Henry Winkler Reflects on His Career and Dyslexia

Henry Winkler, renowned for his role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in the hit TV series “Happy Days,” recently shared insights into an alternate career path he considered. In an interview on the “You Could Make This Beautiful” podcast, Winkler, now 80 years old, revealed he once contemplated becoming a child psychologist due to his experiences with dyslexia.

“I understand children,” Winkler expressed. “I listen to them and care about what they say.” He expressed admiration for children’s adaptability and potential. This interest emerged partly because he sought a profession requiring minimal formal education due to his dyslexia.

Despite the challenges posed by his learning disability, Winkler found fame in acting, earning three Emmy Award nominations for his role on “Happy Days.” His decision to pursue acting instead of psychology stemmed from his early interest in performing arts.

“Destiny is very strange,” Winkler told “PBS News Weekend” in November 2023. “I chose a career difficult to survive and participate in, especially with dyslexia.”

Winkler has often discussed the obstacles dyslexia presented in his career. He recalled table reads for “Happy Days,” where he struggled to read scripts in front of cast and crew. “I covered it with humor,” he admitted to overcoming embarrassment.

His strategy was to read one word at a time and request scripts in advance to memorize them practically by the table read. Winkler was diagnosed with dyslexia at 31, coinciding with his stepson’s diagnosis, which initially left him feeling angry and humiliated. Over time, he accepted it, acknowledging it as part of his brain’s wiring.

Winkler’s tenacity helped him navigate his career successfully. After “Happy Days,” he appeared in films like “The Waterboy” with Adam Sandler and TV shows “Arrested Development,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “New Girl.” His role in “Barry,” where he played acting coach Gene Cousineau, won him his first Emmy Award in 2018.

Reflecting on his journey, Winkler encouraged others to “be yourself, be honest about your ability, prepare so that you are not a flash in the pan.” His perseverance and dedication served as a guiding force throughout his career.

Lori A. Bashian is a writer for entertainment news at Fox News Digital.