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Stories

Henry Winkler Shares How He Got The Role Of Fonzie

by Lauren Novak

Published November 16, 2022

Henry Winkler Shares How He Got The Role Of Fonzie

Henry Winkler opened up about how he got the role of Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli on Happy Days. He was cast at the age of 27 and it became the role that he would forever be known for. Henry was so good at playing Fonzie, that the Fonz became the most popular character on the show, something that the writers never anticipated.

During an interview with CNN’s Chris Wallace, Chris asked Henry how he transformed into Fonzie. Henry replied, “Because I trained for many, many years to be an actor, and I got to play somebody. I wasn’t somebody who I wanted to be and it was so much fun. They are still my family. All of the people who have survived are still very, very close. We are incredibly friendly.”

Related:

  1. Henry Winkler Shares A Story Of How Fonzie Saved A Young Fan’s Life
  2. Henry Winkler Showed The Original Fonzie Leather Jacket To Jimmy Fallon On His Show

Henry Winkler made up the voice for Fonzie during auditions

HAPPY DAYS, Henry Winkler, 1974-84
HAPPY DAYS, Henry Winkler, 1974-84. ph: Gene Trindl/TV Guide©ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection

While he admitted that the writers originally wanted a “taller Italian kid” for the role of Fonzie, Henry’s audition got him the part. He explained, “And they got you know, this short Jew from New York, but all I did Chris, all I did was change my voice. I introduce myself as Henry, and then as I started to do it, something overtook me … And I changed my voice like this and it unleashed me.”

RELATED: Henry Winkler Defends Fonzie Jumping The Shark In ‘Happy Days’

FAMILY SQUARES, Henry Winkler, 2022
FAMILY SQUARES, Henry Winkler, 2022. © Screen Media Films /Courtesy Everett Collection

During the audition, Henry began speaking in that iconic Fonzie accent and the rest is history. Now, Fonzie is ranked by TV Guide as one of the 50 greatest characters in the history of television so far. Henry admitted that he still can’t believe the recognition and how his character is still so beloved.

HAPPY DAYS, Henry Winkler, 1974-84
HAPPY DAYS, Henry Winkler, 1974-84 / Everett Collection

Is Fonzie your favorite Happy Days character?

RELATED: Henry Winkler Is Auctioning Off Fonzie Outfit Including Iconic Leather Jacket

Next up: Joy Behar Gets Called “Grouchy” On ‘The View’

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