]

When Fonzie said that glasses were cool I put mine on immediately. Henry Winkler was on a talk show and discussed that episode. He said he hoped he had helped someone. My mom said I know one that he did.😊

[@paulrumney2983]

Thanks for posting, Mr Winkler is always entertaining.

[@jspohl]

It’s true - we all have inner guidance that knows and we can trust. 🥰

[@thygfr]

God bless you Mr Fonzarelli, You're a true humanitarian.

[@rondavid7413]

Loved The Fonz as a kid I thought his name was LaFonz I Loved how he was more than cool on how he dealt with & stood against racism Henry Wrinker is a genius with his character

[@patrickconroy8729]

Good advice! Thanks Henry

[@LarayLeverett-zu2rr]

I have always loved this man

[@cappercapper485]

It is not often true wisdom comes your way. This is one of those times.

[@mgbtvshowsfilms]

He was fantastic , so positive in the performance, great to see him live, thanks FANE.

[@stevejones924]

Abbotsford, BC, did you know he sat at the corner of McCallum Rd and Marshall, and all alone, was having his lunch. In our little city! Who knew...a friend seen him.

[@izmir2004]

When was that? I live in the Fraser Valley

[@chriswest8389]

“ Let’s see Tarzan do that!” Perhaps the funniest line in T.V history.😂

[@davidkellymitchell4747]

Henry is 100% correct.. I've asked some record producer friends what part they played in the big hits and they all said " Nothing. The musicians were so good they produced themselves." Such it is with actors.

[@ku4uv]

Amen to what he said about listening to your instinct!

[@yeeluvspizza]

Season 1 Christmas episode was a great episode. Saw another side to Fonzie. His human side. The Cunningham family were kind to him and the rest was history.

[@RedDevilMoto]

I was 10 in 1975 and got a poster to Happy Days featuring "The Fonz" with his phrase.."Aaaaa!" and his two thumbs up. Had that poster on my wall for years! He was an inspiration. "If the Fonz says it can be done..then i can do it!" Simple logic to a 10yo kid!

[@susancoffey9632]

My poster was of the Fonz on his motorcycle. I still remember it from 50 years ago.

[@darrellgamero4300]

This man can tell a story! Love it.

[@shelleyharkless9938]

You are absolutely correct!

[@frankieelvisbarbieri5495]

For us when we were kids in the 70’s… The Fonz was like our God…. He combined that 50’s rebel cool Kinda Elvis/James Dean persona, we all wanted to be like ‘The Fonz’… thanks for the great memories Henry👍💯

[@johnheart6890]

Wow! This is absolutely wonderful. Every actor just starting out should hear his thoughts on instinct! I wish I had heard this when I was a young actor. I think it would have helped me a lot. I was on the show called out of practice and could tell Ty Burell was going to be a huge star-- And Henry Winkler had such a kind powerful charisma on that set! Winkler is really a greta actor and a great man!

[@vaccumsealed]

Met Henry before. He was so respectful to his guests and very kind. He made quite the impression on me that day.

[@Louis42_7]

@8:48 O.k...how many of you out there felt your heart jump the minute Henry went THERE? :). I was about 5 years old when "Happy Days" really took off on Tv. My family used to tune in every week. "The Fonz" was and will always be one of the best things about my childhood. Heroes can come in many forms...and with The Fonz especially in later episodes...you came away learning something, especially within yourself. I swear to god if I ever get to meet Henry, I owe him about a million "thank you's".

[@paulclarke7571]

He was fantastic in the Arrested Development series. Super funny!

[@allans7281]

Henry is absolutely 100% right trust your instinct in life they’re senses we just beginning to understand