Henry Winkler may have played one of television’s coolest characters, but the item he treasures most from Happy Days is surprisingly simple. The actor, who became a household name as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, recently shared that his favorite piece of memorabilia is not a flashy collectible but something far more personal.
Over the years, fans have associated the show with iconic jackets, catchphrases, and pop culture moments. Yet for Winkler, the meaning of that time in his life lives in a quiet, almost hidden object that captured memories as they happened.
A Simple Item Filled With Meaning
While speaking about his collection, the actor mentioned he still owns several well-known Happy Days items. These include action figures, Funko collectibles, and even a lunch box that now sits in the Smithsonian alongside the famous leather jacket worn by his character.
However, according to People, the item that matters most to him is a small piece of plywood. It once sat outside the swinging doors of Arnold’s diner on set, where cast members would place their drinks before walking into scenes. Over time, it became something much more than a prop.
A Personal Record of Life on Set
Instead of leaving it untouched, he turned that piece of wood into a kind of journal. He wrote notes on it throughout the show’s run, capturing moments both big and small. Some entries marked milestones in the series, while others documented personal memories involving his fellow cast members.
One note, for example, mentioned Ron Howard welcoming a red-haired baby named Bryce, while another recorded the birth of a baby named Zoe months later—both of whom later became friends. These small details transformed the plywood into a living timeline of the show’s history. For Henry Winkler, that humble keepsake carries more emotional weight than any collectible ever could. It reflects not just a successful television career but also a period filled with friendships, growth, and unforgettable experiences that still resonate decades later.