A Side of Henry Winkler You Might Not Know: The Devoted Caretaker

An Introduction to a Versatile Talent

When one mentions Henry Winkler, the mind instinctively jumps to Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli from the cult-classic television series, Happy Days. The epitome of cool in the 1970s, Fonzie was the character that rocketed Winkler to fame.

Born on October 30, 1945, in New York City, Winkler was always drawn to the glitz of the acting world. Becoming a producer, director, and writer later in his career seemed like a natural progression.

“I was always sure that acting was my destiny,” he confessed to NPR in 2019. “There was never a Plan B for me. I always had my sights set on being a working actor.”

Overcoming Personal Struggles

Childhood was not a breeze for Winkler. He grappled with academic difficulties, which strained his relationship with his parents. It was only much later that he was diagnosed with dyslexia. Despite his condition, Winkler pursued higher education, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in 1967, followed by a master’s from the Yale School of Drama in 1970.

After a stint in a Broadway show in 1972, Winkler found fame in commercials. “I had an aptitude for commercials. I could make a living from them, which allowed me to perform at the Manhattan Theatre Club for free at night.”

Rise to Stardom

When Winkler debuted on Happy Days, his charismatic persona, combined with his signature motorcycle and leather jacket, made him a household name. However, despite the success of The Fonz, it took him almost eight years to secure another major acting role.

Beyond Acting: Production and More

After Happy Days, Winkler diversified his career, transitioning to producing and directing. His production house churned out several popular shows like Mr. Sunshine, So Weird, and MacGyver. He also took on roles in shows such as The Practice and Arrested Development and in films like Scream and The Waterboy.

In 2018, Winkler joined the cast of the comedy-drama series, Barry, alongside Bill Hader. However, the pandemic halted filming. Despite the hiatus, he eagerly anticipated reprising his role as acting teacher Gene Cousineau.

A Blossoming Author

Since the early 2000s, Winkler has authored about 30 books. “When I was first asked to write, I outright refused. I never believed I could pen a book,” he admitted in 2011.

A Love Story That Stood the Test of Time

Winkler married Stacey Furstman Weitzman in 1978. Their love story started in a clothing store where Stacey worked. After she helped him choose a jacket, he returned a week later to ask her out. Their romance was swift. Stacey, along with her four-year-old son, moved in with Winkler shortly after they started dating. They welcomed two children together, Zoey and Max, the latter of whom followed his father’s footsteps into Hollywood.

In Sickness and in Health

Stacey is a two-time cancer survivor, having battled breast cancer twice. Her diagnosis in the ’90s and subsequent one in 2007, resulted in a double mastectomy, and she has been cancer-free ever since.

To support his wife, Winkler has associated with multiple groups advocating for breast cancer awareness. He even spoke at the 13th annual “In The Pink of Health” Luncheon, an event to raise funds for breast cancer patients and their families.

Celebrating Long-Lasting Love

Winkler never misses an opportunity to express his love for Stacey publicly. When shown a picture of their wedding day by James Corden, he remarked that Stacey was as beautiful as the day they married. Stacey once revealed the secret to their enduring marriage to People: “It does require effort. There will be bumps along the way, but if you remain committed, love will guide you and your relationship will only flourish.”

The couple is now basking in the joys of grandparenthood.

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