If you look up the word “exuberant” in the dictionary, you might find a photo of Henry Winkler. His autobiography, releasing on October 31st, is a charming, funny and self-deprecating story filled to the brim with anecdotes about his decades in Hollywood.
The son of German Jewish immigrants, Henry grew up in Brooklyn and struggled for years with dyslexia, a condition not diagnosed until adulthood. That made it very difficult during auditions for acting jobs but Henry compensated by becoming a master at improvisation.
I was very surprised to learn that despite his massive fame from his iconic role as The Fonz on “Happy Days”, Henry later struggled to find work when the show ended. That role had an indelible impact on both Henry’s personal life and his professional life yet it goes to show just how fleeting fame can be.
If you love inside stories about Hollywood, you’ll devour this book. It is filled with funny and sometimes poignant tales about the life of a working actor. Henry comes across as a truly devoted family man and loyal friend and just an all-round great guy. If you grew up watching “Happy Days” or even love Henry’s work now on “Barry”, you’ll love this book.
Thank you to Celadon Books for the gifted copy!
About the Book:
From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.
Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.
Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s revealed himself as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.
Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.