The Schmooze

Henry Winkler was bitten early by the acting bug. But his father had different plans for his son, urging him to join his wood-selling business, the same company he’d brought to the States when he and Winkler’s mother, both German Jews, fled Berlin in 1939. “The only wood I was interested in,” said Winkler, while headlining the recent JUF’s Women’s Philanthropy Lion Event, “was Holly wood .”

It turned out Hollywood liked him back. In his breakout role on the iconic sitcom Happy Days , Winkler played Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli–perhaps the coolest character ever to grace the small screen.

But things came less easy for Winkler than they did for his alter ego. Growing up, he struggled in school. Decades later, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, inspiring him to co-write a children’s series on the subject.

In 2018, Winkler made an on-screen Emmy-winning comeback in the HBO dark comedy series Barry, alongside SNL alum Bill Hader.

Winkler’s autobiography, Being Henry…The Fonz and Beyond , is now available. He will be in the Chicago area to promote his new book in November.

1)What was the last book you read?  

The Collector by Daniel Silva

2)What’s your all-time favorite movie?  

I have several: Rebel Without a Cause , starring James Dean, was the first time I cried at a movie.

The Great Escape, The Godfather, The Sting, City of God

3)What’s your favorite Jewish food?  

Brisket, potato pancakes, and apple sauce; a cheeseburger made under a rabbi’s supervision.

4)What are you listening to these days?   

Brandi Carlile, Lewis Capaldi, Bruce Springsteen, Sia, Bruno Mars, and Dvořák

5)Who was the last person you texted?  

My daughter

6) If you could invite 3 people, famous or not, to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be?  

The writer Isaac Bashevis Singer, Blake Shelton, Barack Obama.

7) If you could have any other occupation, what would it be?

Child psychiatrist

8) Who are two of your biggest role models?

Spencer Tracy

9) What are you currently binging on TV?  

The Crowded Room and The Chi

10) If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be?  

Buckle in and enjoy the ride.