Henry Winkler, the acclaimed actor best known for his iconic roles on ‘Happy Days’ and ‘Heroes’, recently opened up about some of the most dangerous stunts he had to perform during his illustrious career. Winkler, who is set to host a new series on the History Channel titled ‘Hazardous History with Henry Winkler’, shared insights into the risky situations he faced while portraying different characters on screen. The actor revealed that one of the most perilous stunts he had to undertake was riding a motorcycle as Arthur ‘The Fonz’ Fonzarelli on the set of ‘Happy Days’.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/henry-winkler-happy-days-061225-9c791eb619b6482f8db20b09bdd5562e.jpg)
In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Winkler disclosed that due to his dyslexia, he found it challenging to distinguish between the gas, gear, and brake controls while riding the motorcycle. He even shared a hair-raising incident where he nearly killed the head of cinematography on the ‘Happy Days’ set due to his struggle with the motorcycle controls. This revelation sheds light on the lesser-known risks and challenges actors face behind the scenes while delivering memorable performances on screen.
Aside from his time on ‘Happy Days’, Winkler also recounted a frightening experience during the filming of the 1977 movie ‘Heroes’, where he starred alongside Sally Field and Harrison Ford. During a scene where he was racing a car around a track, Winkler accidentally hit the brake too hard, causing the car to spin out of control. The veteran actor recalled how the stuntmen had to quickly react to avoid a potential catastrophe, emphasizing the unpredictability and danger that can come with performing stunts in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on these heart-stopping moments, Winkler acknowledged that he is not inherently a thrill-seeker in real life. Despite this, he expressed his appreciation for exploring life’s riskier aspects, which ultimately led him to delve into the historical anecdotes showcased in his upcoming series, ‘Hazardous History with Henry Winkler’. The show promises to delve into pastimes, practices, and products that were once commonplace but are now considered too dangerous in modern society, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the adventurous spirit of the past.
With his new series set to premiere on the History Channel, Winkler shared his excitement about the diverse range of topics covered in each episode. From mailing children through the post office to recalling the infamous lawn darts craze, the show aims to captivate audiences with tales of reckless and unsupervised Americana from bygone eras. As Winkler delves into these intriguing narratives, viewers can expect a blend of entertainment and education that sheds light on the exhilarating yet perilous aspects of history.
As fans eagerly anticipate the premiere of ‘Hazardous History with Henry Winkler’, the actor’s candid revelations about his daredevil moments on set serve as a reminder of the dedication and risks involved in bringing memorable characters to life on screen. Winkler’s ability to blend humour and humility in recounting these thrilling experiences showcases his enduring charm and magnetic presence, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. With his latest venture poised to take audiences on a thrilling journey through the annals of history, Winkler continues to captivate viewers with his infectious enthusiasm and passion for storytelling.