Henry Winkler’s memoir discusses fame

The 77-year-old “Happy Days” actor’s 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 television 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 deep heart, charm and self-deprecating humor, ‘Being Henry’ is a memoir about much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom.

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

He added that the book will be “a deeply thoughtful exploration” of the permanent effects of fame and the struggle to become whole.

“Henry Winkler, launched into the limelight 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 (although he’s the first to tell you that’s just not the case, he’s so grateful to be here), Henry shares in this painfully vulnerable memoir the discouragement the truth of his childhood, the difficulties of living with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path to follow once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Winkler struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia as a child and struggled in school, but discovered his acting talent 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 in “Happy Days” in 1974.

Winkler continued to act in television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s, notably in the films “The Lords of Flatbush” and “Night Shift” and in the television series “Arrested Development” and “Parks and Recreation”. . He has also produced and directed several television 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 wrote 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 the 1970s sitcom “Happy Days” earned him two Golden Globe Awards and saw him honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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

There is unlikely to be much personal scandal in his next book as Henry was married to his wife Stacey in a Los Angeles clothing 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 to Howard Weitzman, who is Henry’s stepson.

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

Henry is already co-author of the “Here’s Hank” and “Hank Zipzer” series of children’s books, inspired by his childhood and his struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia.

Henry said, “I’m both excited and nervous about writing a memoir, because it’s hard for me to remember what happened the day before yesterday, but I’m going!”

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 in “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.