“Being Henry” is a two thumbs up autobiography. Winkler discusses his struggles with severe dyslexia, but somehow managing to attend the Yale School of Drama. Winkler also recalls being humiliated by his parents, who regularly criticized their son over his grades, believing he didn’t put in the effort, and annually sending him to summer school. Even though Winkler clearly loved his parents, the wounds would remain.
Winkler chronicles his path to “Happy Days,” reliving being let go from an acting gig, and turning to television commercials. He ultimately made the decision to move from New York to Los Angeles to pursue acting opportunities. After a successful stint with the Mary Tyler Moore show, Winkler auditioned for the role of “The Fonz.” At age 28, an excited Winkler proudly accepted the role. In “Being Henry,” Winkler talks about the success of the series, and how his character grew quickly in popularity.
Winkler writes about how his relationship with Ron Howard changed with “The Fonz’s” popularity, as the focus of the show had to be alerted. The show was designed to star Howard in the lead role, but the network wanted to change the name of the show to “Fonzie’s Happy Days.” Winkler resisted the change, but the seed was planted, and Howard would eventually leave the program to become a director.
In addition to discussing his learning disability, Winkler opens up on how his career was typecasted after “Happy Days,” and his struggles to find lucrative acting roles. Winkler launched a successful production company, which created and developed the hit television series “MacGyver.” He fondly recalls directed “A Smoky Mountain Christmas” starring Dolly Parton and his good friend John Ritter.
Additionally, Winkler shares fun stories of meeting Paul McCartney, Betty Davis, and Mick Jagger. In “Being Henry,” also recalls an actual event where he convinced a struggling actor not to commit suicide over the phone. Winkler comments on his decision to turn down doing “Greece,” and the media fabricated rivalry with John Travolta. Winkler also discusses the development of the Hank Zipzer series, becoming a voice actor, his life long affinity with dogs, working with Burt Reynolds, and much more.
“Being Henry” is highly recommended.
By: Henry Winkler
Narrated by: Henry Winkler
Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 10-31-23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio