Henry Winkler, the iconic actor behind the beloved character Fonzie on "Happy Days," shares his extraordinary experiences, including an unexpected visit from the FBI and a life-changing phone call from co-star Ron Howard.
Henry Winkler's journey through Hollywood has been marked by both laughter and unexpected encounters. In a recent episode of the "SmartLess" podcast, the Emmy-winning actor recalled his heart-stopping moment when the FBI paid him a visit.
As Winkler sat in his apartment listening to vinyl records, the doorbell rang. To his astonishment, three men in badges stood at his doorstep. "Oh no, you do not smell what you think you're smelling," he pleaded. However, the agents quickly clarified their purpose: "We're with the FBI."
Henry Winkler's Unforgettable Encounters: From FBI Visits to Surprise Phone Calls
With a surge of relief, Winkler realized that the visit pertained to his character, Fonzie, rather than his personal life. The agents had simply come to express their admiration for the iconic figure.
Winkler's surprise encounters didn't end there. Throughout his years on "Happy Days," devoted fans would often visit his apartment with unusual requests. "They would lift their shirt and ask [me] to sign parts of their anatomy," he recalled.
Henry Winkler's Unforgettable Encounters: From FBI Visits to Surprise Phone Calls
The actor's remarkable experiences continued in 2023 with the release of his memoir, "Being Henry: The Fonz... and Beyond." In his book, Winkler candidly shared the challenges he faced during the show's heyday, including the tension that arose between him and co-star Ron Howard.
As "Happy Days" soared in popularity, Winkler's portrayal of Fonzie eclipsed that of Howard's character, Richie Cunningham. Faced with the possibility of changing the show's title to "Fonzie's Happy Days," Winkler vehemently opposed the suggestion out of respect for his fellow cast members.
Henry Winkler's Unforgettable Encounters: From FBI Visits to Surprise Phone Calls
In the eighth season of the show, Howard abruptly called Winkler to announce his decision to leave "Happy Days" to pursue his filmmaking dreams. "I was devastated," Winkler admitted. "I was scared. He was my acting partner."
Despite his initial shock, Winkler understood Howard's aspirations. As Howard explained, "I told him, 'Go get it. Go out there, and you go get it because this is what you want.'"
Henry Winkler's Unforgettable Encounters: From FBI Visits to Surprise Phone Calls
Today, Winkler and Howard remain close friends, with Winkler serving as the godfather to Howard's daughter, actress Bryce Dallas Howard. Their bond has weathered the storms of Hollywood and stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship.
Reflecting on his extraordinary journey, Winkler said, "I've lived a charmed life. I've been able to do what I love and meet people that I never thought I would meet." From FBI visits to life-changing phone calls, Henry Winkler's experiences are a testament to the unpredictable adventures that life can bring.
Henry Winkler's Unforgettable Encounters: From FBI Visits to Surprise Phone Calls
