Winkler’s portrayal of “The Fonz” for 10 seasons on Happy Days (1974-84) made him one of the most recognized actors in the world. He won two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (1976 and 1977), and three Emmy nominations in the same category. He was honored with a “star” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the leather jacket the character wore has hung in The Smithsonian since 1980. “Fonzie’s” lunch box was recently added to the exhibit.
In 2003, he began writing a series of children’s novels with his partner, Lin Oliver, entitled, Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Under-Achiever. The books are inspired by Winkler’s struggle throughout his education due to his learning challenges and have appeared on several Best Seller lists including The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times, among others.
Continuing his love for children’s books, Winkler released the first installment of a new series in January 2012 entitled Ghost Buddy #1: Zero to Hero.
In 2011 he published a collection of anecdotes and heartfelt observations I Never Met an Idiot on the River. The book is a collection of the lessons and photos Winkler gathered while fly fishing in Montana.
In June 2010, Henry joined the cast of the USA Network series, Royal Pains, as Eddie R. Lawson, the charming but long absent con-artist father. Henry also joined the ensemble cast of Cartoon Network’s first live-action satirical comedy, Children’s Hospital, where he plays hospital administrator, Sy Mittleman. The fourth season of the series will air in mid 2012. This Spring, he will also be co-starring with Kevin James and Salma Hayek in Here Comes The Boom, a comedy about the world of extreme wrestlers.
Behind the scenes, Henry has also made his mark as a producer and director. To date, he has produced over 20 TV series and specials including MacGyver, (seven seasons) So Weird, Mr. Sunshine, Sightings, (seven seasons), A Family Again, All Kids Do It, Ryan’s Four, Scandal Sheet (with Burt Lancaster) and the ABC documentary, Who Are the DeBolts and Where Did They Get 19 Kids?, which won the prestigious Humanitas Prize.
Winkler’s film and television credits include The Water Boy, Scream, Holes, Fox’s highly acclaimed series Arrested Development; NBC’s Third Watch,NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and ABC’s The Practice for which he received an Emmy nomination for outstanding actor. In 2001, Winkler starred on Broadway in Neil Simon’s The Dinner Party, marking his return to the Broadway stage after an absence of 30 years and winning the cast the Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award for Best Ensemble.
As Winkler became increasingly visible, he found that he could use his position to help others, particularly children. The list of groups with which he is associated includes honorary chairman of United Friends of the Children; founding member of the Children’s Action Network; co-host of the annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon; National Chairman of the annual Toys for Tots campaign; the first National Honorary Chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation of America; The National Committee for arts for the handicapped; the Special Olympics; and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for Children .
While Winkler’s personal commitment to helping others is reward enough, his efforts have been recognized by a variety of prestigious organizations including B’nai B’rith, Peace Prize by the United Nations and Women in Film’s Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award presented to both Henry and his wife, Stacey, for their tireless efforts and devotion to the “improvement of the human condition.” Henry also received the Chevallier de l’Ordre des Artes et Lettres, the French Government’s highest honor. Last year, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded Henry with an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to children with special education needs.
Henry was honored in July 2010 by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers for his work with the British government on the “My Way!” Campaign – an educational initiative focused on raising awareness for children with learning challenges throughout the United Kingdom.
Winkler was born in New York City, the son of Ilse and Harry Winkler. He received his B.A. from Emerson College in Boston (which, in 1978, presented him with a Doctorate of Humane Letters,) and an M.A from Yale School of Drama. Winkler made his motion picture debut in The Lords of Flatbush. He was cast as The Fonz on ABC-TV’s Happy Days on his birthday in 1973.
It should come as no surprise that Henry Winkler places great value on family. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Stacey and two dogs, Charlotte and Linus. They have three children; Jed, Zoë and Max and grandchildren Indya and Ace.
