Henry Winkler’s memoir discuses stardom

The 77-year-old ‘Happy Days’ actor memoir ‘Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond’ covers all aspects of his life as a Hollywood veteran.

Henry Winkler is an American actor, producer, and director, best known for his iconic portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the hit TV show “Happy Days.” He was born on October 30, 1945, in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in a Jewish family in the Bronx

The book is“Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humour, ‘Being Henry’ is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom.

“It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.”

It added the book will be “a deeply thoughtful” exploration “of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole”.

“Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as ‘The Fonz’ in the beloved ‘Happy Days’, has transcended the role that made him who he is.

“Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.”

Winkler struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia as a child and had difficulty in school, but he discovered his talent for acting while attending the Yale School of Drama. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career and landed his breakout role as Fonzie on “Happy Days” in 1974.

Winkler continued to act in TV and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including roles in the movies “The Lords of Flatbush” and “Night Shift” and the TV series “Arrested Development” and “Parks and Recreation.” He also produced and directed several TV shows, including “MacGyver” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

In addition to his work in entertainment, Winkler is a well-known advocate for dyslexia awareness and education. He has written a series of children’s books featuring a dyslexic protagonist named Hank Zipzer, based on his own experiences.

Henry’s 10 years playing Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli on 1970s sitcom ‘Happy Days’, earned him two Golden Globe Awards and saw him honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

He will celebrate 50 years in Hollywood this year and continues to be in demand as an actor, producer, and director – and is currently starring as acting coach Gene Cousineau in HBO’s hit comedy ‘Barry’.

There’s unlikely to be much personal scandal in his upcoming book as Henry has been married to his wife Stacey in a Los Angeles clothes store in 1976 and they married two years later.

They have two children, Max and Zoe, as well as Jed Weitzman, Stacey’s son from her previous marriage with Howard Weitzman, who is Henry’s stepson.

“Of all the titles he has received, the ones he relishes most are husband, father and grandfather.”

Henry has already co-authored the ‘Here’s Hank’ and ‘Hank Zipzer’ series of children’s books which were inspired by his childhood and struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia.

Henry said: “I am both excited and nervous to contemplate writing a memoir, because it’s hard for me to remember what happened the day before yesterday, but here I go!”

Winkler has received numerous awards for his work in entertainment, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for his role on “Happy Days.” He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999.

As of 2021, Winkler continues to act and produce, and is also an advocate for various charitable causes.