Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond

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From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.


Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s been revealed as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.

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256 pages

Average rating: 6.95

43 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

fionaian
Sep 30, 2024
10/10 stars
Henry Winkler is a GEM in Hollywood. I had no idea he has dyslexia and it is inspiring how he's overcome so much to get to where he is today. There are so many timeless life lessons from this memoir, highly recommend!
Anonymous
Jul 05, 2024
10/10 stars
Ayyyyy

The Fonz can do more than jump the shark! Who knew? We all did. Such an enjoyable read. Winkler is proud and humble at once, and always grateful. He is a charmer, even on the page.
SherylStandifer
Feb 16, 2024
8/10 stars
This was really a series of episodes told by the author of things that happened to him growing up, breaking into the business and navigating his career. He is an angst-filled hilarious mess, and I laughed throughout. And the great thing about Henry is that he can laugh at himself, too. He really didn’t have much love from his parents until he got famous - and that made me sad. Their complete failure to get him help for his undiagnosed dyslexia was unfortunate, bordering on neglect. But he found ways, artistically, to excel and rise above. Excellent read, I especially enjoyed hearing Henry read it on audiobook. His wife also brought her perspective in some episodes, which was fun.

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