On October 30, 1945, Henry Winkler was born.
The classically-trained actor would go on to become a household name with his role on the 70s sitcom “Happy Days” as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli. This leather-wearing ladies man sure knew how to point his fingers and pop his collar…
Winkler graduated with a master’s in fine arts from Yale School of Drama after earning his graduation from Emerson College. After a few promising commecial gigs and a spot on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Winkler was cast as “Fonzie” on “Happy Days.”
The popular sitcom revolved around a 1950s family who lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ron Howard played Richie Cunningham, a goody two-shoes high school kid. Winkler’s part was initially cast as a side character, however, by the time the show had ended – the “Fonz” is what viewers wanted… sorry Ron.
Following the “Happy Days” run, Winkler appeared in TV shows such as “The Practice,” “Arrested Development” and even produced one of the greatest television series of all-time… “MacGyver.”
(That is not opinion – it’s fact!)
Winkler also starred in several feature-length films, including “The Lords of Flatbush” (1974), “Heroes” (1977) and 1998′s “Waterboy,” starring Adam Sandler.
Winkler continues to be a part of the show biz community with small roles in comedies and feature films (not to mention “Happy Days” reruns). So, thank you Henry Winkler, for continuing to make us laugh… with your ridiculous 1950s outfit that was designed in the 70s.
