Henry Winkler Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Films, Wife, Books, Children, Awards

Henry Winkler is an American actor, director, producer, and author who gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the television series “Happy Days” (1974–1984).

This role, characterized by Fonzie’s leather jacket and calm demeanour, became a cultural icon of the 1970s.  

Winkler’s performance earned him two Golden Globe Awards and three Emmy nominations.

Profile

• Full name: Henry Franklin Winkler
• Date of birth: October 30, 1945
• Age: 80 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Manhattan, New York, U.S.
• State of origin: New York
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor, director, producer, author
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
• Parents: Ilse Anna Marie Winkler (mother), Harry Irving Winkler (father)
• Siblings: Beatrice Winkler (sister)
• Spouse: Stacey Weitzman
• Children: Jed Weitzman, Zoe Winkler Reinis, Max Winkler
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Jewish
• Ethnicity: Ashkenazi Jewish
• Net worth: $40 million

Early Life and Education

Henry Winkler is now at the age of 80. He was born on October 30, 1945, in Manhattan, New York, to Ilse Anna Marie and Harry Irving Winkler, both German immigrants who fled Nazi Germany in 1939.

Raised in a Jewish household, Winkler grew up with his sister, Beatrice, in New York City. He struggled academically due to undiagnosed dyslexia, which affected his self-esteem and academic performance.

Despite these challenges, he pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in 1967. He then attended the Yale School of Drama, graduating with an MFA in 1970. His time at Yale included performances with the Yale Repertory Theater, which honed his acting skills and prepared him for a successful entertainment career.

Personal Life

Henry Winkler met Stacey Weitzman in 1976 at a clothing store in Beverly Hills. They married in 1978 and have three children: Jed Weitzman, Stacey’s son from a previous marriage; Zoe Winkler Reinis; and Max Winkler. Zoe is an educator and co-founder of the nonprofit organization This Is About Humanity.

Max is a director, producer, and writer in the entertainment industry. The Winklers are also grandparents to several grandchildren. The family remains close-knit, often engaging in activities like fly fishing and celebrating significant events together.

Career

Henry Winkler’s career began with stage performances and television commercials. His breakout role came in 1974 when he was cast as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the hit show “Happy Days.”

The character became a cultural icon but also faced challenges with typecasting after the series. Winkler transitioned into directing and producing, with credits including “MacGyver” and films like “Memories of Me” (1988) and “Cop and a Half” (1993).  

He continued acting, with notable roles in “The Waterboy” (1998) and “Arrested Development.” From 2018 to 2023, he starred in the HBO series “Barry,” earning critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy Award. Winkler is also a successful author, having co-written the “Hank Zipzer” series, which is inspired by his own experiences with dyslexia.

Awards

Golden Globe Awards

• 1977: Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (“Happy Days”)
• 1978: Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (“Happy Days”)

Primetime Emmy Awards

• 2018: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (“Barry”)

Daytime Emmy Awards

• 1985: Outstanding Children’s Special (“CBS Schoolbreak Special”)
• 2005: Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (“Clifford’s Puppy Days”)

Net Worth

Henry Winkler’s net worth is estimated at $40 million. He amassed his wealth through a diverse career in acting, directing, producing, and writing.  

Social Media

• Instagram: @hwinkler4real
• X: @hwinkler4real

Filmography

• The Lords of Flatbush (1974)
• Heroes (1977)
• The One and Only (1978)
• Night Shift (1982)
• The Waterboy (1998)
• Holes (2003)
• Click (2006)
• Here Comes the Boom (2012)
• Black Adam (2022)

Books

• Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond
• Niagara Falls, or Does It?
• I Got a “D” in Salami
• The Day of the Iguana
• The Zippity Zinger
• The Night I Flunked My Field Trip
• Holy Enchilada!
• Help! Somebody Get Me Out of Fourth Grade!
• My Secret Life as a Ping-Pong Wizard
• A Short Tale About a Long Dog
• Bookmarks Are People, Too!
• Fake Snakes and Weird Wizards
• You Can’t Drink a Meatball Through a Straw