Henry Winkler

Date of Birth: October 30, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Biography

Henry Franklin Winkler was born on October 30, 1945, in Manhattan, New York City, USA. He is an acclaimed actor, comedian, director, and author, best known for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in the television series “Happy Days,” which became a cultural icon in the 1970s and early 1980s. Winkler’s parents were German Jews who emigrated to the United States in 1939. He struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia throughout his school years but managed to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emerson College in 1967 and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1970. After achieving fame with “Happy Days,” Winkler continued to work in television and film, acting in and directing various projects. He found success in later years with roles in “Arrested Development,” “Parks and Recreation,” and as Gene Cousineau in the critically acclaimed series “Barry,” for which he won an Emmy Award. Winkler is also a successful author of children’s books, including the “Hank Zipzer” series, inspired by his own experiences with dyslexia.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Winkler

1. Henry Winkler’s portrayal of “The Fonz” in “Happy Days” was initially supposed to be a minor character, but his popularity turned him into the show’s breakout star.

2. Despite playing the cool, leather-jacket-wearing Fonzie, Winkler himself has always been known for his warm and kind demeanor.

3. Winkler has written over 30 books, many of which are aimed at children with learning disabilities.

4. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981.

5. Winkler was awarded an honorary Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011 for his work in raising awareness about dyslexia.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Winkler

1. “Your mind knows only some things. Your inner voice, your instinct, knows everything. If you listen to what you know instinctively, it will always lead you down the right path.”

2. “Assumptions are the termites of relationships.”

3. “The most important thing is to be true to yourself.”

4. “I know that one of the reasons I was able to get through my school years was because of my acting. It gave me confidence.”

5. “I believe that you can live an extraordinary life if you let go of the fear of being laughed at.”