American actor, producer, director, comedian and author Henry Franklin Winkler was born 80 years ago in New York City, is married and has 3 children.
Henry took his education at elementary school, then attended college and eventually obtained a Masters degree in Fine Arts. From a young age, he showed interest in acting, which was against his father’s wishes to continue his business of buying and selling wood. He had difficulties at school, caused by dyslexia which he was diagnosed with years later. This, however, did not stop him and he went on to join a theatrical group and performed in various plays and contemporarily continued with his studies and was finally awarded with a Humane Letters Doctorate.
Afterwards, Henry auditioned for the Yale School of Drama, was chosen and appeared in numerous stage plays. He then joined its theatrical company and proceeded with more theatrical performances, not just there but also on Broadway and other venues. Apart from theatre, Winkler was cast in a couple of movies as well as TV sitcoms.
Moving to Los Angeles, his acting career took a positive turn when in 1974 he was chosen for the role of Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli ‘Fonzie’ in the famous sitcom ‘Happy Days’. At first, it was a small part but evolved into a major one after ‘Fonzie’ became very popular during the course of the series. Henry interpreted this much-loved character until the programme ended 10½ years later and eventually became a star. During that period, Winkler also starred in the films ‘The Lords of Flatbush’ and ‘Crazy Joe’.
By the end of the 80s, Henry acted as executive producer for many movies and TV series, including ‘All the Kids do It’, ‘Memories of Me’ and ‘McGyver’. He continued during the 90s as well, plus resuming his acting career. Winkler also collaborated with other actors like Adam Sandler and John Ritter in both TV programmes and films.
In the last 2 decades, Henry starred in over 20 movies and 60 TV programmes, some of which he also directed/produced, as well as performed in 6 theatrical plays. His most recent movie role was earlier this year in the crime thriller ‘Normal’. Moreover, Henry is cast in another movie named ‘Rolling Loud’, which is currently filming and which is expected to be released in 2026.
Apart from acting, Henry wrote and published several books, both as a standalone and also together with another author (children’s books). He is also an active philanthropist.
During his +53-year career Winkler received 10 awards, including 2 Golden Globe, 3 Emmy and 2 Critics’ Choice Television, as well as 14 honours amongst which there are a Golden Plate Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being appointed as Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
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