Henry Winkler

[3.5] The question gently gnawed at me as I debated whether I should put a hold on “Being Henry:” Would the life story of the man who created TV’s beloved Fonzie be worth a week-long reading commitment? Having never been a big fan of “The Fonz” or (don't hate me) "Happy Days," I almost passed on Winkler’s memoir due to the “too many books, too little time” conundrum. In general, I’m glad I read this candid and entertaining autobiography. Winkler candidly addresses his lifelong struggle with dyslexia. He also recounts — sometimes with unsettling hostility — his tumultuous relationship with his parents who were German immigrants. The book is sprinkled with Hollywood-based “fun facts,” including Winkler’s role in the evolution of the phrase “jumping the shark.” My mediocre rating is based on the fact “Being Henry” doesn’t serve up as many enlightening life-lessons as some memoirs. When I finish an autobiography, I like to feel as if I've explored numerous insights that can catalysts for personal growth or enlightenment. Much of the book deals with Winkler’s insecurities that the world never stopped viewing him as The Fonz and his professional pursuits aimed at shattering this typecasting. Still, he acknowledges that he “never lost sight of what the character gave me.” The takeaway from this book: “keep working.”… (more)

Road trip audiobook!

The portrayer of the coolest man to ever live takes us on a tour through his life as an actor provides an in-depth examination of all his anxieties and neuroses and his struggle with dyslexia.

I would have liked a little more time spent on the shows Winkler has worked on over the years, but he still makes for a chatty and amusing traveling companion. This book pairs well with Ron Howard's recent memoir, The Boys, offering an interesting contrast with the narrators' very different personalities and the similar but diverging paths they followed after being part of a pop-culture phenomenon.… (more)

Easy to read autobiography by the Fonz (Henry Winkler). It is difficult for an actor, especially one as insecure as Winkler seems to be, to be associated with a life changing role early in their career. After that role ends, the actor is typecast and it is difficult to get other roles. Winkler goes through his childhood being told he is stupid by both his parents and teachers, only to find out decades later that he has dyslexia. He does get into the Yale School of Drama and graduates even though learning a script is extremely difficult. Eventually he lands the life changing role of the Fonz on Happy Days which makes him famous worldwide. This creates tensions on the show since Ron Howard was the intended star. Winkler is able to maintain a friendship with Howard and other cast members as the craze for the Fonz becomes so overwhelming that the network wants to change the name of the show to Fonzie's Happy Days. Luckily Winkler talked them out of that decision. He seems like a reasonable guy who wants what is best for the total production. He discusses meeting his wife and her stepson, their eventual marriage and children. Throughout he remains an insecure and emotionally distance person continually worried about getting his next part. Therapy eventually helped him let go of some of his inner demons. It is a great story and contains some commentary from his wife of over 45 years. A good read.… (more)