Henry Winkler, actor - BBC HARDtalk

HARDtalk speaks to an actor whose long career will always be defined by one role. Henry Winkler was the Fonz, the cool dude at the centre of the US TV show Happy Days. The show portrayed an innocent, untroubled 1950s America. It was a far cry from Winkler's own childhood, which was clouded by undiagnosed dyslexia. How did a troubled kid come to be a symbol of sunny optimism, and what happened to the idealised America of Happy Days?

[@andrewwalker7893]

I met Henry Winkler at a charity event. He is the real deal and as nice as he comes across in the interview. No ego. Absolutely genuine. He even introduced himself to me by putting his hand on his chest and saying “Henry” with a big smile. Didn’t make any assumption that you knew who he was. As if!

[@pdoylemi]

He does seem like a genuinely great guy. It's nice when you meet someone like that and they don't disappoint. Through a friend, who owns one of Magic Johnson's favorite Lansing, MI bars, I have actually had drinks with him a few times, but he got a huge laugh when I told him about the first time I met him. It was more than 20 years earlier - in 1977. I was a high school senior visiting my brother at MSU. This was long before 24 hour sports TV or anything like that, and while I knew MSU had gotten this big recruit that year, I had never even seen a picture of him and didn't recall his name. They were having a kegger in my brother's dorm - drinking age was 18, I was 17 - close enough. I'm in the bathroom where the keg was being kept on ice in the shower, getting a beer, when this huge guy walks in. SO I offered him a beer and as I was pouring it I said something like, "Man you're tall - do you play ball?" and he cracked that famous grin and said, "Yeah, I play a little ball." I was probably the only person on campus who didn't know who he was so I think he thought it was funny. And I said, "I mean, do you play for MSU?" and he said, "Well, I'm just a freshman so I haven't played yet, but I'm hoping to get a little playing time." so I asked his name and he told me, and I said, "Well good luck on making the team and I'll be watching for you." and he just said, "Thanks man, I really appreciate that - I'll do my best." All those years later he laughed because then he remembered it - because he was so shocked to be at a party and MSU and have someone just totally not recognize him. And he did think it was funny, but he also thought it was nice to be treated like a normal guy.

[@jacksugden8190]

Only 5ft 6” tall, I’m much taller. Was surprised how this Bragg’s guy “The Fonz” when there were bigger and stronger characters on ‘Happy Days’, seemed to me to needed taking down a peg or two, that he was not Jack the lad, of which he though he was.

[@joshuat770]

I love how Henry kept it real. The hosts seemed to gravitate toward the negatives and the hurts and the pains and embarrassments. Henry you are truly a light in this world.

[@vivaldesque]

I loved the Fonz as a little kid. Now I love Henry Winkler as an adult. He seems so kind and wise!

[@danzydan2479]

People might bag the interviewer, but it was lovely to see the true passions come out of Henry. Henry enjoyed it and so did I.

[@CubeCyclone]

Henry Winkler... what an inspirational man. So genuine, humble and kind.

[@Drewster317]

So often we see actors play nice guys on the screen but are assholes in real life. Henry played the tough guy on screen and has always been an angel, mentor, and friend to everyone in real life.

[@mjgutzmann1681]

I met him when I was 6 after a live taping of Happy Days. He held both my hands in his and said "Jennifer- what a beautiful name!" And 36 years later his words still bring comfort and encouragement. I have very similar parents. Glad I'm not alone..

[@JaneDoe-zr4px]

My parents too. I also was a little kid during the Happy Days first run. I come from a completely dysfunctional background and shows like Happy Days almost literally saved my life. I'm so grateful to have grown up in the 70s when t.v. had so much wholesome stuff, as corny as it sometimes was, because God knows I wasn't getting "family values" and basic emotional instruction from anywhere else. So many in my generation (GenX) were basically raised by television. For a frightening amount of us, it was a much better alternative. God Bless Henry Winkler FOREVER.

[@oswaldomilano3848]

how beautiful thought!!

[@komedeeeklassiczzz3792]

What a lovely story.

[@jabjab4434]

Henry is so mentally sound . The poor interviewer was not looking as healthy. What a treasure. Ive admired your kindness and realness since the 70's

[@byronusa4819]

I'm proud of Henry Winkler a truly great man

[@walstib4945]

love him! but the hair over the ears is weird

[@walstib4945]

@Jim Shoes lol im pretty boring

[@walstib4945]

@Jim Shoes still means i love you!

[@walstib4945]

and i am straight so dont flatter yourself

[@walstib4945]

@Jim Shoes lol are we doing flat earth theory? or did you mean fat?

[@Magazinelady]

I love that Henry Winkler has helped children who are dyslexic through the Hank Zapper books he has co-authored. He made acting look so easy and cool, yet he had obstacles to overcome. He is a wonderful role model for all of us!

[@johnandsheilaalderson]

His humility and gratitude as a world famous actor is so refreshing

[@pumareyes1]

Henry Winkler is gold. God bless him.

[@bletheringfool]

I met this man a few years ago and he was delightful in real life. They say never meet your heroes, well except for Henry Winkler

[@Resenbrink]

What a completely genuine guy.

[@potsiewebber4266]

Henry is one of the most humble, genuine, solid gold hearted people out there. We can learn so much from him.

[@sharongroman1339]

Henry Winkler is the BEST!!! I met him years ago and while I waited in line to talk to him I watched him talk to young people in front of me with such care and concern for their well being ...he is proudest of his books for young people and he did not allow this interviewer to sway him from his own integrity and excellent purpose!! He is amazing!!

[@caseyb4425]

Perfectly shows why Henry Winkler is the most beloved man in the business.

[@presspound7358]

Winkler is one of the most fascinating people in an interview situation. The guy has virtually no outstanding karma left in his soul. He knows exactly who he is and exactly what he wants in this life … and so doesn’t sweat the small stuff. He makes lemonade out of lemons and that’s it.

[@garrhettm7209]

Hats off to Henry Winkler. I never comment on KZbin videos but much respect on how he handled this interview! I grew up watching Happy Days and have such good memories of it. Handled this interview with such class!

[@garrhettm7209]

Yes, completely Agree!

[@brotherjonathan4480]

REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST!!!!! FATHER JESUS STRIPES HEALS US ALL!!!!! FATHER JESUS LOVES YOU!!!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWOVmJydbNxroa8

[@alexandermacdougall7873]

I know several people who have worked with Henry Winkler and they all say he's just as nice as he seems in interviews

[@richdibs]

Thank you Henry Winkler, one of the most well spoken and biggest icons of our day - as the Fonz. The skill with which you handled this clown/pipsqueak/charlatan interviewer is impressive. I almost feel like replaying the video and counting how many times he says the word “but“ after one of your uplifting and positive answers. Toward the end, you were speaking with such wisdom on how to handle children with learning disabilities and the clown cut you off (and didn’t even acknowledge your great insight). Thank you Henry for creating the Fonz and sharing him with us.

[@pcallas66]

I actually met Henry Winkler for about three seconds. He shook my hand and said "Nice to meet you". He was such a nice guy. The bottom line is Henry turned his lemons into lemonade. Thanks for sharing.

[@guidofeliz8384]

I have much respect for Henry Winkler. He surpassed academic difficulties and reached the pinnacle of Hollywood success.

[@hiyapal7719]

Henry Winkler, *still* impressing us, even now. ♡ He's such an inspiration. *Aye!*

[@eddiel2531]

Henry Winkler is one of the nicest, humblest human beings. His popularity NEVER went to his head

[@jasonfella265]

What an absolutely sweet, down to Earth, creative, amazing man. Always loved him. And the smile he gets at about the 9:45 mark when quoting his son as saying "...I was loved too much." is just awesome.

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

Henry is probably one of the few TV stars that was truly not changed by fame. As he said, the secret is not to believe everything you hear about yourself.

[@edliyai6873]

This interview just brought a tear to my eyes. Thank you Henry,for the memories and for being a very exemplary human being.

[@desmondpowell3205]

Thank you Mr. Winkler for being so positive and inspirational! He handled himself in this interview with great dignity, and his work on happy days was absolutely legendary! Mr. Winkler you are the example that one can chase his dreams and catch them!!!

[@mirozen_]

From every interview I've ever seen, either of Henry Winkler himself or of anyone who knows him, what always seems to come through is that here's a fine example of a simply decent human being. Not that there aren't plenty of others around, but it's just really nice to see and hear.

[@Mortthemoose]

Awwww....Loved the Fonz back in the day, and have loved Henry Winkler ever since. 💜 Loved that little bit of Fonzie at the end 👍👍😎😅

[@guidofeliz8384]

Henry failed high school geometry several times. According to Henry, the Pythagorean Theorem always stood in his name. A man a highly respect. A true success story.

[@caccarooch562]

As much as I totally despised the condescending and negative intentions of this interviewer, my respect for Henry Winkler has grown more than I ever thought I could have for him. His answers were intelligent, diplomatic, complete and respectful. I wonder if Henry knew the direction that the interviewer would go before he agreed to be interviewed by this moron. And then to end it as the Fonz character and also saying “it’s been a pleasure” and ”what a great conversation”, much respect to him.

[@ajNKaj]

Cacca Rooch epic!!! I grew up on Fonz. Am 20 yrs younger

[@sebastianvella8992]

I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED THE CHARACTER OF THE FONZ, BUT AFTER THIS INTERVIEW I LIKE HENRY WINKLER EVEN MORE. HIS HUMBLE HONESTY IS JUST DISARMING. VERY FEW MEN EVER DESERVED THE SUCESS HE HAD. GOD BLESS YOU MR. WINKLER FOR YOUR FINE WORDS.

[@markrothenberg9867]

Henry is a bright fellow. He went to Yale.

[@tanya5322]

I’m glad someone else noticed the attitude of the interviewer.... and noticed that Henry was a class act in response.

[@brianwilson3952]

@@tanya5322 It's called 'Hard Talk' for a reason. The interviewer is trying to get to what makes the Person tick. And there was nothing disrespectful in his questions. Too many snowflakes around nowadays, who take umbrage at everything.

[@hiyapal7719]

Henry Winkler is an amazing person. Very wise and humble. ♡♡

[@jacksugden8190]

Maybe not

[@TempleofChristMinistries]

A righteous man will fall down seven times, but he will also get up seven times, god bless you Henry Winkler and your family.

[@stevemaclaine4547]

what lovely man Henry is ,respect to this man .

[@JohnCee754]

A very interesting and informative interview of an extremely articulate and thoughtful man, who also happens to be a terrific actor. I have yet to see an interview with Henry Winkler in which I didn't come away impressed with the man's intelligence and levelheadedness. His ability to bring real depth to what began as a fairly two-dimensional character is what turned Happy Days into a really memorable show. And this interviewer managed to bring out some very interesting observations. Well done!

[@GeoffreyJohns]

I saw Winkler in pantomime in London. This is much harder than you might think. He was great. I was more intrusive than I should have been. I still feel bad about that. I'm still glad to have met him

[@ukpoliticswatch4222]

What an amazing man Henry Winkler is. Very down-to-earth and humble his whole life.

[@southendparaquest]

Such a warm human being. God bless you, Henry.

[@Susquehanna80]

Henry Winkler is wonderful.. Just never seen such a good, decent man grilled by an interviewer before as if he was a baddie

[@TheOptimod]

Newsflash:- That's why it's called 'Hardtalk'.

[@georgescarlett2320]

Thanx for everything, Henry. The "Fonz" will always be my earthly hero, and I'm now 72!!! Gb bg

[@nathelondon3719]

Class. Henry Winkler is sheer class.

[@JLady4]

This interviewer... Mr Winkler is amazing, inspiring and a legend.

[@BillyBronco73]

Someone should tell this interviewer that listening and letting the guest talk is part of being a good interviewer.

[@oswaldomilano3848]

I never knew why always liked this character.now I KNOW,he is so honest.

[@Maskedmotivator1]

His heart is of gold

[@TheTransatlanticExchange]

Fantastic! I feel so inspired and how wonderful of Henry Winkler to help out kids who don't fit the traditional and rather outdated standards of success. Everyone has a form of brilliance and need the chance and encouragement to shine. This is wonderful.

[@davidgiblin4934]

A great actor and a truly gracious gentleman

[@jimh.7575]

I love Henry. He is a genuinely good man.

[@periurban]

How Henry maintained his good humour with this BBC hack is beyond me. What a gent!

[@wayne-brock7515]

One of my all time idol, love you Henry Winkler, aka The Fonz.

[@bosshogg1915]

A lovely man. Tells it like it is. Very inspirational. Thanks man.

[@hockley91]

Loved the daughter credit card bit. He was desperately trying to get the interviewer to just relax and have a good laugh. That was funny.

[@elisemiller13]

Some Brits are down to earth, with a great sense of humor...and then.......................

[@bushidowarrior4917]

Henry Winkler ... THANK YOU... Your’e understanding of Intra and Inter Personal intelligences is amazing.... I could listen to you talk all day.. God Bless you and your family... A life long fan....

[@scottprosser3766]

Sir, You should be nothing besides fully proud of yourself. Even though I Mr. Scott Prosser, was not born until '77, Happy Days will be my favorite show even as time passes by. Over three decades ago I went unconscious for a day and have been putting up with Epilepsy ever since. The Epilepsy has been causing me to not live that much of a social life and ever since the mid '80's my mother has been treating me like I can not do anything without her keeping an eye on me. Sometimes I feel like she is living my life. How do I find a way to get past her keeping full control of me? Besides my statements about myself I would have to congratulate you considering all of your achievements as well as your success. I will never forget you playing Mr. Author Fonzerelli on Happy Days. Please continue feeling your best. God bless you. From, Scott Prosser

[@Luckylady52]

I believe Henry is right that when people think they don't matter, they shatter.

[@dadadruma]

Henry Winkler IS The Fonz! How he keeps his cool during this interview is simply mindblowing, Oh thats right, He is the FONZ!

[@renecents]

Alas, that people don’t get journalism. The interviewer is a journalist, not a talk show host. He asks hard questions, hence the name of the show. His questions were apposite for the purpose of the interview. What was clear, that despite his clearly business minded agenda, he was won over by the charm and grace of Henry Winkler. As was I. We can agree Mr. W is a lovely and inspiring man. Long may his grace, grace us.

[@starpathdivine9402]

Rob Bad It's not about the questions, it is about the guy's "tone" that is off putting. You can ask hard questions and get answers better with style. There was a great clip about a year ago of a Canadian press conference hosted by Native Canadians and they gave the journalists a lesson in how to respectfully speak. Moving forward, it might be useful for some of these guys to do what actors do, and have to use each other as a mirror to see how they actually come across to the public.

[@renecents]

Hello starpath divine, I understand what you are saying completely. He is a little dour, but as his job is more often interviewing politicians, I suspect he’d be accused of favouritism if he treated Henry any differently. To be fair, he smiled and joked as he succumbed to Mr. W’s charm. Also, I’m sure any guest watches previous interviews, so let’s not underestimate HW’s ability to converse at a level beyond, “what’s you favourite Happy Day’s moment?” 😁 I think they both enjoyed it and we learnt how bright and lovely Henry is. That doesn’t negate your point in any way, but it is, perhaps, mitigation. Have a lovely rest of your day.

[@tomjones2348]

Henry Winkler is an example for young actors on how to be, before and after success.

[@megangrotte9040]

What a humble guy:) He used all his training to make a great show:)

[@pattyann4163]

Isn't Henry wonderful. And he handled this sensationalist interviewer with such class.

[@adelasalkanovic8913]

What a beautiful human being. God bless you SIR Henry Winkler.

[@joanketelby752]

Thank you Henry Winkler. I am glad he said that about languages.

[@colinrgage]

Great interview great guy I can remember being sat in a bar at a BKK airport watching this

[@mjl221]

I understand the show is called "HARDtalk" and I suppose the interviewer is trying to ask the "hard" questions, but he is the most negative interviewer I've ever seen. And Henry Winkler managed to EASILY turn around each of his negative questions / comments. A truly humble man! This interview made me appreciate Henry Winkler even more.

[@jacksugden8190]

Only questions and answers at a McDonald’s-same thing general questions.

[@theoutlawjoseywales4075]

Brilliant. Henry Winkler always makes me smile. Cool👍

[@craigleidigjr4170]

Humility. 👍👍👍WOW WAT A GREAT MAN !!! Thank you for all those years of Happy Days. 👍 Much Respect ✊

[@eowyn1964]

Fonzie was the ultimate big brother. Henry feels like a big brother to me. What a mensch!

[@jacksugden8190]

Not to me. I have two brothers and one sister.

[@klipkultur2951]

I like The Fonz. I love Henry Winkler!

[@DexterHaven]

Wohhh! Good one, Richie. @GILBERT Hernandez

[@MrScipio72]

Wow - I just loved Happy Days and the 'Fonz' growing up. And now my 9 year old and I watch Hank Zipzer together and love that. Henry Winkler is just a really lovely bloke.

[@NebMacIver]

This is a great man.

[@johniii8147]

I never knew what an amazing guy He was and still is

[@jamesdelta6297]

Great to hear Henry suddenly talk like the Fonz right at the end.

[@Nick-zu9sn]

13:42 "I was trained to be an actor. I was not trained to be an elitist." Rock On Henry!!!

[@kilroy987]

Shows today are more of a direct commentary on the state of things instead of offering people something else. When viewed through that lens, there is no safe place from which to reflect on what you want to choose to become, a safe place to examine from and from which to make a real decision, to really look from that at the world. We could use some shows like Happy Days today. Henry has a point - if you're treated like you aren't useful, being desocialized like that will age you fast.

[@luisvillar8320]

When I was 15 the Fonz was the coolest person in the world to me. Today at 57 Henry Winkler is the coolest person in the world to me.

[@Wulfdane]

The interviewer tries hard to bait Henry Winkler into negativity, fortunately Henry Winkler is wise enough not to fall for it. Such a wonderful and optimistic human being, very humble.

[@vervoid73]

Got a tear in my eye now. A good one!

[@nancypahl7755]

Your childhood story sounds familiar. I grew up in the 60s with undiagnosed ADHD, and I sucked at studying and getting assignments done. My parents (dad mostly) thought I was just a little shit, but it was especially rough because if I shared my feelings about what was happening I knew I'd be blamed and/or spanked. Often, I just wanted my dad gone, along with one or two mean teachers. Anyway, I completely get where you're coming from Henry. Hugs

[@tompryor2821]

Nancy Pahl so did my stepfather

[@protestantsfailurend7890]

Henry was spot on about a long of things just bam, truth-bombs everywhere. Happy days really existed but that was another time in America. The best place on earth the way we experienced the show. Incredible man.

[@tammyramey]

I love Henry Winkler. I completely agree with him about what he said about not buying into your fans'/press worship of you.

[@OmegaWolf747]

Words of wisdom from a great man.

[@darrendonovan7230]

wish i had a brother like winkler i get exactly what he talks about put down never built up good man henry winkler

[@TalkswithPop]

I used to think The Fonz was the coolest guy in the world. Now I know that the coolest guy in the world is Henry Winkler.

[@PinkPoodleCrafts]

I dont like this interviewer, he is trying to get a negative reaction or have Henry spill some tea about his past or something... hes terrible and condescending. Yuck!

[@athuldas4959]

Its a show about asking hard questions, playing the devils advocate, hence 'HARDtalk'

[@redavatar]

@@athuldas4959 True but the interviewer is still not listening to Henry. He keeps cutting off his stories to ask his questions instead of listening what he's saying. It was very clear to me that Henry was very thankful for the opportunities he got, very grateful for the role on Happy Days, very appreciative of everyone involved. The interviewer tried to mock the show, tried to belittle the characters, tried to make it seem as if would have gotten a better career without the show, etc. They're TERRIBLE questions. The show is called HARDtalk, not TERRIBLEtalk.

[@jamieb0nd]

I said more or less the same thing then I saw your post. glad it wasn't just me thinking that 👍

[@thaliababineau4965]

His ideas of "fairytale" American fifties for the interviewer is ridiculous. Those were our fifties that we lived.

[@originalhgc]

The interviewer has a pointless agenda, not applicable to the subject matter, and keeps flogging it. Henry has to gently guide him back to the simple formula of the intentionally escapist nature of a type of show like Happy Days.

[@brianpatrick6640]

He will always be the coolest guy on TV

[@jcee6886]

One of the nicest guys you'd ever meet.

[@bberns2]

What a well grounded person

[@nancyfasolino7607]

He hit the nail on the head as a kid and not having much of a family life at that time I wanted to be part of that family and the fonz to protect me👍👍Ahhhh!!!❤️ I can relate to what he is saying about turning a negative into to a positive person

[@olyvoyl9382]

This interviewer is doing his best to get under Winkler's skin. Thankfully Winkler out shone him.

[@jeffmcgrath6108]

I agree...that guy was a real tool lol

[@DexterHaven]

Yeah, Henry would not let himself get railroaded. He toyed with asides right back himself. The game Jumped the Shark got canceled; his show is still in reruns.

[@semperidem2577]

The show is called 'Hard Talk' so what the hell did you expect? The interviewer was only doing his job. Winkler comes across as a really decent guy, and more so because of the questioning. It's nice to watch an interview where the interviewer asks the tough questions for once. There was no malice in it though, which some are seeming to suggest.

[@queenroo4082]

Olyv Oyl class smashes trash ...every time.

[@caihah.1404]

@@semperidem2577 You serious? Man, the version of reality some people choose to live in...

[@tamataua4370]

Wow ... Henry Winkler what an amazing guy

[@karljames3664]

Good interview Henry is a childhood hero

[@ZaydDepaor]

He said such beautiful caring wise things he had me in tears, he is like the Fonz in real life! His character certainly had an impact on me, I always call Casanova, women magnets 'The Fonz'...he gave excellent advise for helping struggling or 'different' children.

[@skeeterstanley1272]

i love this guy .

[@davidevans3227]

wow.. this man in the pink jumper is the fonz.. thankyou for sharing this 🙂 x brilliant

[@dawnheistand912]

dyslexia is difficult but you can become a star even if you have it ! Cher , Henry and others have this and become successful on television just as much as those who do not have this reading disorder ! thanks

[@nor4277]

I love the guys attitude,and he a decent person

[@chrisfleming443]

Wouldn't it be great if they all had a reunion and went back to that cafe as now older people remembering their youth. Food for thought.

[@brubrushanghai]

Great and respectful interview. Thanks Steven Sakhur