How Henry Winkler Coached a Starstruck Actor to Kill Him in “Scream” 

In a recent Q&A session at GalaxyCon 2025, stuntman Lee Waddell shared an intriguing anecdote about his experience working with the legendary Henry Winkler on the set of the original “Scream” film. Known for his role as the Fonz in “Happy Days,” Winkler played high school principal Arthur Himbry in the 1996 horror classic. Waddell, who portrayed the Ghostface killer in the first two “Scream” movies, revealed how starstruck he was when he encountered Winkler on set.

Describing Winkler as a “class act,” Waddell admitted that meeting the iconic actor left him in awe. He confessed, “That’s the only time out of my career at that point, and I’ve never done it since, he was the only guy that I ever fanboyed out on.” Despite being a seasoned stunt performer, Waddell struggled to channel the necessary energy to convincingly portray Ghostface stabbing Winkler’s character.

Winkler, sensing Waddell’s hesitation, took matters into his own hands and coached the young actor through the scene. Employing a clever technique, Winkler assumed his character’s persona and purposefully provoked Waddell, eliciting a genuine emotional response from him. This impromptu acting lesson proved to be a game-changer for Waddell, who credits Winkler for teaching him a valuable trick that he carried with him throughout his career.

Reflecting on the pivotal moment, Waddell remarked, “I snapped in and he starts screwing with me like this. I’m like, ‘Oh, I am going to gut you like a fish.’” With Winkler’s guidance, Waddell successfully delivered a powerful performance that resonated with viewers. The impact of Winkler’s coaching extended far beyond that particular scene, shaping Waddell’s approach to his work as a stunt performer and actor.

Despite the passage of time, Waddell fondly looks back on his experience working with Winkler and eagerly anticipates a potential reunion with the talented actor. Recounting the profound influence that Winkler had on his career, Waddell expressed his desire to express his gratitude to Winkler in person and reminisce about their memorable collaboration on “Scream.”

Henry Winkler, known for his versatility as an actor, continued to captivate audiences with his portrayal of fictional acting coach Gene Cousineau in HBO’s “Barry.” The Emmy-winning actor’s ability to inspire and mentor his fellow performers, as evidenced by his impactful encounter with Waddell, underscores his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.

As fans eagerly await the next chapter in the “Scream” franchise, Waddell’s poignant account serves as a reminder of the profound impact that mentorship and guidance can have on an artist’s creative journey. Henry Winkler’s role as both a mentor and a colleague exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration and camaraderie in the world of filmmaking.

In conclusion, Waddell’s memorable experience working with Henry Winkler on “Scream” showcases the magic that can unfold when talent, mentorship, and dedication converge on a film set. Their unlikely partnership not only resulted in a memorable cinematic moment but also left an indelible mark on Waddell’s career, illustrating the enduring influence of a legendary actor like Henry Winkler.