Henry Winkler recently revealed that his Happy Days co-star, Ron Howard, felt hurt when his character, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, became the show’s breakout star. In a podcast interview, Winkler shared that Howard, who played the original lead, Richie Cunningham, admitted that The Fonz’s popularity affected him emotionally.
Winkler recalled their conversation, where Howard expressed that it was not Winkler’s fault but still difficult to accept. In spite of this, Howard was professional and kept up his character until his exit in Season 7. Fonzie’s popularity made Winkler the face of the popular 1970s sitcom and a household name.
Ron Howard vs. The Fonz, and popularity issues in Hollywood
The Happy Days switch was a classic instance of a supporting actor overshadowing the scheduled headliner. With the Howard and the Fonz popularity issue revisited, numerous people wondered how the business tends to change based on consumer demand. Winkler described that, even though Howard was affected, he knew that the show’s success benefited all.
Winkler himself struggled to overcome typecasting once Happy Days ended, saying that it was hard to escape Fonzie’s shadow. Luckily, both actors had successful careers, with Howard becoming a legendary Oscar-winning director and Winkler re-establishing himself through comedy and dramatic roles, ultimately winning an Emmy for Barry.
Hollywood friendships that last
Despite their history, Winkler and Howard remain close friends, which is a sign that the respect was more powerful than professional disappointments. The legacy of Happy Days can still be felt in popular culture, with both actors crediting the show for impacting their careers. Howard’s transition behind the camera and Winkler’s comeback as an actor are proof of how reinvention is the core of Hollywood.
Their professions serve as a reminder that early struggles do not determine long-term success. Both have amazing backgrounds that include directing movies like Apollo 13 to starring in blockbuster series. Even though Fonzie was able to get the spotlight, both actors wound up creating their own unique paths in the business.