Sunday Profile: Henry Winkler

As the Fonz on the classic TV comedy "Happy Days," Henry Winkler played America's most famous teenager. A little-known fact about Winkler is that he was dyslexic - so dyslexic he could barely read. Now at 71, Winkler is co-creator of a popular series of children's books featuring a fourth-grader who similarly has trouble reading. Mo Rocca talks with Henry Winkler and his wife, Stacey, and also joins them in a pastime that has got them both hooked: fly-fishing.

[@BookofTerrors]

Henry Winkler is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He took time to chat and acted as if we were old friends. Not many legends will do that with the regular folk.

[@notused2118]

Did he sell you a reverse mortgage?

[@jojopuppyfish]

Same thing happened to my friend who worked at the Paramount Lot.

[@brendaussery5343]

So proud of You Mr. Winkler and do thank GOD for you and your gifts to our life. Also thank your wife and family for sharing you with us. Be blessed

[@notused2118]

@@brendaussery5343 proud of him selling reverse mortgages to the elderly to strip their last asset before going to a home or homeless?

[@cheri7054]

sp co how did you meet Henry? I would love to meet him as I have learning challenges as well. Grew up feeling horrible about self.

[@Slimboyfat1979]

He is a very humble and kind man.... Very cool guy. Not just talking about the Fonz either.

[@TheSteve1126]

He’s cooler than the Fonz, who woulda thought

[@hankforeman91]

I met that man today at Raleigh Supercon. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met! Love this guy!

[@jamesagwe2981]

Ayyyyyyyy

[@renaepetersen2393]

I love Henry Winkler and I love the person that he is and I absolutely love the way he and his wife love each other!

[@jennifer_m.8613]

Henry and Stacy are going to be the cute little old couple in some LA nursing home.

[@thomaskemer8109]

To achieve what he did, that says a lot about the man!!! Long live the FONZ!! AYYYY👍

[@notused2118]

Stealing from baby boomers. Heeeeeey!!!!

[@debrakilgore4381]

I have been binge watching Happy Days and things I did not know about Henry, and now I want to read his books . Thank you Henry for sharing your talent with us !!!

[@danielthompsonmoviestravel8254]

Fonzie, in my opinion, remains the most memorable television character ever.

[@danielstanwyck2812]

Never watched the show more than maybe a dozen times,but of course he was very famous at the time. A very touching look into the man's later years and was especially touched by after catching the fish, having his catch photographed, he thanked the fish and placed it gently in the water. That says as much about the man as anything could. Bravo!

[@donnamiller5222]

ayyyyy henry

[@jonlanier_]

We discovered this information as we were trying to help our son cope with his dyslexia. My sonabsolutely loves the books that he has written. I recommend them to any child, especially if they have a learning challenge in school. Thank you Mr Winkler!

[@stephsinger5163]

I had his posters all over my 12 year old bedroom walls . The thought of ever meeting him was just a fantasy . Flash forward to 2014 and I had the chance to meet him at a local car show! I can’t begin to describe how amazing he is . Kind humble and polite. I feel so lucky to have met him.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

Hollywood needs more people like Henry Winkler.

[@lynnwaters2557]

I loved this show when I was a kid! He’s a great actor!

[@isseysgirl]

I met Mr Winkler once and I can not say just how sweet this man is. It was at one of those comic con conventtions and we had my grandson with us. He was 2 at the time. And this man had a complete conversation with a 2 year old. I have met celebrities before but i can officially say, Henry Winkler was the nicest of them all

[@bobshark123]

The man is an inspiration

[@cindychurch925]

What a FABULOUS interview. Insightful. Full of meaning. Love Henry Winkler..always have. This interview has made me love and respect him even more.

[@leslieelaine8499]

It makes me sad that people thought that anyone with a learning disability was just dumb and lazy.

[@jonlanier_]

I'm 54, I got that all through HS. Yes, I'm dyslexic. I might add, they didn't understand dyslexia at the time. And... unfortunately they don't really get it today. We have son who dealt with it through his schooling. Now in College and still has issues with Profs. (by the way, it is inherited)

[@leslieelaine8499]

Jon Lanier I'm sorry to hear that you guys still have issues!

[@JohnCashin]

What's even worse is that in school, sometimes, children who have certain disabilities themselves will pick on or mock other children that they see with certain other disabilities, just to make themselves feel better and to take the focus off of their own problems, eg, the boy who can't read very well might be among the first to laugh at the boy who has a speech impediment, I had a lot of this going on when I was in school, everyone trying to take the negative focus off of themselves and trying to put it on someone else, common sense would dictate that we should have all been helping each other, eg, if I'm good at one thing but struggling with something else and someone else is good at what I'm having problems with and I'm good at what they struggling with, then....hey....we should work together, right? But this is a world where common sense is not employed nearly as often as it should be, little wonder that children in school often can't see what should be plain and obvious in an ideal world.

[@Brian-wn2vc]

Leslie Elaine but doesn't it make you happy that we now recognize this and are taking steps to deal with it?

[@JustNeedaBeerandPark]

Leslie Elaine Different time...different period!!!

[@kevinbaker1642]

Five decades in the public eye and not one scandal...……...not one.

[@NateTheGreat1684]

True, unlike most celebrities.

[@paulhlin]

Did you really have to go there...really?

[@notused2118]

Lol, ever hear of reverse mortgages?

[@sarahmichaels2117]

@@notused2118 Lol. Your right, they are a bad idea.

[@anthonypalermo8816]

Just the reverse mortgage scam.

[@leonelcardenas5847]

The Fonz is a legendary character. I can't stop watching episodes of Happy Days on KZbin and I have hulu.

[@jello2199]

What a wonderful amazing wife he has...He is blessed to have her.

[@Miamiborne1969]

Agreed, very blessed indeed!

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

She is as equally blessed to have him

[@whatonearth9809]

I love the fact he puts the fish back!

[@postshanna]

projecting much

[@JerryWhatshisface]

"Catch & Release" is an unwritten rule (of sorts) shared by most fly fishermen.

[@su-rv2uq]

It would be better if he didn't catch them with hooks in their flesh to begin with.

[@20alphabet]

Should've eaten it rather than put it through all that panic and torment for nothing.

[@Archer335]

Who would have thought that he had such issues all those years ago - issues that were so contrary to the image he portrayed so wonderfully? And he created one of the most memorable characters in the history of television while doing it. Amazing! Now, that’s what I call a great spirit.

[@JohnJones-rb9yd]

Mr.Winkler I just want to say thank you for coming to my granddaughters school a long time ago to sign your book. You took time to speak to her and shake her hand which she didn't wash for 2 days. You are one of the good guys. I wish you all the best.

[@Schmidteren]

such a positive impact on this world. Henry. You're a god damn living legend, and such an angel.

[@postshanna]

what a legend. i pray im half as content with my life at his age as he his. long live the fonz!

[@whouster]

Had the good fortune of talking to Henry when he visited England, and what a truly lovely and generous man. We absolutely loved him as Fonzie, and he's just as loveable as Henry Winkler! 'Happy Days' was every much as big a hit in the UK as it was in the States, and we all did our Fonzie impressions in the school playground.

[@pattihawks8514]

A beautiful story: a humble man, who didn’t give up. Lovely, insightful wife. Success!

[@DrRish-wx3wf]

Watched Happy Days so much when I was a kid. Makes sense that you and Sandler are friends. 2 loyal and nicest people in Hollywood. Thank you Sir Henry Winkler.

[@deanburgess63]

Wow I wish I could be as kind hearted and positive as he is the real Henry Winkler has found his bliss god bless you fonz!

[@SSsmith24]

Loved him first time I saw him early 70s , he’s just gotten better with age ❤️

[@terryhart4090]

Mr. Winkler is ALL CLASS!!! We need more like him!

[@Tull1996]

This man was a huge part of my childhood.......I grew up with Happy Days.....seems like such a nice guy....He's one of the celebrities that if I met in person, I'd probably get all nervous and say stupid stuff ;-)

[@ronl3655]

Henry Winkler is indeed number one in my book. He has always been a class act since Happy Days. He could have easily portrayed himself as an arrogant bully, but he always showed compassion and had a good lesson to teach in the end. Just a generally good hearted human being. HE IS LEGEND...

[@OrchidJayne]

He's an amazing man. Met him such a love

[@newhampshirejoe5975]

Thanks for all the Happy Days Henry

[@JP-lf6zl]

I spoke with him at an airport for a while, very nice to everyone.

[@susanmcknight2124]

Can you imagine not only the heartbreak and unrelentless pain he had endured for so many years, but the sheer courageous determination it took for him to persevere going on to collage and to tge wonderful life he found with GODS help What an insperation

[@johnq8135]

Love, love, love happy days. Such a down to earth guy and great actor and producer.

[@billlevins7460]

He looks like a really good kind man.

[@1hansety1]

The only famous person I’ve ever met and had a memorable conversation. He talked about fly fishing and sharing that hobby in common I met an extremely nice and down to earth human being.

[@PatroniFan]

I love Henry Winkler. I've had a crush on Him since I was young. I love HIM, So MUCH.

[@lendavoice60]

Always loved happy days. Beautiful story about Henry Winkler .xo

[@wandakatz2260]

Been a fan and more of Mr Winklers since first heard of him. Listening makes me admire him all the more 🦋🦋💚

[@lorraineschoedler6166]

The nicest celeb I ever met. Met him at "the Wheels of Time" in Macungie, Pennsylvania. A very nice man.

[@xiomanaxoxoxo3212]

I worked with Henry Winkler in the early 2000s, he was making his way back into the business and kindly took a role in a AFI short as a funny parent, he was genius of course and he was so so nice, I could not tell him he was my teen idol I thought it would sound cliche, but I think he acrually would have gotten a kick out of it it took everrything in me not to geek out. The Fonz, wow what an icon. And Henry a great actor. one of the best out there.

[@scottymixon7863]

Mr Winkler you will always be the Fonz to me I watched you and thought how awesome you are at playing the Fonz you did such a great job and there is a part of the Fonz in me I know that sounds crazy but I always tried to imetate the Fonz and I of course taught my grandson about you because what kid can grow up with out knowing who the Fonz is so thank you what you did was Awesome take care my friend I hope you seen this.

[@MaxineAGGuess]

Emerson College has an amazing theater program. Kristin Linklater use to be on faculty. Henry Winkler is amazingly humble and deeply genuinely. I appreciate his truthfulness in discussing the biz. Plus, the love of his wife and family is much to be admired.

[@HelloooThere]

He should be cast as the top head chief of staff on General Hospital. He'd be great.

[@monkeyattackedmyass5435]

Absurd. Soap operas are infinitely beneath him..

[@saxonsteve]

Class Act Guy! Good for you Henry to have the life you have. You worked hard for it and deserve the good life!

[@patriot5.56]

You may not be academically smart but that doesn't mean you are not intelligent.

[@grob4338]

Yep.

[@tonywellington7854]

+Cameron Crawford but usually it does

[@randallsage6740]

Agreed. This is very true.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Talented, humble and a great actor. Total respect from me.

[@lyannamillen8095]

Henry and his wife are a beautiful couple

[@anthonym612]

No one will ever be cooler than the fonz

[@br5448]

he is very kind, met him a few times, and had a meal with him. He goes out of his way to be normal and grateful. No wonder he seems to live a happy life.

[@bowtieguy377]

Henry W. an excellent actor. The fact that he is still doing his stuff on the screen all these years later with great success is proof of that. He has had to overcome a lot too to get there as this segment points out.

[@giezelleglavanits6784]

I'm so sorry, I know what you are going threw. I've glocoma. Also a learning disability I've had all my life. Life for people like us .lots of hops to jump through. I need to let you know you totally inspire me. Thank you.

[@delt2743]

I like how he says he based his life on being the Fonzie character. I remember Happy Days was very popular must see show.

[@claudes.whitacre1241]

When someone tells you "You are not living up to your potential". It isn't an insult. It means that they see that you have potential. It's a combination compliment and encouragement.

[@sirgalahad1470]

Barry Zuckerkorn of Arrested Development is one of the greatest characters in television history. If you have not seen him in that role, your life cannot be complete.

[@jamesagwe2981]

Henry should have his own TV show called Fishing with the Fonz

[@jamisonbondero7391]

He is really genius

[@danbrown7857]

Loved this! Henry is a neat fellow. Very grounded and seemingly at peace. I’d love to fly-fish with him sometime in Montana.

[@pleiadesdragon1391]

Love this guy...brought.....still brings a lot of joy in my live....thanks dear Henry..... Im still waiting for more "beter late than never" I wish Henry and his fam health wealth and all the love in the world....there will be always joy arround and happiness when he enters your life....bless u and your fam dear Henry

[@jamesgross5954]

Henry Winkler in the movie night shift blew my mind but that was the fines proved he was a true ace at his craft which is acting he was more true to the way Henry Winkler truly is in that movie which is ironic cuz Michael Keaton was slick daddy kind of like the Fonz was but after I got to be familiar with Henry Winkler in my adulthood I appreciate his acting abilities are the nicest people on the planet from what I am told and what I read and just a great human being in general glad he was a major influence in my life because all the other finds was cool he was a genuinely good person to much like the real Henry Winkler it appears I hope you have success all the way to the end Henry Winkler great positive influence on my life thank you for your existence

[@heatherhillman1]

Henry Winkler on Arrested Development was hilarious. When Scott Baio also joined the cast, it was elevated to hysterical!

[@ACEDBH]

Living Legend

[@tracybrown2115]

Love Henry Winkler ! Better Late Than Never and Christmas Specials

[@sebastian.p8132]

my heart sank when he said they called him dumb dog,, my Austrian mother called me dumb boy growing up and growing up dyslexic

[@ravipeiris4388]

I met him when I worked at Cedars Sinai hospital - the most kindest and cordial fellow.

[@shelliebrowning960]

I grew up watching Henry Winkler in his movies and I have always enjoyed his charm and genuine nice guy ways. It is a rare thing. Such a kind person. I will always admire Henry Winkler.

[@geecee1288]

A global treasure is Henry Winkler❤

[@frankreading793]

Henry is as cool as The Fonz. I have told people that he could not ride a motorcycle. People were dumbfounded. He is a great actor playing a role. What a guy.

[@joconnell8145]

What do you mean he couldn't ride, many clips of him riding on Happy Days.

[@garymeise673]

What an insanely beautiful and perfect actor. I remember being in 4th and 5th grade when Happy Days was at its peak which essentially was the first second and third season and me and my friends almost like adopting each of the rolls of before five main male characters. That was the greatest show of our childhood no doubt and of course Fonzie was the greatest character. Henry Winkler basically owned my childhood with his unbelievable portrayal as the Fonz I saw him in many movies in the '80s and '90s that were great and then he was the dad of the two brothers on God the show with doctors on Long Island that I now can't think of with the name of was but he was wonderful and what is the name of that show I can't remember and now he's on Barry wow I mean and the thing is, whether Henry Winkler is in his late 20s or 30 like Happy Days were 70 like Barry, anytime he's on the screen he absolutely owns it it's just stunning how charismatic he is on TV no matter what year and then to know that he's basically the nicest person on the planet well hot damn

[@ClearYourMindTravel]

I like Henry Winkler, he seems like a really humble and nice guy.

[@suzannebenz8928]

One of my favorite actors!

[@RichardHSears]

Really interesting, and very revealing interview. Here is a person that never gave up and to his credit, who doesn’t like Henry Winkler

[@WMcgee-fb2gx]

Bless you Henry(Fonze)Winkler 👍🏼

[@iansmith3593]

Very interesting man. Great Hollywood career, married for 40 years, author, expert fly fisherman.

[@zaradimple3980]

He was and still is the most gorgeous fonzi. He is such a nice man.

[@kristaharmon7584]

"Don't be silly --- they give them to me!" :D :D :D

[@raymondpoteet8920]

Wow, I had no idea he was this gentle of a human being. What a man! Thanks Henry!

[@dfense434]

Underrated wonderful man

[@sarahmichaels2117]

Henry is very blessed to have such a supportive wife. He is very wise and I have enjoyed his talent as an actor for many years. God's blessings to him and his family.

[@Rk-wj2gv]

GREAT MAN AND PERSONALTY KIND HEARTED FUNNY AND HAPPY DAYS AS ALWAYS

[@chrismartin2506]

he is such an inspiration to me.

[@fobbitoperator3620]

I've found that the hardest thing to master in life, is serenity. I envy his!

[@wandakatz2260]

My opinion of Henry Winkler is the same if not more in like no matter what now know more of him forevermore ❤

[@jimnelson9896]

Met this man in Montana and have to say one the nicest person you well ever meet!

[@GaeasBlessing]

I spent the first two minutes thinking "Wow, that interviewer looks and sounds just like Mo Rocca!" Then I realized it is Mo Rocca. Ahem. As you were.

[@pattir820]

Love this interview!

[@youresostupid1]

I was just watching a movie with Henry Winkler in it. From 2008 and I laughed as I watched him acting a drama scene. Because I could not stop thinking about how I would love him to stand up in the middle of it with two thumbs up and say 'Aaaaaaahhhhh..'. I wanted it so bad lol.

[@robotone2812]

“Being rudderless is painful”

[@CRL365]

He was brilliant in The Waterboy. The scene with Red is a classic

[@VeganSoulMama]

I didn't think I could love Henry Winkler more, but I do!

[@basiljun808]

The real father of Macgyver!

[@martymcfly5434]

Well he produced that show!!

[@delt2743]

I remember seeing him in credits of MacGyver.

[@dianeleahy4970]

I love Henry Winkler!

[@billdivine9501]

I wish I could speak with him for just a few minutes. I always admired him and now I too, am rudderless, and it it truly terrifying. Sure could use his advise.

[@critter7052]

"AYYYYYYYY, it's The Fonz, a.ka. the legendary actor/nice guy, Henry Winkler!

[@sharonlefebvre7292]

Love you Henry! I think I had the same disability as a child. I severely struggled as a youth.

[@lilyjameson5156]

I had a mega crush on Henry Winkler back in the day. I remember going to a live screening of "Heroes," and I got a kiss from him after standing in line forever. Woohoo! Yeah. I didn't want to wash my cheek after that. Lol. ;)

[@steviewonder2049]

you know what his favourite letter is ? A !