History of Henry Winkler in Timeline

Henry Winkler is an American actor, producer, director, and author best known for his role as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the sitcom *Happy Days* (1974–1984). Beyond this iconic role, Winkler has established himself as a character actor in various stage and screen productions. He has received numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Critics Choice Awards, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1980: Donation to Smithsonian

In 1980, Henry Winkler donated Fonzie's leather jacket to the Smithsonian, representing what was cool at the time.

1981: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1981, Henry Winkler received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television, largely due to his portrayal of Fonzie.

1999: "The Fonz" Ranked in TV Guide

In 1999, TV Guide ranked Henry Winkler's character, "The Fonz," as No. 4 on its list of the "50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time".

2001: "The Fonz" Ranked Among Greatest TV Characters in UK Poll

In 2001, a poll conducted by Channel 4 in the UK ranked Henry Winkler's character, "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, a bronze statue of Fonzie, titled the Bronze Fonz, was unveiled on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. American artist Gerald P. Sawyer created the Bronze Fonz.

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", specifically for his work on increasing understanding of dyslexia through the Hank Zipzer series.

2011: Honorary OBE

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".

2013: Top 10 Literacy Heroes

In 2013, Henry Winkler was named one of the United Kingdom's Top 10 Literacy Heroes for his work in understanding of dyslexia through the Hank Zipzer series.

2019: Publication of Alien Superstar

In 2019, Henry Winkler co-authored and released the first book in the science fiction trilogy, Alien Superstar, with the adventures of the protagonist loosely based on his experiences after moving to Los Angeles.

2019: Bill Rosendahl Public Service Award

In 2019, Henry Winkler was awarded the Bill Rosendahl Public Service Award for Contributions to the Public Good by the Los Angeles Press Club for his children's books and contributing to a greater understanding of dyslexia through the Hank Zipzer series.

2021: Publication of science fiction trilogy Alien Superstar

In 2021, Henry Winkler and his co-authors completed the science fiction trilogy Alien Superstar. The adventures of the series' protagonist are loosely based on Winkler's own experiences after arriving in Los Angeles.

October 2023: Release of Memoir and New Children's Book Series

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