Henry Winkler, best known for his role as Arthur Fonzarelli, or “The Fonz,” on the popular sitcom Happy Days, had a difficult time finding work after the show ended in 1984. Despite being praised for his performance on the show, many in the entertainment industry saw him as typecast and could not see him in other roles. Winkler described it as a “Houdini-esque escape” to try and distance himself from the character. He struggled to get hired for new roles and found it to be a painful experience.
To combat his lack of opportunities in acting, Winkler turned to writing children’s books. Diagnosed with dyslexia in his early thirties, he initially felt insecure about his ability to write. However, a friend suggested that he write books about his dyslexia for kids. In 2003, Winkler began collaborating with writer Lin Oliver, and together they have written 40 children’s books. Despite his struggles with spelling and typing, Winkler credited Oliver with helping him bring their ideas to life on the page.
Despite the initial setbacks he faced in his career, Winkler went on to find success in other acting roles in Hollywood. From 2003 to 2019, he played Barry Zuckerkorn on Arrested Development, and from 2018 to 2021, he starred as Gene Cousineau in Barry. He also had roles in movies like The Waterboy and Click, voiced characters in animated shows like Monsters at Work, and more. Winkler expressed gratitude for his continued success in the industry and acknowledged the support of the American audience who have continued to follow his career.
Reflecting on his journey in Hollywood, Winkler recognized the unique position he found himself in. Not many actors are able to break out of a typecast role and continue to find work in the industry. Winkler appreciated the loyalty of the audience who continued to support him through various roles and stages of his career. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has had and emphasized that he does not take his success for granted.
During an appearance on the Club Random with Bill Maher podcast, Winkler shared his experiences of working to overcome the challenges he faced after Happy Days. He spoke about the difficulties he encountered as he tried to distance himself from the iconic character of The Fonz and how he struggled to find new acting opportunities. Winkler’s candid reflections shed light on the realities of navigating a successful career in Hollywood and the obstacles he had to overcome along the way.
As Winkler continues to pursue his passion for acting and writing, he remains thankful for the opportunities that have come his way. Despite the initial challenges he faced in the aftermath of Happy Days, Winkler has found success in various projects and continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His perseverance, resilience, and talent have made him a respected actor and author, and his journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges in their own careers.
