History of Henry Winkler in Timeline
Henry Winkler is an acclaimed American actor, producer, director, and author, best known for his iconic role as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the hit sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984). Beyond this signature role, Winkler has built a successful 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 television history.
1939: Parents Escape Germany
In 1939, Henry Winkler's parents escaped from Germany, an event that was later explored in the television show Better Late Than Never when Winkler visited Berlin.
1973: Last Theatrical Production
1973 was the last time prior to 1999 that Neil Simon involved Winkler with his first theatrical production. He asked him to do a read-through of The Dinner Party.
1975: Happy Days Table Read
In 1975 Henry Winkler reprised the role of "Fonzie", in "The Motorcycle" episode of Happy Days during a virtual table read to offer aid "to SAG-AFTRA artists and their families".
1976: Meeting Stacey Weitzman
In 1976, Henry Winkler met Stacey Weitzman in a Beverly Hills clothing store.
1977: 'Jumping the Shark' Happy Days episode
In 1977, an episode of Happy Days featured Fonzie jumping over a shark while on water skis, which later became the reference for the phrase 'jumping the shark'.
1978: Meeting John Ritter
In 1978, Henry Winkler met John Ritter at ABC's 25th anniversary party when Winkler was on Happy Days and Ritter was on Three's Company.
1980: Donation to 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 due to his portrayal of Fonzie.
1985: Executive Producer for 'The Sure Thing'
In 1985, Henry Winkler served as the executive producer for Rob Reiner's film 'The Sure Thing'.
1991: Starring in 'Absolute Strangers'
In 1991, Henry Winkler returned to acting and starred in the television film 'Absolute Strangers'.
1994: Fonzie in 'The Chanukah Song'
In 1994, Adam Sandler included Fonzie in the Saturday Night Live skit, The Chanukah Song. Winkler called Sandler to thank him, which led first to a friendship.
1996: Uncredited Role in 'Scream'
In 1996, Henry Winkler appeared uncredited as principal Arthur Himbry in Wes Craven's film 'Scream'. After the screening, he received positive feedback and was asked to participate in the publicity campaign for Scream.
1999: Richard Belzer in Law & Order: SVU
In 1999, Henry Winkler's cousin, Richard Belzer, began starring as John Munch in the TV series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
1999: TV Guide ranking
In 1999, TV Guide ranked "The Fonz" as No. 4 on its "50 Greatest TV Characters of All Time" list.
2000: Emmy Nomination for 'The Practice'
In 2000, Henry Winkler was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Dr. Henry Olson in 'The Practice'.
2001: Channel 4 ranking
In 2001, Channel 4 in the UK ranked "The Fonz" as 13th on their list of the 100 Greatest TV Characters.
September 2003: Guest Appearance on Ritter's show
In September 2003, Henry Winkler was slated for a guest appearance on John Ritter's show, 8 Simple Rules. However, Ritter became ill during filming and passed away, leading to the episode's incompletion and Winkler's role being dropped.
2003: Original Hank Zipzer series of books
From 2003 to 2010 Henry Winkler co-wrote 17 original books in the Hank Zipzer series.
2003: Barry Zuckerkorn on Arrested Development
In 2003, Mitch Hurwitz recruited Winkler to play the role of Barry Zuckerkorn on Arrested Development. He appeared in numerous episodes across the show's seasons.
2004: Daytime Emmy Nomination
In 2004, Henry Winkler was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program.
2006: Captain Hook in Peter Pan
In 2006, Henry Winkler returned to the stage as Captain Hook in Peter Pan at the New Wimbledon Theatre, London.
August 18, 2008: Unveiling of the Bronze Fonz
On August 18, 2008, American artist Gerald P. Sawyer unveiled the Bronze Fonz on the Milwaukee Riverwalk in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
2008: Role in 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'
In 2008, Henry Winkler played the role of Uncle Ralph in the Christmas film 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'.
2010: Key to the City of Winnipeg
In 2010, Henry Winkler was given the Key to the City of Winnipeg for "contributions to education and literacy".
2011: Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
In 2011, Henry Winkler was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) "for services to children with special educational needs and dyslexia in the UK" by Queen Elizabeth.
2011: Publication of memoir
In 2011, Henry Winkler's memoir, I've Never Met an Idiot on the River, which explores his interest in fly fishing, was released.
2012: Creation of Ghost Buddy book series
In 2012, Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver began their collaborative series, the Ghost Buddy book series, which spans from 2012 to 2013.
2013: Ghost Buddy book series
From 2012 to 2013, Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver's collaborative series, the Ghost Buddy book series, was released.
2013: Top 10 Literacy Heroes
In 2013, Henry Winkler was named one of the United Kingdom's Top 10 Literacy Heroes.
2014: Hank Zipzer Television Adaptation
In 2014, Henry Winkler co-created the television adaptation of Hank Zipzer. The series ran for three seasons, originally appearing on BBC children's channel before finding an American buyer.
2016: Work Begins on Barry
Work for the first season of Barry began in 2016. Winkler noted parallels between Barry and his time on Happy Days.
2018: First Primetime Emmy Award
In 2018, Henry Winkler received his first Primetime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Gene Cousineau in Barry.
2018: Visiting Berlin for TV Show
In 2018, almost 80 years after his parents had left Germany, Winkler visited Berlin for the television show Better Late Than Never and shared their story.
2019: Publication of Alien Superstar trilogy
In 2019, Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver released the science fiction trilogy Alien Superstar which continues through 2021. The series protagonist is based on Winker's experiences in 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 for his children's books by the Los Angeles Press Club.
May 7, 2020: Social Distancing Video
On May 7, 2020, the Office of the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, posted a video of Winkler on Facebook and Twitter reminding Californians to practice social distancing and to follow stay-at-home orders.
November 2021: Friendship with Happy Days Cast
In November 2021, Winkler stated that he remained close with members of the Happy Days cast.
2021: Alien Superstar trilogy
From 2019 to 2021, Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver released the science fiction trilogy Alien Superstar. The series protagonist is based on Winker's experiences in Los Angeles.
October 2023: Release of memoir and children's book series
In October 2023, Henry Winkler released a new memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz...and Beyond. Also in 2023, he began a new series of children's books with Lin Oliver called Detective Duck.
2025: Induction into Television Hall of Fame
Henry Winkler was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2025.
2025: Hosting Hazardous History with Henry Winkler
In 2025, Henry Winkler will host the series Hazardous History with Henry Winkler on the History Channel.
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