Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond

Henry Winkler

Oct 2023 · Macmillan Audio · Narrated by Henry Winkler

About this audiobook

This program is read by the author.

"Kindhearted and approachable Winkler shines in his narration of his memoir commemorating 50 years of showbiz work...An engaging and endearing memoir by a genuine Hollywood treasure whose work spans generations."—Library Journal

From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.

Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s been revealed as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.

A Macmillan Audio production from Celadon Books.

Ratings and reviews

Heeeeeeyyyyy. I'm not sure I realized what an indelible part of my childhood the Fonz was until I heard Henry Winkler doing his voice in this audiobook. (I know Winkler from that, the Waterboy, Arrested Development, and Parks and Rec.) And what a treat the audiobook was. I'm so glad I opted for that mode, especially because his wife chimes in several times! I loved the pacing of this book. And Winkler comes across as generally humble, self-deprecating, and diplomatic. Easy to root for!

Oh my gosh, I'm not surprised that Henry Winkler reading his autobiography would be amazing, it absolutely is! Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond is an utter treat! Literally laugh out loud funny, and endearing, and heartfelt, do yourself a favor and enjoy Being Henry in audio. Mr. Winkler has a marvelous voice, and is quite a talented narrator. (His voice when he's quoting Ron Howard, had me in stitches, he sounds just like him.)

I loved Being Henry so much! I was fortunate to receive both a print and an audiobook copy. I’d intended to alternate between the two, but from the first few minutes of the audiobook on, I was hooked. I never picked up the print copy to read a word. (But I will keep it on my shelf!) Listening to the audiobook, which Henry Winkler narrates, was like sitting down with him to chat. The writing was conversational and relaxed, and his reading brought life to all his stories. I laughed a lot, and I might have shed a few tears. My favorite part was the way Henry retains a childlike glee at all he was able to do with his life. He has a starstruck attitude, even now, when he speaks about some of the people with whom he worked. His joy was infectious. So much fun to listen to! *Thank you to BookishFirst and Celadon Books for the print copy, and to Macmillan Audio for the audiobook download!*

About the author

In 2023, Henry Winkler celebrates 50 years of success in Hollywood and continues to be in demand as an actor, producer, and director. He co-stars as acting teacher Gene Cousineau on the hit HBO dark comedy, Barry. For this role, he won his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy as well as two Television Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, he was cast in 1973 in the iconic role of Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” in the TV series Happy Days. During his 10 years on the popular sitcom, he won two Golden Globe Awards, was nominated three times for an Emmy Award and was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recent years, Winkler appeared in a number of series, including Medical Police, Arrested Development, Children’s Hospital, Royal Pains, New Girl, and Parks and Recreation. He is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous children’s books, including Alien Superstar, A Trilogy and Hank Zipzer the World’s Greatest Under-Achiever, a 28-book series inspired by Winkler’s own struggle with learning challenges. Of all the titles he has received, the ones he relishes most are husband, father and grandfather. Winkler and his wife, Stacey, have three children, Jed, Zoe and Max, and six grandchildren. They reside in Los Angeles with their two dogs.