Happy Days went off the air more than 40 years ago, and it’s still one of the most beloved sitcoms ever. Henry Winkler starred on the show for all 11 seasons as Arthur Fonzarelli, who friends called “The Fonz.” His motorcycle-riding, leather jacket-wearing, tough exterior was just a front. Fonzie was a teddy bear on the inside, just like the man who brought the character to life. Fonzie changed Henry Winkler’s life so profoundly that when Happy Days ended, Henry wasn’t quite sure what to do. He explained his heartache on a recent episode of the Where Everyone Knows Your Name podcast with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson.
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Henry Winkler Didn’t Know What to Do When ‘Happy Days’ Ended
Henry Winkler told Ted and Woody that the end of Happy Days marked a very sad time in his life.
“After Happy Days finished. I’m sitting in my office. All I’m getting are Fonzi-like [offers]. I have no idea, ‘Am I ever going to do anything that is as powerful?’ And I went dark. I went dark.”
Henry ended by saying that he truly believed that his career ended the day he hung up his leather jacket. But that wasn’t the case; Henry Winkler’s career changed after Happy Days. He got into production, and things went well. Of course, he still acts and enjoys every minute.
“The greatest thing you learn is to pivot,” Winkler said. “You’re going on a way, and you’re thinking, ‘Oh, I’ve got to stay. I can’t do anything else. I don’t want to do anything else.’ You have to learn to pivot. And when you pivot, the universe opens up, and all of this generous stardust falls on you,” Henry added.
This story’s featured image is by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
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