Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond

Henry Winkler

Oct 2023 · Sold by Celadon Books

About this ebook

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

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.

Ratings and reviews

This memoir was an easy read with its conversational tone. I enjoyed the dabs of humor spread throughout and getting to know a man who has always been in show business my lifetime. Each chapter had breaks which were good for me as a reader who prefers shorter chapters. I liked when Henry's wife Stacy gave her perspective of her husband so we could see other sides Henry couldn't or wouldn't purposely see or delve into. Each chapter also seemed to be just another retelling of Henry's struggle

Being Henry is an honest, interesting and unpretentious memoir. The reader has the feeling that they are a friend of Henry's sitting in a cafe with him hearing his story. I enjoyed Henry's insights into Hollywood and family life. Henry seems like a genuinely nice guy and has used his fame to help people, especially children, like raising awareness of dyslexia. Henry's gratitude and appreciation shine through. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful memoir.

This book showed a boy raised by parents who were terrible parents so harsh and unkind to a child. A child with an undiagnosed learning disability who rose above that to create a career and giving us a character who we laughed and fell in love with watching every week. I Loved learning about his life and career and would highly recommend this humorous read.

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.