His Parents Called Him Dumb But He Grew Up To Be Loved By Millions
Henry Winkler, best known as Fonzie from Happy Days, didn’t have a privileged upbringing. Born in 1945 to Jewish immigrants who fled Nazi Germany, Winkler struggled in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia. Misunderstood by both teachers and parents, he was often labeled “lazy” or “dumb,” which deeply affected his self-esteem.
Despite his academic challenges, Winkler pursued his passion for acting. He was rejected by 26 colleges before being accepted into Yale School of Drama, where he honed his craft. During auditions, he often had to improvise because of his reading difficulties — a skill that highlighted his natural talent.
Winkler’s big break came in 1974 with Happy Days, where his portrayal of Fonzie made him a pop culture icon. Behind the scenes, he continued to battle dyslexia, memorizing scripts by repetition and relying on instinct. He even turned down the lead role in Grease to avoid being typecast.
Later in life, after his stepson was diagnosed with dyslexia, Winkler realized he had lived with the same condition. This discovery inspired him to become an advocate for learning disabilities. He co-authored the Hank Zipzer book series, based on his childhood experiences, to support children with similar struggles.
Winkler’s career expanded well beyond Happy Days, including award-winning roles like in Barry. His story is a powerful example of perseverance, self-belief, and turning adversity into strength. Today, he continues to inspire others to embrace their unique abilities and never let challenges define their potential.
