Behind The Scenes
With Henry Winkler
Winkler will
speak about his
Jewish roots at
the sold-out
Federations.
Women's
"Choices"
luncheon on
March 14.
ALICE BURDICK SCHWEIGER
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
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80
hen Henry Winkler cat-
apulted to fame by play-
ing the "Fonz" on "Happy
Days," he became one of
the most familiar faces on
television. But when his 10-
year reign as teen idol on a
sitcom came to an end, he re-
fused to rest on his laurels. In-
stead, he focused his energies
behind the scenes.
"I had dreamed of making a
living in the entertainment in-
dustry ever since I was 7 years
old, and when "Happy Days"
came to an end, I wanted to con-
centrate on directing and pro-
ducing," recalls Winkler, who had
starred in three feature films —
Heroes, The One and Only and
Night Shift, which was directed
by Ron Howard.
"I had been acting every sin-
gle day for more than 11 years,
and I was losing a little zest for
it," explains Winkler, who also
had top billing in several TV
movies, including An American
Christmas Carol and Katherine.
Although he may have been a
little apprehensive about the
transition, working behind the
camera was not unfamiliar to
Winkler. Back in 1979, while still
on "Happy Days," he had start-
ed his own production company,
Fair Dinkum. A few years later,
Winkler formed yet another pro-
duction company called JZM Pro-
ductions, in order to create
projects geared for youngsters.
JZM are the initials of his three
children, Jed, age 24; Zoe, age 16;
and Max, age 12.
"I wanted to produce quality
programming for and about
kids," says Winkler, whose 1984
CBS Schoolbreak Special "All
The Kids Do It," which dealt with
teen-age drunk driving, won the
daytime Emmy for best chil-
dren's program.
In 1985, he co-produced the ac-
tion-adventure series "Mac-
Gyver," which aired on ABC for
six years. His directorial debut
came in 1986, with A Smokey
Mountain Christmas, starring
Dolly Parton. Among the many
feature films that he went on to
direct were Memories of Me, star-
ring Billy Crystal; Turner &
Hooch, with Tom Hanks; and the
comedy Cop and 112, with Burt
Reynolds.
However, despite his impres-
sive resume, Winkler's success
didn't come easily. Born in New
York City and raised in a tradi-
tional Jewish Conservative
home, Winkler made his acting
debut as Billy Budd, when he
was in the eighth grade. In high
school (Winkler attended an all-
boys school in Manhattan), he
continued to star in school plays.
He spent his college years at
Emerson in Boston, where he
earned a bachelor of arts, and
went on to earn a master of fine
arts degree from the Yale Uni-
versity drama school. With the
Yale Repertory Company, he
continued to hone his skills while
appearing in a string of plays.
But his parents were not pleased
about his decision to become an
actor.
"My parents were not sup-
portive," says Winkler, who has
a sister 4 1/2 years his senior.
"My father was president of an
international lumber corporation,
and he had hoped that I would
take over the business."
Winkler eventually moved
back to the Big Apple and wound
up working in radio and doing
television commercials. Togeth-
er with friends, he created "Off
the Wall," which was an evening
of improvisations that made its heartthrob? "We went on the air
way to Off-Broadway.
in January 1974, and I made my
Winkler's first break came first personal appearance three
when he landed a role as a greas- months later in April in Little
er in The Lords ofFlatbu,sh. And Rock, Ark.," he recalls. "My plane
then the doors began to open. He arrived about 11:30 at night, and
continued doing network televi- about 3,000 enthusiastic people
sion, including appearances on met me at the airport. This was
"The Mary Tyler
the very first time
Moore Show," "Rho-
anything like this had
da" and "The Bob Henry Winkl er made his ever happened to me.
feature film directorial
Newhart Show."
debut with Memories of I was amazed."
"But my biggest Me, starring Billy Crystal,
What did not sur-
break came on my
prise Winkler was the
Alan Ki ng and
birthday, October 30,
success of "Happy
JoBeth W illiams.
1973, when I got a
Days." "We ran for
call and was offered
255 episodes, and I
the part of Arthur Fonzarelli on think the family stories that we
`Happy Days "' he says. "I was ab- did were timeless and very fun-
solutely thrilled. It was the best ny," says Winkler, who is still
birthday present ever."
close friends with Ron Howard
Originally, Winkler's charac- and keeps in touch with Marion
ter was supposed to be a minor Ross, who played Marion Cun-
role. In fact, Winkler only had six ningham. "Jerry Paris did a bril-
lines in the pilot. "I never imag- liant job of directing, and the
ined that the Fonz would take off casting was terrific. Reruns of the
like he did," he says.
show are going to begin this fall
And when did Winkler realize on Nick at Night, and I'm sure it
that he had become a superstar will be well-received. Being on
`Happy Days' was a very impor-
tant part of my life."
In 1980, the black leather jack-
et that was synonymous with the
"Fonz" was retired. It hangs to-
day in the Smithsonian's Muse-
urn of American History.
For now, Winkler remains as
active as ever. He is executive
producer of "Sightings," a UFO
reality series on the FOX Net-
work that explores the paranor-
mal, and he has several other
projects in the development
stages. Some of his plans include
appearing in front of the camera
as well.
"I consider myself very lucky
to be able to survive in this busi-
ness," Winkler says. "And I feel
very fortunate to fulfill this gi-
gantic dream of making a living
in the world of entertainment." ❑
Henry Winkler will be the
keynote speaker at the
Women's Division's "Choices"
Itmcheon on March 14 at Adat
Shalom Synagogue.