Sometimes, the truth is stranger than fiction, and The Monkees drummer Mickey Dolenz has a whopper. Mickey told People he grew up in show business and got his first big break on Circus Boy in the 1950s. But he’s best known for his role in The Monkees TV show and as part of the band. When the show ended in 1968, Mickey didn’t think he’d have much of a career in acting and felt he’d be perpetually typecast as a wacky sidekick. However, there was one audition that piqued his interest. Mickey Dolenz tried out for the role of Fonzie on Happy Days and claims he almost had it.
Videos by InspireMore
Mickey Dolenz As Fonzie Seems Wild
After seeing Henry Winkler, Mickey Dolenz said he realized why he was passed up for the role of the Fonz.
“I almost got it,” he told People. “Supposedly it was between me and Henry. He remembers it too. The story I heard is that he was in the waiting room, saw me come in, and thought, ‘Oh s—, I’ll never get this — Micky Dolenz is here!’ So we laugh about it now. He’s a good friend and a brilliant talent.”
At 80, Mickey Dolenz said he has no hard feelings about not being Fonzie.
“Oh my God, he’s just so good. I was definitely not as good as he was. Come on — he was The Fonz! He had that New York, New Jersey thing down,” Mickey said. “I’m from Southern California. It wasn’t gonna happen!”
Mickey Dolenz and Henry Winkler met in the fall of 2024 and posed for a photo that Mickey shared on Instagram.
“Great seeing old friend, Henry Winkler in Gallatin, Tennessee this weekend,” he wrote.
Fans agreed and loved seeing the two stars sharing a smile.
“Great photos! Has been a pleasure meeting both of you over the years,” someone wrote.
This person agreed, “You two look just like…you two! Love that! Forever cool!”
This story’s featured image is by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
