Being Henry: The Fonz ... and Beyond

Anyone who grew up in the 1970s and '80s knows about The Fonz. He was the epitome of cool and could command a group of people with a swagger, a thumb in the air and uttering a brief 'Ehhhh'. So, it may come as a surprise to his fans that Henry Winkler is not as self-assured as the iconic character he portrayed for over a decade.

In this memoir, Winkler shares memories beginning in his childhood as the son of German Jews who routinely berated him for his struggles in math and reading - going so far as to give him the German nickname that translates as 'Dumb Dog' in English. He internalized that feeling of not being good enough and he shows how their belittling throughout his life has impacted his sense of self as a husband, father, and actor.

Winkler went on to train at a prestigious acting school and struggled to read and memorize his scripts. It wasn't until he was in his 30's that he was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, which greatly impacted his acting career that required him to regularly, and often quickly, read and memorize scripts. 

I appreciated Winkler's vulnerability as he shares his struggles and his successes on his long journey to gain self-confidence. His decisions were sometimes hard to read - particularly in his relationship with his wife of over 40 years, Stacey, who shares her insights (and voice) frequently in the book. With this candidness, readers gain clarity about the man behind his famous roles and that despite being admired on stage and screen, there remained a part of him who always felt less than and was surprised at the support and success he attained on screen, stage and with family and his famous friends. 

"I wasn't trying to be better than anyone else. I was just trying to be my best self. Which in itself was problematic, because I was, in my head, always a little boy. Without any real handle on who my adult self was. 

Henry Winkler is so much cooler than The Fonz. Despite his debilitating insecurity, he continued to push outside his comfort zone by challenging himself personally and professionally - including writing the successful Hank Zipzer children's chapter book series which is based on a child with dyslexia. I loved all the (humble) celebrity name dropping and being reminded of the many acting roles and movies/plays Winkler has directed over the years. These reminders have me wanting to catch up on his work in books and on screen. 

This is a heartfelt memoir (which was wonderful in audio!) with a casual, 'meeting up for a coffee and chat with a friend' vibe as Winkler candidly shares his ups and downs in life, career and family. 

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Henry Winkler

Genre: Memoir

Type and Source: eAudiobook from public library

Narrator: Henry Winkler (and Stacey Winkler)

Run Time: 9 hours, 22 min

Publisher: MacMillan Audio

First Published: October 31, 2023

Book Description from GoodReads: 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 by his role 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 revealed himself 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.