The Fonz Gave Me Notes on “Being Henry” - Henry Winkler

Hollywood legend Henry Winkler says his iconic character Arthur Fonzarelli had a few notes for him upon reading the first draft of his new memoir. Stick around for more with Henry Winkler and check out the book, “Being Henry,” available now.
#Colbert #HenryWinkler #BeingHenry
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@Quartzquiz333]

Met Henry Winkler at a Comic Con in Niagara Falls. Nicest guy on the planet. His plane was late but he insisted on staying and talking with everybody who was there and he wasn't grumpy about it at all. I just had a small piece of paper for him to sign. He swiped one of his $50 pictures, signed it and gave it to me FOR FREE! I always knew he was a class act, that just proved it!

[@cloudwatcher608]

This man has wit and charm up the wazoo. It’s such a simple joke but when he said 2023 when asked which birthday it was I laughed for about a full minute

[@jeffclement2468]

It's kind of a variation of when somebody asks my birthday and I say October 19th. They'll ask "What year?" And I say "Every year!"

[@smalliebiggs3836]

🐴👍🏻 WOW 👍🏼🐴

[@sicknado]

"Cool is being authentically who you are." - Henry Winkler

[@colonelquack]

I had three heroes growing up. Spock, Weird Al, and The Fonz. I regret nothing. I thought I was learning logic, creativity, and cool, with collective nonviolence. But I was also learning how to be myself. No regrets.

[@KatSauceUp]

🙌🏻

[@nomorecrazyplease4923]

You must be an amazing person!!!!👌👍

[@TheBusyJane]

Sounds like you're the coolest civillian on the internet. Rock on!

[@severnwomble6036]

I was lucky enough to meet HW a few years ago with my daughter at a UK literary festival. The queue (because we're British and that's what we love) was huge to have him sign a book (Hank Zipser had just been made into a TV show). He personalised every book, had pics with everyone who wanted one, spoke to the children individually and was, in short, an absolute gent. No-one minded the wait as the reward was 100% worth it. A genuinely lovely man.

[@Mortthemoose]

Awww....am a bit jealous! 😅

[@cyradus]

Winkler is a national treasure.

[@Martell-XO]

Please sell your collection of Paw Patrol figurines. You’re going to need the money.

[@dianeblumenthal5951]

Winkler is the new Betty White, just universally loved !!

[@johnmunro4952]

International treasure!!! We love him here in the Uk too!

[@chezmoi42]

@@Martell-XO No, keep them, they'll just keep going up in value.

[@SN-sz7kw]

Grew up watching Happy Days. Never predicted that The Fonz would, in real life, be such a genuine, sweet man. Winkler is a national treasure. All the more so in a country that has lost it’s sense of grace. May he be an example of the way back.

[@versatilians]

Beautiful words... :)

[@dalehood1846]

Agree wholeheartedly. All the best and may God bless.

[@rixx46]

I had the pleasure of getting to know Henry when I wrote for the MacGyver series. He was one of the exact producers. More involved than you would think! Kindest, funniest, most genuine man in Hollywood. I had not seen him for years, but I had the chance to meet him again at a fan expo, it was like we’d seen each other yesterday. Henry and his wife Stacy are the most wonderful people.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Oh wow, that’s awesome. Thank you for one of my favourite series. I still watch it often. Love Henry, love, love, love MacGyver!!!

[@JMurdochNZ]

You wrote for macgyver!? I carry a pocket knife to this day because of that show. Great work.

[@kittykat2396]

I love that show, MacGyver❤🤷🏻‍♀️

[@petecoogan]

We have nothing Bundt cakes in st louis

[@audreywellham2413]

@@JMurdochNZso fun! I’m a former adult ICU RN, my nickname was ‘nurse McGiver’ because I had all kinds of tools in my pockets! 🙏🏻💙🩺😂🎉

[@h7opolo]

he truly exemplifies the sentiment: "Gratitude is not about what is received; it's about how you receive what is there."

[@PegasusID]

In the mid-1980s I met Henry Winkler, who was directing an afterschool special at a pool in my town. I was the film commissioner so I got to hang out all day. Yes, he IS that nice.

[@colleenfraserdoggiekisses]

You always know when Stephen really respects his guest, he never interrupts, but looks at them with respect and truly listens.

[@susansnyder2420]

“Cool, is being authentically yourself.” Nailed it! Love Henry, his characters, and the children’s books he wrote (the first books my dyslexic son liked to read).

[@bettyveronica9880]

Henry Winkler is a mensch. 💜

[@MSBLS721]

Nothing Bundt Cakes is THE BEST!! The white chocolate raspberry bundlet is phenomenal! Happy birthday Henry!

[@nycava0520]

I have had a crush on Henry Winkler since I was 10 years old. Still do!! 🥰 Such a sweet man. I will be always be a great fan.

[@joannbeiser4907]

Yes he is universally loved. Thank god for his career!

[@alienmozart9902]

Henry Winkler... somehow every year, he still gets cooler and cooler :)

[@tytn9978]

My goodness, Henry Winkler still looks and sounds like "The Fonz"! 50 years in show business and still instantly recognizable! I have fond memories of growing up with Happy Days! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Henry!

[@rajeshkhanna8868]

I work with someone who met Henry and said he was THE nicest person you could hope to meet. I then read several people saying the same about him.

[@DukeHauser-yq9ou]

Happy Birthday Henry Winkler! 🥳🎂🎊 Henry is awesome 🤩 I liked him in The Water Boy as Coach Klein. ❤🎉

[@cherylsibson2529]

Henry Winkler is a International treasure - they shown " Happy Days" in many other parts of the world I get the impression that " the Fonz" would like, " it's ok to have different faiths, show the way to get along in coolness- Happy Birthday Mr. Winkler!!

[@suzibikerbabe8073]

Henry, what you said about being yourself, it reminded me of this: "It is better to live your destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." - The Bhagavad Gita You, sir, are a philosopher.

[@sandrabarnwell8017]

Henry Winkler is 78?! Damn, he looks good! Wish I could meet him. He sounds like a genuine guy.

[@scooterstop8006]

I've loved Henry Winkler for so many years...Happy Birthday Mr Winkler!

[@hogansgoat15]

He really is such a COOL GUY!!!

[@johnsanchez2282]

When I was young, 'The Fonz' was my hero.

[@MichaelSplatkins]

He seems like a truly good dude. Always love seeing him cast in anything. ❤

[@barbararobinson3143]

Happy birthday Henry you were the coolest then and now

[@laurendoe168]

Being "cool" is not only being authentically yourself, it's also not caring what others think about you. The Fonz was not seeking external validation, he didn't need it.

[@yurielcundangan9090]

Henry is a wise man🎉

[@bonniespruin6369]

He is so sweet. Happy Birthday, Henry Winkler!!!

[@cannibalbananas]

Henry is so quick-witted and kind. I love seeing his interviews every time ❤

[@BreezeDaDon]

Winkler is hilarious man 😂. He said isn't it sad for Pence, 4 empty seats in a CVS LMAO. I've seen longer lines while waiting to pick up my prescription

[@mickylawless1941]

I absolutely love Henry! He just get better every year.

[@MK-Farm-Michigan]

I watched every episode of The Fonz and Happy Days. Loved them all. Happy Birthday to our Fonz!

[@michaelsessums]

Henry is an icon, a treasure, a creative, wonderful man.

[@BDogg2023]

I wish I had more energy right now to write out the whole story. One of my favorite experiences in my life was teaching Henry Winkler how to play craps at the Mirage casino in Vegas back in early 90s. I was a huge fan of The Fonz growing up in the 70s, and probably still ride motorcycles today because of him. Then as an adult, an employee at Paramount Pictures, I got to see him just casually walking around the studio lot, as well as cut him royalty checks for his work on Happy Days and Quantum Leap. Now I live nearby, and occasionally play poker with, a good friend of his, Carol Schlanger, for whom Henry recently wrote the forward to her book, Hippie Woman Wild. It’s been a weird, loose, lifelong thread. Lol.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Oh wow! You are so lucky. Hello from Australia.

[@esobed1]

Really cool accounting! Life has so many good moments.

[@davebartosh5]

Henry's a great guy.....Happy to have met him at one of his things.

[@matiastrevino7066]

This man is an absolute treasure

[@recole374]

I love Henry ❤

[@tomclayton6875]

I wish more people would understand how grateful they should be and treat the world accordingly as Henry does. A class man in an overwhelmingly unclassy world. Maybe the classiest man in show business. He sets a standard we could all learn from.

[@jeffrhorer1811]

I met Henry Winkler in Occidental CA when he was making the Heroes movie. I had just finished cutting and splitting a bunch of wood. He walked up to me followed by a small crowd. He said hi I'm Henry. We shook hands and I said I'd be happy to buy you a beer if you'd like. He abruptly turned away. I shrugged my shoulders, turned around and started walking back and all of a sudden he was there with his arm on my shoulder and said thank you, but I feel kinda sick from traveling. I really appreciate the thought. Really a nice guy!

[@bluelotus3750]

He was one of my first crushes as a kid. Love Henry💙 Happy Birthday you amazing man!🎉💙🎉

[@TheLastChickenWing]

I wish he could live 78 more years! I love him!

[@pamyuhnke8143]

He is a National Treasure!

[@Mortthemoose]

An INTERNATIONAL treasure! 😊 👍👍

[@sunshine1968]

Henry is such a sweet soul.

[@jasonbean2764]

I'm 14 years younger, yet I feel he has lived as I would have loved to. A true gent.:)

[@stevebaker2890]

That is the best thing we could teach our kids I tell mine all the time being cool is being yourself, not pretending to be something you're not because you think it makes you "fit in" people will love you or at least respect you for being true to yourself no matter what and also people can tell when you're pretending especially those you're around every day. Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to just do you.

[@kimberleyphillips6671]

I couldn't luv him more❤

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

I'm about to be 74. Its gets better yall. Bless Henry. Indeed a national treasure.💙

[@nomorecrazyplease4923]

His smile is so amazing 🤩

[@garrybrown3165]

Truly a gifted and generous man! Mr. Winkler was guest of honor at a fundraiser for cancer patients in Bolivar, Missouri. At the event held in Springfield without being asked, he signed the two Harley-Davidson jackets my wife and I had successfully bid on in the auction. And he was kind enough to pose for photos. A true superstar.

[@laurieegan3713]

You can’t help but love him. 💜💜

[@lisavandenhoven5672]

Protect this man at all costs

[@emilytamayomaher]

Henry Winkler is THE BEST. 🥰🥰🥰

[@Ireneharnack1138]

Happy Birthday Henry Winkler, loved you since you were Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli!!! 💜

[@hellagood67]

Ayyyyyyyyy……I luuu I luuu I luuuuuuve you. Ah, Mr Henry Winkler…..you are an international treasure…..lots of love from Australia 🇦🇺 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@alisonlulu]

The sweetest, most genuine guy you'd ever meet in show biz!!

[@walterfristoe4643]

Could Henry Winkler have had any idea when he played Arthur Fonzarelli just how popular he would be!? 🤩

[@Nightwatchman53]

Happy birthday Mr. Winkler 🎉

[@PuppetierMaster]

his performance in Barry is perfect, everything about him in that series was gold.

[@vanessawhitneypro]

Love Him SO much!

[@smt4148]

Such a great interview

[@NewMessage]

I follow him on the tweety so I can live vicariously through his fishing trips.

[@bjyoung11616]

He’s so precious!!! I watched Happy Days reruns and I was in high school when he was in Scream and The Water Boy. Love him in all the things!

[@zeldasmith6154]

He's sweet. He can't eat and be on camera, though. He speaks what's on his mind.

[@bloofan06]

I met Henry in December when he was in Portland. A lot of what he said on stage moved me to tears and meeting him after the show (totally worth standing in a very long line that stretched the length of Revolution Hall ie: converted high school) was a dream come true. Only had time to say hello and thank you but those two words meant the world to me.

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

Happy birthday Henry!

[@ghostsquirrel8739]

Aaaaaay! Long love the Fonz!!

[@JeanineLaMonica_fem]

LOVE!!!

[@Dex2R7]

No one can tell me that they watched this without smiling at least ONCE

[@joeynelson4176]

Such great advice!

[@infamousElle]

Henry Winkler gave me my first acting lesson when I heard of his audition for the Fonz. The only guy who DIDNT comb his hair...

[@SheyD78]

An iconic character can be both a blessing and a curse to an actor, but it's better to have been iconic than nothing at all. I was never a Happy Days fan (because it took valuable air time away from japanese cartoons) but the Fonze is still a character I can appreciate and enjoy. I'll always wish Henry all the best, and that he never has to jump the shark again!

[@AC3handle]

Dude...what cartoons was Happy Days preempting? Only cartoons back then were Astro Boy, Battle of the Planets and Princess Knight. Maybe gigantor?

[@SheyD78]

@@AC3handle It would have been reruns of HD, this is mid 80s onwards I'm thinking of

[@AC3handle]

@@SheyD78 Ahh, Go Gargoyles, Silverhawks, Thundercats, Sometimes Robotech, if the station wasn't dicking it around like they did up here.

[@CarlosRodriguez-dd4sb]

HEYYYYYYYYYY! What an amazing guy! We are lucky to have Mr. Winkler.

[@sevenprovinces]

The only duckling with a beaver for a Daddy? Maybe! But in the 90s we had a Dutch cartoon/anime called Alfred J. Kwak who had a mole for an adopted father, who was also, among other things, an aspiring detective, a resistance fighter during the reign of Dolf and his crow's party. A party that claimed that flying birds were superior to aquatic birds. It was a great cartoon that tried to explain Dutch 20th century history to children.

[@carollollol]

Henry Winkler for president!!!

[@flemmilu]

I love this so much. I met him in 2010 (I think it was in LA; alcohol had been drunk) and didn’t know who he was, being German and not familiar with American culture in that sense. I was flabbergasted and wish I had known who he is. Still have a photo somewhere

[@Bane196Ci]

Aayyy!!! Happy Birthday Fonzie👍😎🌟✨👍

[@jeanetteschock4744]

He was interviewed on Rich Eisen sports show. Its in KZbin definitely worth looking up. He's wonderful ❤

[@reginaayat5390]

I had the chance to meet him twice in the '90s because his daughter liked the brew pub I worked in when she was going to college. He brought his whole family in several times cuz he liked the spot. Unfortunately, when he wasn't around I wasn't allowed to let her in because she was underage with a fake ID. Nothing personal honey, I just couldn't afford to lose my job even though your family was quite nice. He was so gracious. He even signed my drunken friend's cast when they mobbed him

[@fredb3400]

Happy birthday to The Fonz! Henry is a better man than he is an actor, and we all know how great he is at acting.

[@TheBusyJane]

Omg, this was so joyful, I watched it twice!

[@websurfer191]

When I was a kid the Fonz was my hero as an adult Henry Winkler is my hero.

[@sema6008]

Henry! ❤ I’m getting his and John Stamos’ memoir. I’m so thankful I have Henry’s autograph, too.

[@xtevexeairoux2637]

Happy birthday Henry.....the Fonz

[@karenwaddell9396]

Winkler, the best Scrooge ever. Thank you!

[@Mortthemoose]

He played Scrooge?? On stage?

[@dceplay]

Made for TV movie I think.

[@barrybailey1173]

Happy Birthday, Henry. It's a long time since we were classmates.

[@carolynbarcus3662]

Happy Birthday Mr. Winkler

[@anncairns1099]

Happy Birthday Henry 🎉 Thank you 👍💗

[@faykouri1162]

The Fonz an amazing person!

[@christinemarchant8640]

Such a beautiful soul❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@7h3unkn0wn5]

He said pantheon , I was reminded of a song. " a good song never dies"

[@chezmoi42]

Henry, my dear, it is wonderful to see you enjoying the freedom that comes with age. Ain't it great? We don't have to be anything but ourselves. I'm three years ahead of you, and have learned to deeply enjoy living what Jenny Joseph warned us about age: "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter."

[@serendipityshopnyc]

He sounds like a real sweetie.

[@christinecharles4586]

What a cool nerd! My favorite kind of people... oh, Arthur Fonzerelli lol

[@HewJorgan]

👍👍Aaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy !!👍👍

[@marybratton5514]

I played Scrabble, Jr. with Henry Winkler when I was 6 years old in the green room as a guest on the Shriners fundraiser. I was smitten!

[@mgd6087]

Lookin Gooood!

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

I loved him in "Night Shift" with Michael Keaton.

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

"Happy Days", to "Night Shift", to "An American Christmas Carol"... the man definitely has range. I've never seen him do an evil character/villain yet (he may have, I just haven't seen it). Off to Google...