Being Henry

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 TV series 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 just really grateful to be there), Henry shares, in the 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.

Today, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in 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 in his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm and self-deprecating humour, this memoir is 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 fulfilment within yourself.

About the Author

Henry Winkler will celebrate 50 years of success in Hollywood this year 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.