Henry Winkler Remembers Disastrous Broadway Debut, When the Show Opened and Closed the Same Night 

Henry Winkler Reflects on His Challenging Broadway Debut in 1973

Henry Winkler, renowned for his iconic role as The Fonz on the beloved series *Happy Days*, recently reminisced about his ill-fated Broadway debut during an appearance on *Late Night with Seth Meyers*. The 80-year-old actor opened up about his experience in the play *42 Seconds from Broadway* which, regrettably, opened and closed on the same night.

During the episode that aired on April 22, Winkler described the excitement he felt when he first auditioned for the production in 1973. He was just starting his career, newly emerged from drama school, and had never envisioned he would land a role on Broadway. He spoke fondly of his co-star Regina Baff, who would go on to win a Tony Award later that year for her performance in *Veronica’s Room*. Winkler recalled a time of hope, saying, “I was over the moon.”

However, the initial enthusiasm was short-lived. Winkler shared that there were no early signs of impending doom during previews; optimism clouded any foreshadowing of the show’s fate. His confidence faltered when *The New York Times* review devastatingly panned the performance. “If The New York Times doesn’t like it, you’re gone,” he recalled, lamenting the harshness that often accompanies Broadway productions.

In a candid moment, Winkler recounted the surreal experience of finding out the show was closing right after performing. He recalled removing his makeup when the production team was actively dismantling the set, jokingly noting, “They couldn’t get rid of me fast enough.” While the situation is a source of humour years later, Winkler openly acknowledged the emotional toll it took at the time, saying, “It was devastating, devastating. Because you think, oh, who is going to hire you when your Broadway play closes?”

Reflecting on his early struggles, Winkler recalled a separate experience with the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., where he was dismissed just three weeks into rehearsals. “I cried all the way back to New York,” he shared, revealing the depths of his insecurities during those formative years. “I thought, ‘I will never be hired again.’”

The review from *The New York Times* has become infamous in the annals of theatrical commentary. Clive Barnes’s scathing critique of *42 Seconds from Broadway* undermined the play’s substance, labelling it trivial and equating its quality to that of a mediocre television script. He noted that while some audience members laughed good-naturedly, the performances were rife with stereotypes. Regina Baff was heralded as the standout performer, yet even she could not salvage the production’s overall reception.

Not long after this setback, Winkler’s fortunes took a turn for the better when he moved to California. His career blossomed with a memorable guest appearance on *The Mary Tyler Moore Show*, which subsequently led him to audition for the role of Arthur Fonzarelli in *Happy Days*. Premiering in January 1974, the character quickly became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying Winkler’s place in television history.

*Happy Days* ran until 1984, but Winkler’s career did not end there. He has enjoyed a diverse range of roles in films such as *The Waterboy*, *Scream*, and *Little Nicky*, as well as television shows like *Arrested Development*, *Parks and Recreation*, and *Barry*. Notably, his portrayal of Gene Cousineau in *Barry* earned him an Emmy Award in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his long-spanning career.

In addition to his recent pursuits, Winkler returned to Broadway for productions such as *The Dinner Party* in 2000 and *The Performers* in 2012. More recently, he appears in the film *Normal* and hosts a documentary series titled *Hazardous History with Henry Winkler*, which has just launched its second season.

Winkler’s journey reflects both the unpredictability of show business and his resilience in the face of adversity. While *42 Seconds from Broadway* may not have launched his career as he had hoped, it ultimately set the stage for his famed legacy and ongoing contributions to entertainment. His ability to laugh about past misfortunes serves as a testament to his enduring spirit and commitment to his craft.