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Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond
Goodreads Choice Award
Winner for Best Humor (2023)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.
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.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2023
About the author
Henry Winkler
87 books405 followersHenry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.
Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.
Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.
Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.
Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,244 reviews
December 12, 2023
Sometimes, on rare occasions, you read a memoir and feel like you’ve made a new friend. That’s the case here. Henry is a fantastic storyteller, and I could feel his voice and energy leaping from every page.
Being Henry is a great mix of career, family, and personal insight. I admire Henry for laying it all out there; his vulnerabilities and challenges. It’s a lesson in self-awareness and ability to critique oneself with honesty and respect. Like many, I loved The Fonz – his audition for this famous role was the perfect way to start the book.
“The sheer impossibility of it liberated me - made me feel that once my name was called, I could waltz in and do anything at all.”
You can’t help but admire Henry for the way he tackles fear and uncertainty. He teaches us, through example, how to live with and embrace both. Whether it be diving into therapy (I’m sure this will encourage others) or dealing with dyslexia, and parents who belittled him. It’s reassuring to know the guy who epitomised “cool” faced insecurities of his own.
“But even in the midst of Happy Days, at the height of my fame and success, I felt embarrassed, inadequate.”
Henry Winkler is known for being down to earth and funny - this memoir takes it next level. Wholesome perfectly describes it. Some of the most touching moments involved his charity work and marriage to wife, Stacey – I loved her input. I also enjoyed the frequency that Henry talked about his beloved dogs.
You can’t help but feel uplifted, as he makes such habit of uplifting others mentioned in the book. His Happy Days anecdotes and friendship with Ron Howard were great to read. So too, his work in Scream, and with Adam Sandler, Robin Williams, and John Ritter. The latter was heartbreaking – I had no idea Henry worked with John the day he died.
“It’s so funny about time - you get into these nice little grooves with people you love, and you think it’ll go on forever. But time goes so fast, and nothing goes on forever.”
In a book that covers such a remarkable life and career, one of my biggest takeaways was Henry’s advice on how to counter negative self-talk. I’ll certainly try to “never finish a negative sentence” moving forward.
Being Henry is touching, hilarious and inspiring - guaranteed smiles. It's the kind of book that leaves you feeling good. A worthy winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Humor. Here's to all the moist chocolate Bundt cakes with soft chocolate chips.
“All you have to do is try, and you will amaze yourself.”
Being Henry is a great mix of career, family, and personal insight. I admire Henry for laying it all out there; his vulnerabilities and challenges. It’s a lesson in self-awareness and ability to critique oneself with honesty and respect. Like many, I loved The Fonz – his audition for this famous role was the perfect way to start the book.
“The sheer impossibility of it liberated me - made me feel that once my name was called, I could waltz in and do anything at all.”
You can’t help but admire Henry for the way he tackles fear and uncertainty. He teaches us, through example, how to live with and embrace both. Whether it be diving into therapy (I’m sure this will encourage others) or dealing with dyslexia, and parents who belittled him. It’s reassuring to know the guy who epitomised “cool” faced insecurities of his own.
“But even in the midst of Happy Days, at the height of my fame and success, I felt embarrassed, inadequate.”
Henry Winkler is known for being down to earth and funny - this memoir takes it next level. Wholesome perfectly describes it. Some of the most touching moments involved his charity work and marriage to wife, Stacey – I loved her input. I also enjoyed the frequency that Henry talked about his beloved dogs.
You can’t help but feel uplifted, as he makes such habit of uplifting others mentioned in the book. His Happy Days anecdotes and friendship with Ron Howard were great to read. So too, his work in Scream, and with Adam Sandler, Robin Williams, and John Ritter. The latter was heartbreaking – I had no idea Henry worked with John the day he died.
“It’s so funny about time - you get into these nice little grooves with people you love, and you think it’ll go on forever. But time goes so fast, and nothing goes on forever.”
In a book that covers such a remarkable life and career, one of my biggest takeaways was Henry’s advice on how to counter negative self-talk. I’ll certainly try to “never finish a negative sentence” moving forward.
Being Henry is touching, hilarious and inspiring - guaranteed smiles. It's the kind of book that leaves you feeling good. A worthy winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Humor. Here's to all the moist chocolate Bundt cakes with soft chocolate chips.
“All you have to do is try, and you will amaze yourself.”
December 7, 2023
***CONGRATULATION ON THE GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD - BEST HUMOR - WELL DESERVED!! ***
I was raising my daughters during the late 70’s and early 80’s and watched every rerun of “Happy Days”. This was a safe show for them to watch. It was funny and the characters were wonderful. The fact that I live in a suburb of Milwaukee - where the show was set, added to the fun!! We even have a full sized sculpture of “The Fonz” along the city’s Riverwest area!!
Henry struggled with dyslexia his entire life. It was such a revelation and I’m in awe at how he managed to go to Emerson and then Yale!!
“I didn’t find out that I was severely dyslexic until I was thirty-one. For all those years I was the kid who couldn’t read, couldn’t spell, couldn’t even begin to do algebra of geometry or even basic arithmetic”.
We follow Henry through the early stardom from “Happy Days” but also how it led to him being stereotyped as “The Fonz” when the show was over. I haven’t watched “Barry” on HBO, but I will now, it sounds great!
He has written a highly successful series of books for children about a character who had dyslexia. “The Hank Zipser” books were eventually made into a series by BBC. He has also written other children's books that sound wonderful!
My biggest take away from reading this memoir is Henry’s gratitude. He is so thankful for the actors, directors, producers and everyone who was with him on his life’s journey and he names them all. His wife Stacey writes some insightful passages in the book.
I could go on and on but I’ll stop and leave the rest of this wonderful memoir for you to discover. Even if you don’t usually read memoirs – read this one! I truly felt that Henry was here, talking to me about his life!! That is a very special experience.
My thanks to Celadon Books for the gifted galley of this memoir. It was my pleasure to read and review this title which is set to publish in October of 2023.
#CeladonReads
#BeingHenry
@CeladonBooks
I was raising my daughters during the late 70’s and early 80’s and watched every rerun of “Happy Days”. This was a safe show for them to watch. It was funny and the characters were wonderful. The fact that I live in a suburb of Milwaukee - where the show was set, added to the fun!! We even have a full sized sculpture of “The Fonz” along the city’s Riverwest area!!
Henry struggled with dyslexia his entire life. It was such a revelation and I’m in awe at how he managed to go to Emerson and then Yale!!
“I didn’t find out that I was severely dyslexic until I was thirty-one. For all those years I was the kid who couldn’t read, couldn’t spell, couldn’t even begin to do algebra of geometry or even basic arithmetic”.
We follow Henry through the early stardom from “Happy Days” but also how it led to him being stereotyped as “The Fonz” when the show was over. I haven’t watched “Barry” on HBO, but I will now, it sounds great!
He has written a highly successful series of books for children about a character who had dyslexia. “The Hank Zipser” books were eventually made into a series by BBC. He has also written other children's books that sound wonderful!
My biggest take away from reading this memoir is Henry’s gratitude. He is so thankful for the actors, directors, producers and everyone who was with him on his life’s journey and he names them all. His wife Stacey writes some insightful passages in the book.
I could go on and on but I’ll stop and leave the rest of this wonderful memoir for you to discover. Even if you don’t usually read memoirs – read this one! I truly felt that Henry was here, talking to me about his life!! That is a very special experience.
My thanks to Celadon Books for the gifted galley of this memoir. It was my pleasure to read and review this title which is set to publish in October of 2023.
#CeladonReads
#BeingHenry
@CeladonBooks
September 20, 2023
Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond is an outstanding, captivating, and heartfelt memoir by Henry Winkler! I listened to it on audiobook. It is narrated by Henry Winkler with several narration sessions by his wife, Stacey Winkler. They are both phenomenal narrators with tons of voice intonation, humor, humility, and self-awareness.
The book shares Henry's childhood and his fifty years in Hollywood. The character Fonz is very different from Henry. Henry has dyslexia but wasn't diagnosed until he was thirty-four years old. He struggles to read and works incredibly hard to memorize his lines. Henry is not confident and worries a lot, oftentimes about money.
Henry's memoir shares stories about his children, grandchildren, and dogs as well as the family's commitment to helping children through philanthropic efforts. I did not know that Henry and Lin Oliver have written thirty-nine children's books; the first one is called Niagara Falls, Or Does It??
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for this wonderful memoir!
Highly, highly recommend!
The book shares Henry's childhood and his fifty years in Hollywood. The character Fonz is very different from Henry. Henry has dyslexia but wasn't diagnosed until he was thirty-four years old. He struggles to read and works incredibly hard to memorize his lines. Henry is not confident and worries a lot, oftentimes about money.
Henry's memoir shares stories about his children, grandchildren, and dogs as well as the family's commitment to helping children through philanthropic efforts. I did not know that Henry and Lin Oliver have written thirty-nine children's books; the first one is called Niagara Falls, Or Does It??
A huge thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for this wonderful memoir!
Highly, highly recommend!
October 6, 2023
I so liked Henry before, and after listening to his story, I like him even more. 🩷
So if you are a person who loved Happy Days, and of course loved The Fonz, then you will very much enjoy Henry Winkler’s autobiographical sketch on his life.
A young Jewish man coming to fame when least expecting it is the theme and shows us how Henry is a vulnerable young man growing to adulthood. He is a shy, loved deprived young man, a product of German Jews who always conveyed to Henry that he was just not good enough.
Yet, through his portrayal of The Fonzie, he captured the heart and love of America. This aura followed him and yet Henry kept searching for more, a something that made him feel worthy and made him rise above the others who strove to be masters of their craft.
Henry’s story is a lesson in growing, a lesson in knowing there is more in life than acclaim and recognition. He and his beloved wife of forty-seven years share their thoughts and insights into what makes Henry a person who strives to be someone beyond The Fonz. It is a journey of self recognition, a realization that all people evolve and change that while acclamation is often wonderful, it’s not the goal of life.
If you loved Henry as the Fonz, Henry in this book would make you love him even more.
Thank you to Henry Winkler, and Net Galley for the ability to listen to this wonderful book,
So if you are a person who loved Happy Days, and of course loved The Fonz, then you will very much enjoy Henry Winkler’s autobiographical sketch on his life.
A young Jewish man coming to fame when least expecting it is the theme and shows us how Henry is a vulnerable young man growing to adulthood. He is a shy, loved deprived young man, a product of German Jews who always conveyed to Henry that he was just not good enough.
Yet, through his portrayal of The Fonzie, he captured the heart and love of America. This aura followed him and yet Henry kept searching for more, a something that made him feel worthy and made him rise above the others who strove to be masters of their craft.
Henry’s story is a lesson in growing, a lesson in knowing there is more in life than acclaim and recognition. He and his beloved wife of forty-seven years share their thoughts and insights into what makes Henry a person who strives to be someone beyond The Fonz. It is a journey of self recognition, a realization that all people evolve and change that while acclamation is often wonderful, it’s not the goal of life.
If you loved Henry as the Fonz, Henry in this book would make you love him even more.
Thank you to Henry Winkler, and Net Galley for the ability to listen to this wonderful book,
November 19, 2023
**Many thanks to @CeladonBooks and Henry Winkler for an ARC of this book!**
"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.
What a strange secret to be carrying around when you're supposed to be the coolest guy in the world."
There are very few actors who can say they developed and portrayed a character that literally became its own archetype, the epitome of cool itself: but Henry Winkler can. But do you know the man BEHIND the effortlessly hip, chill, and commanding Fonz? Henry's here to tell you his life story...and he isn't afraid to peel back the curtain.
Growing up under two strict parents who demanded nothing short of perfection from their children, Henry's journey towards self-actualization was a long one. Henry has severe dyslexia, but in his younger years this affliction helped to color his parents' opinion of his intelligence (they even called him a nickname in his childhood years that translates to "Dumb Dog"...which was so heartbreaking to read! 😢) and of course, left Henry feeling like he was so far behind the other kids and could never live up to his potential..and that meant he certainly couldn't memorize and perform scripts!
As a budding actor with everything on the line, Winkler made a decision to improvise most of a monologue on an audition to the Yale School of Drama with something that SOUNDED Shakespearean after realizing he couldn't recall a single word of the script...and the rest is history. Thus began an acting career that would challenge, test, and push him outside his comfort zone over and over again...and would give him the courage to ask out his now wife, not to mention taking an audition for a little show called Happy Days that would change the landscape of the family sitcom forever.
But with becoming an iconic and inimitable character comes a steep price: the danger of typecasting. And herein lies the rub: what path do you take when the world decides you are the absolute BEST...at playing ONE type of character? What follows is a unique and unpredictable tale, that takes you through Henry's directorial debut, and the long road to his more recent roles in Arrested Development and Barry...with the interesting story of how he took his childhood struggles and morphed them into a book series, Hank Zipzer, with a dyslexic hero at its center, striving to show kids all over the world how dyslexia not only shouldn't define them, but could be its very own superpower.
The book is also interspersed with bits of interviews with Winkler's wife, Stacey, which not only serve as lovely asides that also help to fill in tiny gaps of memory, but also offer an outsider's perspective on both Henry as a person and the relationship between this long-time couple. The most lovely and encompassing aspect of this memoir, however, isn't Winkler's trademark quick wit and kind spirit: it is his unwavering and unflinching honesty. Winkler is vulnerable, open, and in a sense...fearless. Many in his position would choose to keep their therapy journey private, or would skim over the insecurity they felt in younger (or even older!) years...but not Henry.
It is this very vulnerability that takes this memoir over the top and keeps it from feeling like a simple autobiography: by journey's end, I truly felt like I knew what it was like to BE Henry. And although in so many ways, Henry is best known for being such wonderful characters and "being" someone else, his greatest gift to his family, friends, and his legions of fans has been to show us the fascinating mind and the kind heart of the incredible man he was born to be: himself.
4.5 stars
#BeingHenry #CeladonReads #partner
"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.
What a strange secret to be carrying around when you're supposed to be the coolest guy in the world."
There are very few actors who can say they developed and portrayed a character that literally became its own archetype, the epitome of cool itself: but Henry Winkler can. But do you know the man BEHIND the effortlessly hip, chill, and commanding Fonz? Henry's here to tell you his life story...and he isn't afraid to peel back the curtain.
Growing up under two strict parents who demanded nothing short of perfection from their children, Henry's journey towards self-actualization was a long one. Henry has severe dyslexia, but in his younger years this affliction helped to color his parents' opinion of his intelligence (they even called him a nickname in his childhood years that translates to "Dumb Dog"...which was so heartbreaking to read! 😢) and of course, left Henry feeling like he was so far behind the other kids and could never live up to his potential..and that meant he certainly couldn't memorize and perform scripts!
As a budding actor with everything on the line, Winkler made a decision to improvise most of a monologue on an audition to the Yale School of Drama with something that SOUNDED Shakespearean after realizing he couldn't recall a single word of the script...and the rest is history. Thus began an acting career that would challenge, test, and push him outside his comfort zone over and over again...and would give him the courage to ask out his now wife, not to mention taking an audition for a little show called Happy Days that would change the landscape of the family sitcom forever.
But with becoming an iconic and inimitable character comes a steep price: the danger of typecasting. And herein lies the rub: what path do you take when the world decides you are the absolute BEST...at playing ONE type of character? What follows is a unique and unpredictable tale, that takes you through Henry's directorial debut, and the long road to his more recent roles in Arrested Development and Barry...with the interesting story of how he took his childhood struggles and morphed them into a book series, Hank Zipzer, with a dyslexic hero at its center, striving to show kids all over the world how dyslexia not only shouldn't define them, but could be its very own superpower.
The book is also interspersed with bits of interviews with Winkler's wife, Stacey, which not only serve as lovely asides that also help to fill in tiny gaps of memory, but also offer an outsider's perspective on both Henry as a person and the relationship between this long-time couple. The most lovely and encompassing aspect of this memoir, however, isn't Winkler's trademark quick wit and kind spirit: it is his unwavering and unflinching honesty. Winkler is vulnerable, open, and in a sense...fearless. Many in his position would choose to keep their therapy journey private, or would skim over the insecurity they felt in younger (or even older!) years...but not Henry.
It is this very vulnerability that takes this memoir over the top and keeps it from feeling like a simple autobiography: by journey's end, I truly felt like I knew what it was like to BE Henry. And although in so many ways, Henry is best known for being such wonderful characters and "being" someone else, his greatest gift to his family, friends, and his legions of fans has been to show us the fascinating mind and the kind heart of the incredible man he was born to be: himself.
4.5 stars
#BeingHenry #CeladonReads #partner
December 6, 2023
Every Tuesday night, the world would stop as I sat myself in front of the television at 8:00 p.m. to watch my favorite sitcom, “Happy Days.” In the beginning, I had a crush on Ron Howard’s character, Richie Cunningham.
I know…
I’m dating myself, telling you this story.
But then…
You need to know my motivation for reading Henry’s story, right?
Back to Tuesday nights…
I was like any swooning girl, when Henry Winkler’s Fonzie entered the screen. How could we not resist, the super-cool, loyal guy wearing the infamous leather jacket? (Now part of the Smithsonian Museum collection in Washington, D.C.)
Besides…
When the Fonz spoke, people listened.
So…
As a fan-girl, I watched the evolution of Henry Winkler as he moved beyond “Happy Days.”
At first…
All I could see was the Fonz…
But…
Eventually, he came into his own as he developed new stage presences with the characters he would create. One being the Dad in the hit television show, “Royal Pains.”
Did you ever see that show?
If not…
I highly recommend it. Perhaps your local library might have it available.
It was…
A delightful, humorous, comedy-drama that was brilliantly acted and written.
There are other shows and movies to his extensive resume, but “Happy Days” and “Royal Pains” resonated with me the most.
And so…
When his memoir came out, I was interested. Could I see beyond the screen persona, or the tabloid articles?
I believe in factual evidence.
And…
The fact that he was writing his story, I was ready to read it.
To be honest, I did not expect this.
First…
I was greeted with a short book. So far, every memoir or biography I have read recently on any actor/celebrity has been huge…(translated: so many pages.) This one is less than 250 pages!
Second…
I read an honest, gripping story which could have made anyone sad (especially reading about his childhood)…
But…
Instead, he told it with humor, and grace and a quickness that sometimes I found myself holding my breath.
Because…
He breezed through chapters in his life quickly and matter-of-factly, while not holding back, or dwelling on any one subject, either. I found myself, although spinning with details of his life, I couldn’t help but feel grateful he wasn’t wasting pages with minutia.
In fact…
He got right to the point.
He knew he wanted to be an actor since he was a child. Early on in his story, he shared something that I could relate to, because of my own life experience.
When I was younger, my mother was concerned that because I was too shy, I wasn’t making friends. She wanted to find a way for me to come out of my shell.
So…
In speaking with a counselor, they determined that I should take an acting class in my first year in high school. At first, I was terrified of being in front of so many people, but, when I was on stage, something magical happened to me.
And…
I believe Henry described it best…
“When I was on a stage, playing someone else, I was transported to another world, one where pretending made you successful. What I was miserable at was being myself.”
I know that person he is describing…that was me, too!
And thus…
A kinship was developed. I continued to read his story with interest.
About…
The quiet unassuming guy with no confidence in his abilities beyond his comedic talent as “the Fonz.”
Of course…
It doesn’t help when everyone (including this reader) only sees him as “the Fonz.”
Can he break out of his popular stereotype and evolve as an actor…
Or…
Better yet, be accepted in differing roles?
Through his self-consciousness, as readers, we come to know the real Henry Winkler.
And…
We are treated to a raw, honest and thoughtful portrayal of life in his lane.
Which…
Led me to love him even more.
September 15, 2023
Such a good book!
These are little stories from his life that bring joy and amazement to readers. He has a few other autobiographies that go more in depth in his life, but I felt like this one was a fun collection of stories that encompasses who Henry Winkler is as a person.
Would definitely recommend! - Alyssa C.
These are little stories from his life that bring joy and amazement to readers. He has a few other autobiographies that go more in depth in his life, but I felt like this one was a fun collection of stories that encompasses who Henry Winkler is as a person.
Would definitely recommend! - Alyssa C.
October 31, 2023
To television fans of a certain generation, Henry Winkler will always be associated with Fonzie - the charismatic, motorcycle-riding, cool guy he played in the sitcom 'Happy Days.' Winkler has also been called the nicest man in Hollywood, and this memoir supports that impression.
Henry Winkler as Fonzie
Winkler, born in New York City in 1945, didn't have it easy as a youngster. Winkler's parents, Ilsa and Harry, were Jewish German immigrants who expected their son to make them proud. Unfortunately, Henry was severely dyslexic and couldn't learn to read or do math. This led to constant criticism from Ilsa and Harry, who thought punishing Henry would make him do better in school. So Ilsa and Harry grounded Henry, forbid him to watch television, called him names, shamed him, sent him to summer school year after year, and more.....all to no avail.
Young Henry Winkler
Moreover, Harry wanted his son to take over the family lumber business, and sent Henry to be a summer apprentice at a lumber mill in Germany. However, from a young age, Henry only wanted to act. Winkler writes, "I can't remember not feeling an intense need to perform. I recall putting on my sister's muumuu bathrobe, applying some makeup, and popping out into my parents' parties with little dramatic presentations."
Despite being in the bottom three percent of students in the country, Winkler managed to get into Emerson College and then the Yale School of Drama. Afterwards, Henry was invited to join the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1970, which he found to be "so much fun; so exhilarating."
In time Winkler got an agent named Joan Scott and started getting television commercials for things like American Airlines, Sanka coffee, and Talon zippers.
Henry Winkler in a Sanka commercial
Henry's first 'big' role was Butchey Weinstein in the movie 'The Lords of Flatbush', which was about "four leather-jacketed guys who were more interested in making it with girls than rumbling with other gangs."
Henry Winkler in The Lords of Flatbush. From left: Paul Mace, Sylvester Stallone, Henry Winkler, Perry King
Winkler repeatedly notes that he's "very careful" with money, but in 1973 he took his entire savings of $1000 and flew to Los Angeles, to try his luck in Hollywood. Henry never even considered paying for lodging, but couch-surfed and phone-surfed, trying to get work. Winkler was even too frugal to get headshots, and carried his resumes in a brown paper grocery bag instead of a leather portfolio like other actors.
Nevertheless, Winkler began to get roles, starting with a guest shot on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show', and then the part of Arthur Fonzarelli (Fonzie) on 'Happy Days.
Henry Winkler on The Mary Tyler Moore Show
A good part of the book discusses 'Happy Days', including what happened when the Fonzie character became more popular than the Richie character, played by Ron Howard, who was supposed to be the star of the show.
Happy Days Cast. Front Row: Don Most, Erin Moran, Marion Ross, Ron Howard. Back Row: Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley, Anson Williams
Sadly, Winkler learned there's a downside to fame, because after playing Fonzie for eleven years Henry was SO typecast he had difficulty finding other acting roles, and had to work in other areas of show business for many years.
In 1976 Henry met Stacey Weitzman, the pretty, red-headed, single mother of a little boy named Jed.....and it was romance at first sight. The couple eventually wed, had two children called Zoe and Max, and have been married for 47 years. Winkler writes a good bit about his family, of whom he's very proud.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman get married in a Manhattan synagogue
Henry Winkler, Stacey Weitzman, and their children
Winkler includes many personal anecdotes in the book. For example, Henry writes: "My love of gardening started with spider plants, all of them descendants of a single plant that Tante Anna (Aunt Anna) had smuggled out of Nazi Germany along with herself in, believe it or not, a coffin."
Henry Winkler with one of his spider plants
The Winkler family also loved dogs, and after some of their brood succumbed to old age, Henry observes, "Our home clearly needed some puppy energy, and Waffles, a Wheaten Terrier, came along to fill the bill, or so it seemed at first. Because Waffles, it turned out, had just one goal in life. To run around the pool at top speed. [Our son] Jed was ten, and he needed a dog he could interact with. Enter Tootsie Anna Marie, a beautiful black lab. When Jed and I played catch, and as Waffles zoomed around the pool in the background, Tootsie played outfield. If Jed or I missed a catch, she brought the ball right back to me and politely dropped it in my mitt."
Henry Winkler loves dogs
Winkler also writes about himself and his wife Stacey working with challenged and troubled children; Stacey's battle with breast cancer; Henry's lifelong resentment of his parents; Henry and Stacey's son Max growing up to become a director; Henry and Stacey's daughter Zoe growing up to become a children's teacher; Henry's therapy; and much more.
Getting back to Winkler's career, after playing Fonzie, he produced 'McGyver' and other popular television shows; did voice acting in animated programs; took up directing; did some movies and plays; and eventually became a popular actor again in television shows like 'Arrested Development', 'Parks and Recreation', and 'Barry.'
Henry Winkler plays an incompetent lawyer in Arrested Development
Henry Winkler plays an obstetrician in Parks and Recreation
Henry Winkler plays an acting teacher in Barry
Winkler also used his experience with dyslexia to write a series of children's novels with author Lin Oliver, about a boy named Hank Zipzer who has learning difficulties. Henry began giving talks across the country about his struggles and notes, "I've now given hundreds of these talks.... and it is wonderful to see what a positive force the Fonz has been in so many people's lives.....it is about us, all the people who have felt less than because of something wired in their brain from birth, something that was not their fault."
Hank Zipzer books
Winkler speaks well of most people he met during his long career, and his book is a 'who's who' of show business folks, including acting teachers, agents, managers, writers, publicists, directors, producers, actors, actresses, etc. It feels like Henry has met every well-known person in the western entertainment industry. Lamentably, a few Hollywood bigwigs were not very congenial, such as producer/director John Rich, and they get a mention as well.
Henry Winkler with Ron Howard and John Ritter
Henry Winkler with Steven Spielberg and Amy Irving
Henry Winkler with Adam Sandler
Henry Winkler with Kathy Bates
Henry Winkler with Jean Smart
Try as Winkler might, he'll never get away from being the Fonz. Henry writes, "People come up to me all the time. I hold their hands, I look them in the eye. They say, My father and I watched you. I can't believe I'm meeting you.....Oh my God. My daughter and I watched you.....Oh my God. My grandmother and I watched you.....Or they're filming you with their phone".....and so on. Quite a legacy.
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Henry Winkler, and it was great to hear Henry's story in his own voice.
Thanks to Netgalley, Henry Winkler, and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
December 16, 2023
"The Fonz was supposed to be a knockabout guy, a man of few words, rough around the edges. Confident. A guy who could make things happen with a snap of his fingers . . . If this wasn't the diametric opposite of who I was in the fall of 1973, it was pretty close . . . I was [.] confident about next to nothing in my life. The one exception was when I was acting. When I was on stage, playing someone else, I was transported to another world, one where pretending made you successful." -- on page 2
I routinely read a lot of non-fiction, but I'll chalk up the Being Henry as THE 'dark horse' candidate for 2023. Actor/producer Henry Winkler - who firmly cemented in place in American pop culture with a healthy eleven-season (1974-1984) run as Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli on the 50's-set sitcom Happy Days - recounts his fifty years (!) in U.S. show business AND his family foibles with this winning memoir. (I only watched a few primetime shows as a young child circa '78 to '82 - back in the days when the Big 3 networks ruled the roost with their programming - so Happy Days and CHiPs were my 'go-to' series. Maybe it was the motorcycles?) Winkler expands beyond just that star-making role to discuss his unusual childhood, his difficulties with schooling due to undiagnosed dyslexia, and his blended family life experiences. Perhaps most notable is Winkler giving his wife Stacey page time to contribute her thoughts and recollections - which struck me as similar to the narration trade-off of Henry and Karen Hill in the film Goodfellas - and that angle added to the charm of this book. (I also enjoyed his repeat mentions that talented former co-stars Ron Howard and the late Join Ritter were, above all, good and decent guys in real life.). I suppose I would've liked even a little more in the way of stories or anecdotes about the TV show that established his fame, but that's a relatively minor quibble. So the man who essayed the role as 'The Fonz' wrote a page-turner? Correctamundo!
I routinely read a lot of non-fiction, but I'll chalk up the Being Henry as THE 'dark horse' candidate for 2023. Actor/producer Henry Winkler - who firmly cemented in place in American pop culture with a healthy eleven-season (1974-1984) run as Arthur 'The Fonz' Fonzarelli on the 50's-set sitcom Happy Days - recounts his fifty years (!) in U.S. show business AND his family foibles with this winning memoir. (I only watched a few primetime shows as a young child circa '78 to '82 - back in the days when the Big 3 networks ruled the roost with their programming - so Happy Days and CHiPs were my 'go-to' series. Maybe it was the motorcycles?) Winkler expands beyond just that star-making role to discuss his unusual childhood, his difficulties with schooling due to undiagnosed dyslexia, and his blended family life experiences. Perhaps most notable is Winkler giving his wife Stacey page time to contribute her thoughts and recollections - which struck me as similar to the narration trade-off of Henry and Karen Hill in the film Goodfellas - and that angle added to the charm of this book. (I also enjoyed his repeat mentions that talented former co-stars Ron Howard and the late Join Ritter were, above all, good and decent guys in real life.). I suppose I would've liked even a little more in the way of stories or anecdotes about the TV show that established his fame, but that's a relatively minor quibble. So the man who essayed the role as 'The Fonz' wrote a page-turner? Correctamundo!
December 27, 2023
I absolutely loved Henry Winkler’s autobiography! It read like a conversation and reminded me that nothing is as it seems. We are all great mask-wearers.
In discussing his anxiety issues that he kept well hidden he claims that his “real self was like a kernel of corn sheathed in yards of concrete - as insulated as the nuclear material at Chernobyl.” Who would have known he had such insecurities and that his acting allowed him to become someone different?!
I enjoyed reading about his first audition for Happy Days and was shocked to discover that he was 28 years old and at the end of his trial period in L.A. when he landed the role. I was saddened to read about his disappointment at people only seeing him as the Fonz and not as Henry Winkler. I guess after 11 seasons, we’ve all fallen into the same trap … to us, he IS the Fonz.
I had no idea that Ron Howard was such an influential part of his personal and professional life.
I loved that he used his struggle with dyslexia to create the Hank Zipzer books and reached out to those who need inspiration.
One of the best parts was reading the interjections from his wife of 45 years, Stacey, because it gave the book authenticity and another lens through which to view ‘Henry’.
Winkler covers his troubled relationship with his parents, his dyslexia and his trouble finding work after playing Fonzarelli in Happy Days. It was a great read.
In discussing his anxiety issues that he kept well hidden he claims that his “real self was like a kernel of corn sheathed in yards of concrete - as insulated as the nuclear material at Chernobyl.” Who would have known he had such insecurities and that his acting allowed him to become someone different?!
I enjoyed reading about his first audition for Happy Days and was shocked to discover that he was 28 years old and at the end of his trial period in L.A. when he landed the role. I was saddened to read about his disappointment at people only seeing him as the Fonz and not as Henry Winkler. I guess after 11 seasons, we’ve all fallen into the same trap … to us, he IS the Fonz.
I had no idea that Ron Howard was such an influential part of his personal and professional life.
I loved that he used his struggle with dyslexia to create the Hank Zipzer books and reached out to those who need inspiration.
One of the best parts was reading the interjections from his wife of 45 years, Stacey, because it gave the book authenticity and another lens through which to view ‘Henry’.
Winkler covers his troubled relationship with his parents, his dyslexia and his trouble finding work after playing Fonzarelli in Happy Days. It was a great read.
November 4, 2023
When I am going to pick up nonfiction my top choice is always memoirs because there is nothing better than getting to see a piece of someone’s life from their own words and their own perspective. I will admit I did not know a lot about Henry Winkler. I had of course seen the Fonz and recognized him several times over the years in other projects saying “look it’s the Fonz”, but I honestly didn’t know much about his life. I think I was most impressed and pleased to learn that he was dyslexic and wrote a series of children’s books about a dyslexic kid to help other children like him. It is beautiful that he helped so many kids to never feel like he had felt. It made me a little sad how much time was between some of the offers for acting jobs that Henry had. Everything I have seen he has done a great job and I hope that he continues to just keep working because the world is better with his contributions in it.
December 2, 2023
What an incredible audiobook narrated by Henry Winkler…The Fonz loved you then and still love you now!
August 7, 2023
This was so much more than a memoir. I love Henry as a young girl and I love him even more now. This is a must read and one to share with all your friends.
I loved reading about his journey. I recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
I loved reading about his journey. I recommend this one.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
December 4, 2023
One of the best auto-bio/ memoirs I’ve ever read. Funny and self deprecating, open about his fear and anxiety, and warm as hell. There are a few portions where Stacy Winkler narrated and she was charming too.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
September 18, 2023
Format Read: Audiobook from NetGalley (Releases 10/31/23)
Review: This is a very enjoyable and detailed memoir. Henry Winkler and his wife narrate this audiobook. It covers his life as child to present day. He speaks of others in the business with so many accolades it felt fake, but the rest felt very real. Since my daughter has dyslexia like he does I found those stories and his children’s book series to be of particular interest. And I was so glad he covered “jump the shark”.
Recommended For: Memoir of famous people fans.
December 7, 2023
I was really excited about reading this, but it sort of fell flat for me. It was like it was too nice of a memoir. I get not everyone wants to dish dirt and throw out names or tell certain stories because they are too scandalous, but it just seemed like every single thing he did and every person he worked with was just wonderful, every project was wonderful that by the end I was like “Ok I get it, you like everyone and loved everything you did” Maybe this is just his personality and genuinely feels this way but it got repetitive hearing the same ideology on every story.
He also kinda breezed through the McGyver days, which was one of my favourite shows as a kid, so I was disappointed this wasn’t touched upon more. I always thought it was fascinating going from the Fonz to producing that show and always wondered how that transition happened.
The struggles about anxiety and dyslexia I really did enjoy because it felt genuine and you can tell it was hard for him his whole life and he really opened up about this.
Overall I’d say like a 3-3.5 stars for me
He also kinda breezed through the McGyver days, which was one of my favourite shows as a kid, so I was disappointed this wasn’t touched upon more. I always thought it was fascinating going from the Fonz to producing that show and always wondered how that transition happened.
The struggles about anxiety and dyslexia I really did enjoy because it felt genuine and you can tell it was hard for him his whole life and he really opened up about this.
Overall I’d say like a 3-3.5 stars for me
December 19, 2023
Who didn’t love The Fonz back in the day of Happy Days? This was one of my favourite shows growing up and I couldn’t get enough of The Fonz. So naturally when I saw he had a book out I just had to get a copy and I’m pleased to say it was an excellent memoir and I enjoyed it from start to finish.
Learning more about Henry’s life growing up was interesting and at times a little sad at times I was laughing out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. Highly recommended.
Learning more about Henry’s life growing up was interesting and at times a little sad at times I was laughing out loud. I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. Highly recommended.
Read
August 7, 2023While I don’t rate memoirs, I can tell you that I absolutely loved this! Usually with nonfiction I read it a little at a time as a second book, but once I started this I couldn’t put it down. This includes everything from Henry’s life growing up, his struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia, his family and personal relationships, as well as his road to fame and long career in acting. His gratitude for everything he has and everyone he has worked with shines through and he truly seems like such a genuine and nice person. I absolutely recommend you add this to your TBR!
Thanks @celadonbooks for the ARC!
Thanks @celadonbooks for the ARC!
September 15, 2023
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
I love Henry's favorite quote: 'Don't put a period on the end of a negative sentence.' I totally enjoyed reading about his life, how he felt about his parents, his upbringing, and his dyslexia diagnosis at age 34. He turned his dyslexia diagnosis into a series of children's books, helping so many other families and children learn to thrive with their own different abilities and limitations. Always being told he's a 'dumb dog' led to many years of therapy which he openly discusses. Henry Winkler and his family seem like the kind of people you would want for your neighbors, so kind and caring, and putting out fires as needed, especially during the teenage years with his children, just like the rest of us. If given a choice, listen to the audiobook, Henry Winkler narrates it himself and he has a great voice. Oct 2023 Pub Date #BeingHenry #CeladonReads @CeladonBooks
I love Henry's favorite quote: 'Don't put a period on the end of a negative sentence.' I totally enjoyed reading about his life, how he felt about his parents, his upbringing, and his dyslexia diagnosis at age 34. He turned his dyslexia diagnosis into a series of children's books, helping so many other families and children learn to thrive with their own different abilities and limitations. Always being told he's a 'dumb dog' led to many years of therapy which he openly discusses. Henry Winkler and his family seem like the kind of people you would want for your neighbors, so kind and caring, and putting out fires as needed, especially during the teenage years with his children, just like the rest of us. If given a choice, listen to the audiobook, Henry Winkler narrates it himself and he has a great voice. Oct 2023 Pub Date #BeingHenry #CeladonReads @CeladonBooks
September 19, 2023
Candid, refreshing and witty. Henry is one of the sweetest guys in Hollywood but had a troubled childhood and was shy.
I love all the personal stories of how he met his wife and his lifelong friendship with the Happy Days gang. Such fond memories of my childhood. He tried for years to work past the stereotype of The Fonz. He was active in theater and became a novelist of many children’s books. He struggled with dyslexia and had a successful career and marriage.
Being in Texas I loved his mention of Franklins bar b cue in Austin. I look forward to more books. Thank you Celadon books and Macmillian audio for the advanced copies. Due out October 31, 2023. It was nice to listen to Henry narrate his own book.
I love all the personal stories of how he met his wife and his lifelong friendship with the Happy Days gang. Such fond memories of my childhood. He tried for years to work past the stereotype of The Fonz. He was active in theater and became a novelist of many children’s books. He struggled with dyslexia and had a successful career and marriage.
Being in Texas I loved his mention of Franklins bar b cue in Austin. I look forward to more books. Thank you Celadon books and Macmillian audio for the advanced copies. Due out October 31, 2023. It was nice to listen to Henry narrate his own book.
December 13, 2023
This was one of the most heart warming memoirs I’ve ever had the pleasure and privilege to read. I grew up with Happy Days. We all loved the Fonz. No matter what I saw him in after Happy Days I always loved him.
If you ever get to see Better Late Than Never watch it !! Trust me!
Henry Winkler’s vulnerability to share his true self with us made me feel like I just made a new best friend. I could listen to him all day. I laughed, I cried and I truly feel his anxiety and pain that he so deftly, sometimes with self deprecation, mostly with humor, shares with us.
I actually want to read it again someday. Next time I’d love to listen to him read it. Yes, he’s funny, he’s inspirational but he is so HUMAN 🥰
If you ever get to see Better Late Than Never watch it !! Trust me!
Henry Winkler’s vulnerability to share his true self with us made me feel like I just made a new best friend. I could listen to him all day. I laughed, I cried and I truly feel his anxiety and pain that he so deftly, sometimes with self deprecation, mostly with humor, shares with us.
I actually want to read it again someday. Next time I’d love to listen to him read it. Yes, he’s funny, he’s inspirational but he is so HUMAN 🥰
July 28, 2023
What a refrehing memoir. Henry Winkler has written a memoir that is to be celebrated for its being so straightforward and from a place of humbleness. And he is still shocked that he is a huge Hollywood star as he has struggled most of his life with feeling *less than* combined with constant self-doubt. Henry Winkler is so much more than his Fonzie character.
* I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
* I read an advance copy and was not compensated.
October 11, 2023
Most people are familiar with the cool, confident dude from the popular show Happy Days. Arthur Fonzarelli leapt onto television screens with his leather jacket and signature “Ayy, yo!” But what many may not realize is that the man who portrayed him, Henry Winkler, was no where near as self-assured.
Born to German Jewish immigrants, Henry’s childhood was anything but idyllic. In fact, it seemed to be quite the opposite of the Cunningham family on the beloved TV show he would later star in. In his memoir, Henry tells what it was like growing up with undiagnosed learning disability and being held to the impossibly high and unrealistic standards of his parents. He gives a raw, honest look into his life, from how he came to Hollywood, what it was like starring in a show when he was so different from the character he portrayed and where he went from there. More than a look into his life, this memoir is also a story of hope; for how you can use something negative and turn it into something for good.
I have always read that Henry Winkler was a very kind an, and after reading his story I have no doubt; he truly seems like a kind, friendly human being and I was so happy to read his story!
Thank you to Celadon for the ARC! “Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond” releases October 31, 2023! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
Born to German Jewish immigrants, Henry’s childhood was anything but idyllic. In fact, it seemed to be quite the opposite of the Cunningham family on the beloved TV show he would later star in. In his memoir, Henry tells what it was like growing up with undiagnosed learning disability and being held to the impossibly high and unrealistic standards of his parents. He gives a raw, honest look into his life, from how he came to Hollywood, what it was like starring in a show when he was so different from the character he portrayed and where he went from there. More than a look into his life, this memoir is also a story of hope; for how you can use something negative and turn it into something for good.
I have always read that Henry Winkler was a very kind an, and after reading his story I have no doubt; he truly seems like a kind, friendly human being and I was so happy to read his story!
Thank you to Celadon for the ARC! “Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond” releases October 31, 2023! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly.
December 11, 2023
I mean…lovely. Just lovely.
November 10, 2023
4.5 stars
This was charming. Henry Winkler is an all around good guy. This was a candid look at this childhood, his career and his personal life. He was funny and had an easy way of talking....and his wife was absolutely hilarious.
I kind of felt for him when he talked about his childhood. There.....but not seen....not being enough...not valued until he became famous. My heart ached for him. He carried that baggage well into adulthood.
I enjoyed this one. The Fonz told his story and I was charmed by it. So 4.5 stars.
This was charming. Henry Winkler is an all around good guy. This was a candid look at this childhood, his career and his personal life. He was funny and had an easy way of talking....and his wife was absolutely hilarious.
I kind of felt for him when he talked about his childhood. There.....but not seen....not being enough...not valued until he became famous. My heart ached for him. He carried that baggage well into adulthood.
I enjoyed this one. The Fonz told his story and I was charmed by it. So 4.5 stars.
September 29, 2023
Although I’m fond of memoirs, I’m fairly particular about celebrity memoirs and had not initially considered Henry Winkler’s book. However, I was hooked after sampling his story on BookishFirst, and I was thrilled when Macmillan Audio granted my request through NetGalley.
Overall, Winkler maintained positivity throughout the book, which differs greatly from the memoirs I typically choose. However, he still granted insight into what being Henry entails. I like digging into the emotions that many memoirists offer in their recollections and, despite the lighter tone and humor he used to convey his story, Winkler did allow the reader to comprehend how dark circumstances from his childhood, as well as the enormous obstacles he faced with dyslexia, impacted his life and acting career.
What I especially loved about Henry’s memoir was the way he brought such humanness into the word “celebrity.” It’s easy to forget that someone with fame and fortune has similar struggles and fears as the rest of us. We are often oblivious to the insecurities they wrestle with. Henry shows readers what a relatable person he is.
I also appreciated his humility in all of this, as he regularly acknowledged his flaws and mishandling of situations. He also helped me understand the many challenges an actor faces within their career, which wasn’t something I had considered too deeply in the past.
I would not call this a fluid read. Winkler tosses us scraps, delivering anecdotes with humor, charm, and pizzazz. It feels like something breezy to lighten the load, but it does have plenty of serious and deeply touching moments. I’m glad that I was lured in by the excerpt I’d read, as everything that followed was quite enjoyable. Henry Winkler was truly a delight to get to know!
I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
Overall, Winkler maintained positivity throughout the book, which differs greatly from the memoirs I typically choose. However, he still granted insight into what being Henry entails. I like digging into the emotions that many memoirists offer in their recollections and, despite the lighter tone and humor he used to convey his story, Winkler did allow the reader to comprehend how dark circumstances from his childhood, as well as the enormous obstacles he faced with dyslexia, impacted his life and acting career.
What I especially loved about Henry’s memoir was the way he brought such humanness into the word “celebrity.” It’s easy to forget that someone with fame and fortune has similar struggles and fears as the rest of us. We are often oblivious to the insecurities they wrestle with. Henry shows readers what a relatable person he is.
I also appreciated his humility in all of this, as he regularly acknowledged his flaws and mishandling of situations. He also helped me understand the many challenges an actor faces within their career, which wasn’t something I had considered too deeply in the past.
I would not call this a fluid read. Winkler tosses us scraps, delivering anecdotes with humor, charm, and pizzazz. It feels like something breezy to lighten the load, but it does have plenty of serious and deeply touching moments. I’m glad that I was lured in by the excerpt I’d read, as everything that followed was quite enjoyable. Henry Winkler was truly a delight to get to know!
I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
It’s like that time you were sitting at the local, enjoying a beer and a guy sits down next to you and strikes up a conversation and you think, “this guy’s kind of interesting,” but three hours later he’s still talking and you are surreptitiously checking your watch and trying to figure out how to extricate yourself from the situation without hurting his feelings because he really does seem like a nice guy but Oh.My.God. he just won’t stop talking . . .
October 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Being Henry. The memoir really divulged a lot of personal details that I had no idea even existed or occurred. A lot of times the public, including myself, sees a famous personality through rose colored glasses, not realizing that these famous actors like Henry Winkler are humans going through the same personal struggles as everyone else.
In his memoir, Winkler details all of the hardships he faced growing up. One of which was his feeling of inadequacy brought on by old world parents who thought their son wasn’t the brightest bulb in the household. It turns out, however, that Winkler’s scholastic ineptitude was caused by a severe case of dyslexia. A fact that Winkler wouldn’t realize until much later in life at age 31. Can you imagine?
While Winkler enjoyed the limelight during his career as “The Fonz,” it came with a hefty price tag. Winkler had been typecast and struggled to find meaningful acting jobs since the ending of the sitcom Happy Days. But there was a sliver lining. Winkler started writing children’s books and became sucessful at it. I didn’t realize until now that he has written at least 39 plus books in a few series. What an accomplishment!
I could go on and on about the book. Just know that there’s quite a bit of history in the memoir that covers his college years (Yale,) marriage, directorial debut, as well as his struggles with his personal demons. Being Henry is one of the best memoirs that I’ve read in quite a while. Five outstanding stars.
I received an ARC from Celadon Books through BookishFirst. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
In his memoir, Winkler details all of the hardships he faced growing up. One of which was his feeling of inadequacy brought on by old world parents who thought their son wasn’t the brightest bulb in the household. It turns out, however, that Winkler’s scholastic ineptitude was caused by a severe case of dyslexia. A fact that Winkler wouldn’t realize until much later in life at age 31. Can you imagine?
While Winkler enjoyed the limelight during his career as “The Fonz,” it came with a hefty price tag. Winkler had been typecast and struggled to find meaningful acting jobs since the ending of the sitcom Happy Days. But there was a sliver lining. Winkler started writing children’s books and became sucessful at it. I didn’t realize until now that he has written at least 39 plus books in a few series. What an accomplishment!
I could go on and on about the book. Just know that there’s quite a bit of history in the memoir that covers his college years (Yale,) marriage, directorial debut, as well as his struggles with his personal demons. Being Henry is one of the best memoirs that I’ve read in quite a while. Five outstanding stars.
I received an ARC from Celadon Books through BookishFirst. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 5, 2023
Henry Winker's wonderful memoir, Being
Henry marks the first memoir in which I met its author. I was at the stagedoor of a Broadway play that Winkler appeared in called "The Performers." After he came out of the stagedoor he then proceeded to greet everyone including myself with gratitude and warmth.
Winkler not only captures that same gratitude and warmth but his honesty, humor, and neuroticism. His difficult New York childhood of emotionaly distant and shallow parents was when he first felt the need to perform. Later, he went to the Yale school of Drama and finally discovered in a minor role on the hit 70's sitcom Rhoda.
Then there was his breakout role as "The Fonz" in the smash ABC sitcom Happy Days which became both a blessing and a curse after his the show ended in 1984. The best parts of the book are Winkler talks about his 48 year marriage to his wife, Stacey. He is surprisingly candid and open about how is own emotional distance began to take its toll later in their marriage. In a refreshingly additional perspective, Stacey her own take on what Winkler writes about their marriage.
On a different note, I was able to relate to the emotions that Winkler felt in his later diagnosis of dyslexia. I too felt the same frustration and resentfullness when I was experienced with my later diagnosis of Bipolar/ADHD. Thankfully we also reach common ground in that we share our stories to help others with their own diagnoses
Henry marks the first memoir in which I met its author. I was at the stagedoor of a Broadway play that Winkler appeared in called "The Performers." After he came out of the stagedoor he then proceeded to greet everyone including myself with gratitude and warmth.
Winkler not only captures that same gratitude and warmth but his honesty, humor, and neuroticism. His difficult New York childhood of emotionaly distant and shallow parents was when he first felt the need to perform. Later, he went to the Yale school of Drama and finally discovered in a minor role on the hit 70's sitcom Rhoda.
Then there was his breakout role as "The Fonz" in the smash ABC sitcom Happy Days which became both a blessing and a curse after his the show ended in 1984. The best parts of the book are Winkler talks about his 48 year marriage to his wife, Stacey. He is surprisingly candid and open about how is own emotional distance began to take its toll later in their marriage. In a refreshingly additional perspective, Stacey her own take on what Winkler writes about their marriage.
On a different note, I was able to relate to the emotions that Winkler felt in his later diagnosis of dyslexia. I too felt the same frustration and resentfullness when I was experienced with my later diagnosis of Bipolar/ADHD. Thankfully we also reach common ground in that we share our stories to help others with their own diagnoses
November 1, 2023
5 ⭐️ - What a delight to be given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of acclaimed actor, Henry Winkler, Being Henry - From Fonz and Beyond.
I grew up watching Happy Days. Listening to Mr. Winkler give the backstory of what was going on behind the scenes and some of my favorite episodes was a gem. After Happy Days ended, he was typecast because of his Fonzie role and had a career that stalled. However, he did not give up and pushed through.
Learning of what he had to endure growing up where he was often called “dummer hund” by his parents and fast forward to the age of 31, learning that he is dyslexic! Even undiagnosed, he was able to go to Emerson and Yale! He is so humble and his gratitude shines through. He is truly amazing!
I highly recommend getting his book, better yet the audiobook! He narrates it and does a wonderful job!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance audio copy. All opinions are my own.
I grew up watching Happy Days. Listening to Mr. Winkler give the backstory of what was going on behind the scenes and some of my favorite episodes was a gem. After Happy Days ended, he was typecast because of his Fonzie role and had a career that stalled. However, he did not give up and pushed through.
Learning of what he had to endure growing up where he was often called “dummer hund” by his parents and fast forward to the age of 31, learning that he is dyslexic! Even undiagnosed, he was able to go to Emerson and Yale! He is so humble and his gratitude shines through. He is truly amazing!
I highly recommend getting his book, better yet the audiobook! He narrates it and does a wonderful job!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance audio copy. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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