History of Henry Winkler in Timeline

Henry Winkler is an accomplished American actor, producer, director, and author, best known for his iconic role as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the hit sitcom *Happy Days*. Beyond this breakout role, Winkler has cultivated a respected career as a versatile character actor across stage and screen. His contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Critics Choice Awards, solidifying his status as a celebrated figure in the world of entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1980: Donation to the Smithsonian

In 1980, Henry Winkler donated Fonzie's leather jacket to the Smithsonian Institution.

1981: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1981, Henry Winkler received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (for Television) primarily for his role as Fonzie.

1999: "The Fonz" Ranked Among Greatest TV Characters

In 1999, TV Guide ranked "The Fonz" as No. 4 on its "50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time" list.

2001: "The Fonz" Ranked Among Greatest TV Characters

In 2001, a poll conducted by Channel 4 in the UK ranked "The Fonz" as 13th on their list of the 100 Greatest TV Characters.

August 18, 2008: Unveiling of the Bronze Fonz

On August 18, 2008, American artist Gerald P. Sawyer unveiled the Bronze Fonz statue on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

2010: Key to the City of Winnipeg

In 2010, Henry Winkler was given the Key to the City of Winnipeg for his "contributions to education and literacy".

2011: Memoir Release

In 2011, Henry Winkler released his memoir, "I've Never Met an Idiot on the River", which explores his interest in fly fishing.

I've Never Met An Idiot On The River: Reflections on Family, Photography, and Fly-Fishing

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2011: Honorary OBE Appointment

In 2011, Henry Winkler was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth for his "services to children with special educational needs and dyslexia in the UK".

2012: Ghost Buddy Book Series Creation

In 2012, Henry Winkler and his writing partner Lin Oliver created the "Ghost Buddy" book series, which focuses on the friendship between the protagonist Billy and a "ghost buddy".

Ghost Buddy #1: Zero to Hero (1)

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2013: Ghost Buddy Book Series

In 2013, Henry Winkler and his writing partner Lin Oliver continued writing "Ghost Buddy" book series, which focuses on the friendship between the protagonist Billy and a "ghost buddy".

Ghost Buddy #1: Zero to Hero (1)

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2013: UK Literacy Hero

In 2013, Henry Winkler was named one of the United Kingdom's Top 10 Literacy Heroes.

2019: Alien Superstar Trilogy

In 2019, Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver co-authored the science fiction trilogy "Alien Superstar".

Lights, Camera, Danger! (Alien Superstar #2)

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2019: Bill Rosendahl Public Service Award

In 2019, Henry Winkler was awarded the Bill Rosendahl Public Service Award for Contributions to the Public Good for his children's books by the Los Angeles Press Club.

2021: Alien Superstar Trilogy

In 2021, Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver continued co-authoring the science fiction trilogy "Alien Superstar".

Lights, Camera, Danger! (Alien Superstar #2)

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October 2023: Memoir and Children's Book Series Release

In October 2023, Henry Winkler released a new memoir, "Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond" and began a new series of children's books with Lin Oliver called "Detective Duck".