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 C/3 w C/) LLI CC w CI w 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.