Henry Winkler
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
March 2006

 

Though it’s been quite a few years since Henry Winkler played “The Fonz” on “Happy Days,” the actor/producer hasn't lost his cool.

 

Plugging his CBS sitcom “Out of Practice,” which returns to the schedule Wednesday, March 22 at 8 p.m., the upbeat Winkler was hopeful that his show will perform well enough to get renewed next year.

 

“If it’s a good show, people will find it,” said Winkler who plays a Doctor alongside fellow 70’s/50’s icon Stockard Channing (“Rizzo” from “Grease.”) 

 

Winkler, who just turned 60, is close to his “Happy Days” castmates.  He is the godfather to actress Bryce Dallas Howard, Ron Howard’s daughter. And Marion (“Mrs. C.”) Ross will pop up in an upcoming “Out of Practice” episode.

 

Much of Winkler’s success after “Happy Days” came behind the camera as a producer of such shows of “MacGyver” and “Hollywood Squares.” 

 

Winkler’s producing leanings were evident during his time on “Happy Days” when he took home movies throughout the series, much of which was used for the “Happy Days Reunion” special a couple of years ago. 

 

In recent years, he’s returned to acting.  Since he can pick and choose his projects, most of the time he works with friends.  He’ll be appearing with his “Waterboy” co-star and friend Adam Sandler in Sandler’s upcoming film “Click.” Other recent credits were guest appearances on “Boston Legal” and “Arrested Development,” produced by pal Ron Howard, and the movie “Holes.” Winkler, also a good friend of the late John Ritter, was set to appear on Ritter’s show, “Eight Simple Rules,” before Ritter died suddenly two and a half years ago.

 

Also, a published author, the tenth book in his series of childrens’ books, “Hank Zipzer” will be released in August.

 

Winkler has been married to his wife Stacey since 1978.  They are the parents of three grown children, Jed, 35, who is Stacey’s son from her first marriage, Zoe, 25, and Max, 22.  Jed, a musician is touring with Morrissey in Europe, Zoe is a teacher, and Max is graduating from USC film school in May.