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Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond Hardcover – October 31, 2023
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Instant New York Times Bestseller!
From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.
Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.
Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s been revealed as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.
Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.
- Print length256 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherCeladon Books
- Publication dateOctober 31, 2023
- Dimensions6.45 x 0.9 x 9.6 inches
- ISBN-101250888093
- ISBN-13978-1250888099
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Inside the book...
Calling my first agent. I couldn't get him on the line.
Memorizing Peer Gynt at Emerson College was one of the most difficult things I've ever done.
Just before jumping the shark.
Making The Waterboy with Adam Sandler. We always had a pasta bar at lunch.
I would not have won my Emmy for Barry without Bill Hader and Alec Berg (cocreator).
Our girls Maisie and Sadie.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Smart and entertaining."
–The New York Times
"[An] inspirational story of one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures who became an unlikely TV screen icon and later a champion for those with dyslexia."
―The Associated Press
"You want to brew him some tea, pat his arm. His tender memoir isn’t explicitly dishy. It’s an excavation of his challenges, pain and neuroses."
―The Washington Post
“More than anything, Being Henry is the story of a talented actor who, as his wife puts it, can “charm the pants” off of anyone…It’s about the struggle to come into oneself after decades of self-alienation, and about perseverance.”
―The Daily Beast
"This charming autobiography of personal struggles during times of career success and challenge deserves a big thumbs-up."
―Kirkus
"[A] winning memoir...Though Winkler includes plenty of inside-Hollywood fare, the book’s frankness sets it apart from standard-issue actor memoirs. The result is a heartfelt chronicle of learning to love one’s self, shortcomings and all."
―Publishers Weekly
"Sharing memorable and funny behind-the-scenes moments, Being
Henry entertains as an introspective, self-deprecating, and quite moving memoir from a versatile actor....The many, many fans Winkler has gathered over his 50 years in Hollywood won't be disappointed by this charming memoir."
―Booklist
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Celadon Books (October 31, 2023)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 256 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250888093
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250888099
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.45 x 0.9 x 9.6 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #22,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #88 in Rich & Famous Biographies
- #212 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- #741 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Henry Winkler is an actor, producer and director. He is probably most famous for his role as the Fonz in the 1970s US television sitcom, Happy Days. But if you ask him what he is most proud of, he would say, "Writing the Hank Zipzer books with my partner, Lin Oliver." He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Stacey, their three children and two dogs.
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Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They find the insights insightful, inspiring, and instructive. Readers praise the author's honesty, authenticity, and humor. They describe him as kind, compassionate, and unselfish. The book portrays his talent as a great actor.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They appreciate the author's honesty and sincerity. The book is a great way to catch up with the Fonz and his passion for working and creating.
"Very well written. Henry shows humility, and tells stories in a way that is kind to others that he has come across in his career...." Read more
"...It is a beautiful story, very honest, and I highly recommended it to any fan or Henry Winkler, whether you only knew him as Fonzie or not, there is..." Read more
"Great Book" Read more
"...Thank you for sharing your talent, your life, and wisdom with us Henry. You and your talent are truly amazing!!! I couldn’t put this book down!!!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They find it easy to read and engaging, with a down-to-earth tone. The book provides an insightful look into Henry's life and struggles with dyslexia. Readers describe the author as open, down-to-each, and thoughtful. Overall, they feel like they are having a meaningful conversation with an old friend.
"Very well written. Henry shows humility, and tells stories in a way that is kind to others that he has come across in his career...." Read more
"This book is very well written and tells so much more than anyone would ever think they could ever know about Henry and his life...." Read more
"The reading is very easy. He is very interesting. I look forward to read on." Read more
"...He's just real, super nice, and will talk to you and not be one of those "ok, next" people when doing appearances. He really was super...." Read more
Customers find the book insightful, entertaining, and instructive. They describe it as an honest and humble view into Henry Winkler's personal life and career highlights. The memoir is described as revealing and informative about Winkler's life.
"This book is very well written and tells so much more than anyone would ever think they could ever know about Henry and his life...." Read more
"...as an actor have some of the same issues I've gone through made an interesting and enjoyable read. Thank you Henry" Read more
"Henry Winkler’s memoir is a fascinating, honest, and humble view into the life of a hugely talented and popular man whose life and career were..." Read more
"...He has overcome so much and become a much better human...." Read more
Customers appreciate the author's honesty and authenticity in the book. They find the story real and instructive, with an honest portrayal of the author's struggles with dyslexia and emotional vulnerability. Readers describe the author as genuine and friendly, inspiring them with his honesty and resilience.
"...It is a beautiful story, very honest, and I highly recommended it to any fan or Henry Winkler, whether you only knew him as Fonzie or not, there is..." Read more
"...the wonderful stories which populate his memories and his honesty and resilience may inspire you to conquer your next horizon...." Read more
"...He had a sad but interesting childhood and his honesty was appreciated. It forms part of what you deal with later...." Read more
"...He took photos with her. He was friendly. He was kind. He was genuine. And, when she sent me the photos, I thought, He is The Best!..." Read more
Customers find the book entertaining with humorous behind-the-scenes stories. They laugh out loud and even shed a tear or two. The book is engaging and well-written, holding their attention until the end.
"...Henry writes with wisdom, humor, warmth and humanity...." Read more
"Winkler has written such a fun and interesting biography! I listened to the audio and then bought the book for all the great pics." Read more
"...Bingo! This book. So fast paced but totally pleasant and funny and engaging...." Read more
"...disjointed and stream-of-consciousness, but always interesting, entertaining and heartfelt--and always in the endearing voice of the author. Read it...." Read more
Customers find Mr. Winkler to be a kind, loving, compassionate, and unselfish man. They describe him as genuine, humble, and dedicated to his art and family.
"...Henry writes with wisdom, humor, warmth and humanity...." Read more
"...He took photos with her. He was friendly. He was kind. He was genuine. And, when she sent me the photos, I thought, He is The Best!..." Read more
"...a greater appreciation and respect as in many of his rolls and a kind gentle person, it was not just acting, but who he is. Thank You" Read more
"...am proud to share a birthday with this kind, humble, grateful and unselfish man." Read more
Customers appreciate the talent of the author. They find the actor remarkable and a class act. The book provides an interesting look into the life of a famed actor.
"...You and your talent are truly amazing!!! I couldn’t put this book down!!! I look forward to more chapters in your life journey!!!" Read more
"I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this amazing actor. If you love him, too- you'll love the book. He is so worthy. 💗..." Read more
"...It was great to see how Henry sold me on his character. Real good acting. Thanks for the movie and thanks for the book Henry!" Read more
"...I couldn't get enough of these amazing people that I knew almost nothing about. (And I had a Fonzie poster when I was a kid.)..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast and enjoyable, with Winkler's voice and visuals included. The book explores his life before, during, and after his time on Happy. It provides insights into how he started out as Fonz and how the show progressed from someone who was Fonz.
"...What completely took me by surprise was the pacing and random nature of the stories...." Read more
"...It was interesting how he started out as Fonz, and how the show progressed from someone who is in some episodes, to the lead character of the show...." Read more
"...Bingo! This book. So fast paced but totally pleasant and funny and engaging...." Read more
"Very insightful,about his life. His parents leaving Germany and coming to America was a win for us!..." Read more
Reviews with images
Henry Winkler is his authentic self
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024Very well written. Henry shows humility, and tells stories in a way that is kind to others that he has come across in his career. I couldn't wait to pick it up day after day until I was done and then I didn't want it to end. Really enjoyable.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024This book is very well written and tells so much more than anyone would ever think they could ever know about Henry and his life. There was not one page that I was not completely engrossed in the details, whether it be how he auditioned for the role of Fonzie, how he was dyslexic and didn’t realize it until later in life, how he had a hard time finding work as he got older, all the unique people he met and became friends with, his wonderful wife and children, and especially all the lessons and wisdom he has learned in his life, all of it combined to shape him into the person he has become. It is a beautiful story, very honest, and I highly recommended it to any fan or Henry Winkler, whether you only knew him as Fonzie or not, there is a lot more to this man than just playing the Fonz!
- Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2025Interesting read
- Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024Great Book
- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024This book is an amazing look into the life of Henry Winkler. Thank you for sharing your talent, your life, and wisdom with us Henry. You and your talent are truly amazing!!! I couldn’t put this book down!!! I look forward to more chapters in your life journey!!!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024The reading is very easy. He is very interesting. I look forward to read on.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025This book took me by surprise. Mr. Winkler revealed a lot about himself watts and all. Good and bad. It was good to see that his wife recovered from breast cancer. Also his children followed there dreams. What I got frustrated with was how Mr. Winkler did not believe in his acting abilities time and time again. If I ever meet Mr. Winkler in person I would say how he should believe in himself. Anyone who is an actor or wants to be an actor believe in your God given talents and do the best that you can.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2023Henry Winkler is his own marvelous creation. His life begins with severe, judgmental and harsh parents and without the ability to read. These two impediments compound one another. Still, Henry retains the ability to dig deep, find his voice and thrive.
The Fonz becomes legend, not by accident or happenstance, but because of Henry's unique gifts as an actor. And if his harsh childhood did not crush his spirit then neither would the typecasting which follows such an iconic role.
This lovely book shares the wonderful stories which populate his memories and his honesty and resilience may inspire you to conquer your next horizon. Henry writes with wisdom, humor, warmth and humanity.
We can all dig a little deeper and do a little better and reading this book will inspire you to do exactly that.
Top reviews from other countries
- PamReviewed in Canada on January 4, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Ayyyyyy!
I have always liked Henry Winkler; now i love him. This book was a great read with so much insight into his journey as an actor, and a person. I highlighted so many passages that spoke to me and resonated deeply in my own journey of beginning to figure myself out just North of mid life. This is a book i will definitely read again…and possibly again.
- MrsReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Great read
-
drs. Jermy LeeuwisReviewed in the Netherlands on June 20, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A must voor een Happy Days of The Fonz-fan
Hele fijne herinneringen aan The Fonz en Happy Days. Het is intrigerend om zijn kant van het verhaal te lezen. Met bewondering heb ik zijn levensverhaal gelezen! Verwacht geen hoogstaand boek maar welk (auto-)biografie is dat wel?
- Dawn AndrewReviewed in Australia on November 10, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Gave this as a present to a long time Happy Days watcher, The Fonz especially was a favourite, this book held a lot of memories and right up to date as he visited Adelaide recently
- Jan SpringerReviewed in Canada on December 18, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
It was nice to see behind the "The Fonz" and what was going on in Mr. Winkler's life. A good read.