Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond

Henry Franklin Winkler (b. 1945) is the author of the book. He is a prolific actor best known for playing the greaser Arthur “the Fonz/Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days. Throughout the book, Winkler recounts the details of his personal and professional life. He describes his challenges with dyslexia from childhood, which caused him to struggle in school when he was young. Due to his parents’ and teachers’ poor knowledge and understanding of his disability, they dismissed and punished him. This led Winkler to become deeply insecure, perfectionistic, and in need of external validation. His journey throughout the memoir will be toward self-acceptance and inner peace.

Winkler aspired to be an actor since he was a small child. Despite his dyslexia, he did well in acting school and eventually started stage acting after college. He landed acting roles in the 1974 films The Lords of Flatbush and Crazy Joe. Not long after, he got the audition for the Fonz on Happy Days in 1973, and impressed creator Garry Marshall. Winkler befriended the cast, especially original show frontrunner Ron Howard. Winkler embodied the character naturally, and the Fonz quickly became the most popular character on the show.