Henry Winkler talks about being The Fonz

Happy Days' star Henry Winkler talks about looking cool as The Fonz despite his dyslexia, as he launches a new school campaign.
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[@kevingiven3463]

When I was a kid back in 1976 I had delusions of grandeur about becoming an actor and I wrote to dozens of celebrities asking for advice on how to break into the business and how they studied to be an actor. Most of them sent me signed pictures and an obvious form letter saying "May your dreams come true." But Henry Winkler, and mind you this was during his peak popularity on Happy Days he was getting thousands of fan mail a day, took the time to write me a 4 page letter about studying the Stanislavski method and how he applied it to his career and how he came to get the role as the fonz. I've had nothing but the utmost respect for that man ever since.

[@MiorAkif]

If that isn't down-to-earth, then I don't know what is.

[@Tull1996]

That impresses me almost more than anything else I've heard about him (which is saying a lot, because there's a LOT of good stuff going around about him :-) )

[@markherring3513]

do you still have th letter? you should post it....thats awesome! Id frame that sucker!

[@sonnstarr]

When I first started doing celebrity interviews I contacted Mr. Winkler's manager to try to set something up. I was told he was leaving the next morning to the UK. The next morning I got a call from the airport in New York. It was Henry Winkler. He told me he was honored that I called. He told me all about his plans. He said he would love to do the show in the future. Let me tell you, that never happens in this business. What he did was way beyond the norm. He is a true gentleman.

[@Bionic_Fonzie]

one actor that actually gets it and appreciates what that character has done for him..

[@TheRonnie63]

Clark Bucher Sir that is the best statement ever made about an Actor! Hats off to you!!!

[@Tull1996]

Agreed.....Alan Hale Jr was another one who could have easily grown to hate his character (The Skipper on Gilligan's Island)..because it typecast him and in reality probably cost him a lot of work.....BUT, from what I've heard and read, he LOVED being recognized as the skipper and even continued to wear the hat :-) But back to Henry Winkler....Yes, you're 110% correct.

[@Bionic_Fonzie]

@@TheRonnie63 - sorry for the late reply. Thank you!

[@Bionic_Fonzie]

@@Tull1996 - I met Alan Hale Jr. And had my picture taken with him when I was a kid. He owned a restaurant in LA called Alan Hale's Steak and Lobster Barrel (or something close to that). The place was loaded with Gilligan memorabilia. He came out about halfway through our dinner and went to every table in the restaurant and shook hands and took pictures. Extremely nice guy. I just met Henry Winkler at a comic con 2 years ago. Extremely nice guy. He gave me one of those Hank Zipzer books in the video for my nephew and autographed it to him. Very nice guy.

[@bodieofci5418]

William Shatner is another who has revelled in his fame and doesn't mind the attention.

[@donwinslow6967]

Henry Winkler was one of my childhood heroes. I, and most of the kids in my neighborhood, wanted to be the Fonz. He was just so damn cool.

[@kshinokevin]

Sit On It !

[@vaccumsealed]

I wished many more people in this world was as nice of a guy as this man. I met em over the weekend, and I expected em to be less of what he actually is. I was totally surprised by such a kind hearted gentleman and human being. I didn't realize he authored children's books which I also picked up a copy of Hank Zipper.

[@js357s]

I didn't realize that dyslexia would affect your driving and use of money. It is amazing how many people with dyslexia have succeeded.

[@tclan414]

+js357s Dyslexia is different for each person. You would be hard press to find 2 dyslexics with the same problems. I'm dyslexic I'm great with math and numbers but can't spell or figure out how to pronounce new words. I'm very mirror image and right and left or very abstract to me. Dyslexics have abilities that non dyslexics don't. They are great at thinking out side the box and are highly creative people. Dyslexics depend a great deal on the right side of their brain the creative side.

[@js357s]

Tom Clanton I didn't know that about dyslexics. I really appreciate your writing to me. I know it wasn't easy. Is it difficult for you to read equations or formulas or do they look the same to you as somebody who doesn't have dyslexia? Also what about word problems? It makes sense you would be creative because you have to be. Everyday I am shocked at how little I know and I am an educated person.

[@linkbiff1054]

Winkler has one of the highest degrees of it. Despite all of that, he earned a Master's Degree in theatre.

[@PhysioA]

No matter what u say....YOU sir........aRE STILL THE FONZ!!!

[@wh4193]

PhysioA eyyyy

[@loosechangeexposed]

Fonzie was the type of guy every guy wanted to be. Henry is the type of guy every guy wants to have as a friend. Winkler for president.

[@timobloozer]

I've worked as an extra with Henry on a movie set, and he is a super cool, good-hearted guy. He talks and jokes with the extras, and there isn't a trace of ego or diva-ness with him. He's truly a down-to-earth nice guy and he's got my respect.

[@cheeriosinabowl]

Back in the 70's, the Fonz was THE coolest cat around. Totally hip and rad. Everyone wanted to be just like him.

[@LatinMiracle]

Respect to this man for playing the fonz.

[@mcm1322]

Seems pretty damn cool to me, he's more like the fonz than he gives himself credit for

[@croftjeepnxxx]

Great actor and modest as well a true Heroe. When happy days came out every kid I knew in elementary school watched and waited for every episode. Henry Winkler and the rest of the cast influenced all of our lives in a great way.

[@Tifflet]

yeah as a kid I used to sit and watch Happy Days on a Saturday evening, loved The Fonz, legendary. Henry has had an amazing career, nice to see him fronting such a campaign, show those that suffer with dyslexia that they can succeed

[@inspirationmediatube]

Henry's ability and willingness to come on TV and show how uncool he is, is what makes him so much cooler than he ever could know.

[@Eric_W_Bell70]

I would love to just shake Henry Winkler's hand. He seems like such a good, down to earth person, who didn't let fame ruin him.

[@eowyn1964]

More power to ya Henry. I'm so glad to see the Queen has honored you for your work.

[@Mortthemoose]

I didn't know that! Wow!

[@MrPlaidFace]

I met him yesterday at the Abbotsford trade x car show, had my 2 year old son meet him for a picture. He really is a loving and warm kinda guy. Really love this guy. Genuine from the bottom up.

[@henrykozak3985]

I love the show Happy Days, my favorite character is The Fonz, he was always so cool. Thank you Henry Winkler for such an awesome character.

[@SmokieMac]

What a class act! We need more people like him.

[@desireeT01]

Met Henry in 2008, he is a wonderful person in person, just as this interview did show. He is very considerate to everyone and he is very friendly. The Fonz character is a part of his whole person. Thanks Henry for a great moment in my life, after waiting 30 years to meet you in person.....

[@kikihurtubise4536]

I met him today, he is such a great guy! Rock on Henry!

[@keithbrier4397]

not only is he a great person,but also a legend !!

[@AronMih]

hat off for one the greatest actors .Henry Winkler . Thanks for giving us The Fonz and showing us how to be cool .

[@leoesposito8762]

After all these years i still love happy days and Henry your still the fonz. ...haaay👍

[@bjamiork]

I love that he still embraces his past as the Fonz and doesn't get pissy when people ask about it or remember him for it.

[@AnniseOwl]

I am so glad there are still people like this

[@teloyquude]

WOW, I had no idea Winkler had such a sever condition, or any condition at all. This gives me inspiration dealing with my learning disabilities.

[@MrMdmilitaria]

I met him briefly in an electronics store while he was making a film in Tampa in the early 90s. I was very young and kind of freaked when I seen him and asked him to do the fonz ahhhh thing for me. He was more then friendly and down to earth, signed an autograph for me and made no arrogant hollywood thing about it ! Class act!

[@Mortthemoose]

Ohhh, lucky you! I loved The Fonz, and I love Henry Winkler....a lovely human being

[@michelledonnan404]

Always loved Henry Winkler and still to to this day.

[@vonmilash823]

Seems like a great guy, thankful and humble. Happy days was so good tho. They were my happy days too, just like the theme song said they'd be!

[@cooper482011]

Von Milash What about the Good Times tv show?

[@CAPTWAIL]

The Fonz is LEGEND

[@dasha1285]

Henry is one awesome human being..

[@leonardhill4440]

An amazing human being in every sense of the world… he will live forever.

[@judythompson8227]

The Fonz is basically Henry Winkler's inner hero, and he obviously had such a good time with that. Henry Winkler just does not realize that he IS the Fonz, who was a good guy, all the way through.

[@whisperingthylacine]

He's so awesome!

[@danielmace406]

I like it. He's definitely someone I would love to hang out with!

[@dallasforsberg1]

I really like this guy, would be really great to meet him. Seems like a decent human being. Not that many like him around anymore.

[@LBF522]

Never knew that about him. He is a wonderful actor and human being.

[@allans7281]

Big fan of Henry Winkler playing the Fonz It’s nice to see his sensitive side behind such a strong highly admired character. It’s OK to be yourself! Definitely something cool about Fonzie kickstarting his Moto

[@janetjohnsonboo]

I LOVE FONZIE!!!! And Henry is def the best person in showbiz!!!! He is the friend I would love to have!!! And it will be a sad day when THE FONZ passes!!! He is STILL my HERO...FOR WHO he is and what he is doing!!! GOD Bless you !!!!!!!!

[@Scuba_Steve_lll]

Man I would love to see him play "The Fonz" in a cameo for a movie :D

[@Mortthemoose]

He still could! I would love that too 😅

[@scottprosser3766]

If it was up to me I would have to say, "Henry Winkler should be fully proud of himself considering how influential he has been in show business. Besides the Epilepsy causing him to be incapable of riding a motorcycle as well as it causing some difficulty remembering lines to say while on screen, Eric. If I was him I would feel very proud".

[@brennabouvierbaker8012]

being humble is where its at! what a man!

[@allans7281]

There’s a part of Fonzie in all of us! We would all love to be that cool

[@Tre404]

The Fonz doesn't go "Ahhhhhh." (Except maybe when he's relieving himself.) He said, "Ayyyyyyyy!"

[@kshinokevin]

Whoah !

[@JKSCN]

Love Henry Winkler for his work with people who have dyslexia.

[@rasalghul9331]

Henry Winkler has been known as one of the truly nicest guys in Hollywood.

[@CLUTCH_THE_DEADGREASER]

Both Henry and The Fonz (knowing there the same person) are both role models of mine cus firstly I to have dyslexia and have to constantly use speech to text and 2nd I’m a greaser that’s where The Fonz comes in. Very ironic I know. Also typing this I’ve had to use the speech to text four times. Also a fact is Jay Leno also has dyslexia as well. Another role model for me as well.

[@willmack5909]

He and John Amos, two of my all time favorite celebrities.

[@donxavier10]

Henry Winkler is such a class act.

[@anthonyyoutubefan7567]

Love this man! He's cool as both guys.

[@jerrymarkhamhaulndiecast]

What a great down to earth hero.

[@NordicBane]

I met him yesturday at comic con and he is the nicest man ive met

[@Firewingfilms]

He is one of my heroes

[@pabsdabs7402]

henry winkler,you are one good soul,loadsa love from liverpool uk.

[@Mortthemoose]

We love you just as you are Henry ❤ a lovely human being

[@carrychris2010]

An Actor that embraced his Character even though the Character was vastly different from him.

[@nufc2smb]

What a lovely guy.

[@wembley05]

A nice guy! He is cool! God bless you Henry!

[@TheHuiwen]

I want to give this guy a hug. AAA

[@KQuinn672]

Love Henry!

[@Smartboy8877]

Very pleased to have met you!

[@lazeezee]

wow! hes amazing! love him

[@vonmilash823]

And he was excellent as chuck in night shift. Another great classic movie with Michael Keaton and shellie long. This is chuck to remind bill, to SHUT UP!!!!

[@jennystorti1]

Von Milash loves that movie!

[@Tamiko38]

Von Milash I love that part omg

[@bobdavis4848]

I thought at first you meant the Chuck character on "Happy Days"! All I know about "Night Shift" is it was a movie Quarterflash sang the title song for.

[@D2Kprime]

Ironically "Chuck" was the name of the eldest-sibling of the Cunninghams. It's also interesting that Chuck seemed to just vanish, but the Fonz basically became the eldest-sibling of the Cunninghams. 😉

[@bobdavis4848]

@@D2Kprime Yes, the Chuck character was written out of the show without script acknowledgment, as it became too difficult to work his role into the scripts. Then when the Fonz moved in upstairs, he became more like a sibling in terms of figuring into the plots.

[@meghnaray4977]

Love love loooove Henry Winkler and Happy Days

[@marisamorrison2347]

I loved the way Henry sounded like Fonzie I still watch happy days cause him

[@michelledonnan404]

What a kind hearted gentleman

[@stevemaclaine4547]

what lovely sincere man.

[@tmillermann700]

This guy is simply amazing

[@FaiiYaZ]

I didnt grow up watchin fonzie buh I watched a few episode on tv and I have to say this guy is awesome...

[@DWhite2280]

What a GREAT GUY!!

[@GabePriceGaming]

I met henry winkler. Henry ROCKS! He came to tredworth junior school. HENRY ROCKS! HENRY ROCKS!

[@SlashinatorZ]

Gabe Price Gaming I met him too! wasnt too friendly

[@BullyDefender]

so true! He's a great man! i met him!

[@dewaynekearns]

Henry Winkler I could say in my opinion he was the coolest but he's more than that Henry Winkler or the fonz what's an inspiration that everyone who grew up in the 70s and 80"s I believe he kept a lot of a off drugs his way of doing things was brilliant

[@guitarman122508]

I model myself after The Fonz with all of the sincerity of Henry Winkler.

[@Smartboy8877]

While we are on the topic of famous people we have met, on two occasions, I have interacted with Jerry Mathers from "Leave it to Beaver". They were two very exciting experiences!

[@daisybeech8298]

My dad used to watch happy days and now I watch it

[@Mr1Gitrdone]

Cool guy,I saw the Fonz live at a "Vantasia '76" car show in Detroit.Back when Vans with custom paint jobs were cool.

[@Ecossaise]

Hes just sooo cool isn't he ? And such courage to talk about dyslexia ! He just ROCKS ! :D

[@Smartboy8877]

I do too! I was classified as learning disabled when I was very young and so I know where he is coming from.

[@lgaff2378]

What a man...

[@mkl62]

Henry Winkler will be appearing this Monday (August 15) on Live with Regis and Kelli.

[@NZman747]

everyone get old we all do it s just time he's still the same man he was 35 years ago

[@rickygarcia7478]

and as a kid in 1977..age 5 I was telling my mom .. Come my hair like be LIKE the fonz..

[@twau2826]

Great guy , thanks for giving us the Fonze

[@killzone3234]

today at school we talked to the fonz it wasssssss sooooooooooo cooooooooool he shook my hand and said if u have a dream hang on to it :D

[@stevenberry7116]

Thanks, henry.

[@c135977w]

The Fonz was the only why reason I watched the show.

[@MrMarkRiemers]

I LOVE HIS ATTITUDE

[@MrMdmilitaria]

He was relieving himself.

[@charlieirvin5423]

I Like Henry Winkler.. My Story Is Like His. I Couldnt Add Or subtract. I Can Read But When It Comes To Math.I cant Make Change. Or When I Shop I Have To Make Sure The Clerk Is Honest.To Give Me The Correct Change..Their Is No Shame That People Have dyslexia Cause That Is What I Have. And Dont Say Rude Comments. Back..

[@pimpompoom93726]

Fonz was a great role for Henry Winkler, but it was just a character he played. He's a fine actor.

[@leelulove24]

hes amazing

[@Azliane]

Could've sworn I responded. Oh well... Some of it was a re-hash, but he actually did show up and dance as the Fonz in that video.

[@KristianCramer]

This guy seems like a genuinly nice person :).. i would really like to meet him, and i have never even watched happy days XD

[@Connieleann]

Wonderful !!!

[@skrivbok]

Four rival greasers were so jealous of The Fonz, so they pressed "dislike" in fury...

[@codaddict25]

Hes the best lawyer too!!!!! As seen in Arrested Developement

[@yefunehdavid1005]

The Fonz is the coolest character ever.