Henry Winkler Says He ‘Embarrassed’ His Parents with Early Career as an Actor 

Henry Winkler took to the podium on 9 May at Emerson College in Boston to share his personal journey, addressing the graduates with candour and heartfelt reflections on his formative years. As a notable alumnus of the institution, Winkler, who graduated in 1967, recounted his early struggles in an effort to inspire the fresh graduates as they embark on their own paths.

Raised in New York City by German Jewish immigrants, Ilse and Harry Winkler, the actor conveyed the cultural expectations that accompanied his upbringing. His father had aspirations for him to inherit the family lumber business, but Winkler had dreams of performing. “I wanted to be an actor. My father wanted me to take over the lumber business that he brought from Europe,” he admitted. With a hint of humour, he recalled a conversation with his father: “Besides being chased by the Nazis, Dad, was there a bigger reason than that? The only wood I was interested in was Hollywood.”

Winkler’s journey to success was fraught with challenges. He revealed that he encountered numerous academic difficulties as a child, notably struggling with dyslexia—a condition that would not be diagnosed until later in life. “I remember finally passing geometry class with a D minus,” he recounted. Achieving that grade was particularly significant as it allowed him a place at Emerson, the only college that accepted him from the 28 to which he had applied.

During his commencement address, Winkler metaphorically described his childhood as a series of obstacles, stating, “When I was growing up, my life was like a cylinder of stainless steel—no handholds, no footholds, and I kept trying to pull myself up into the sun, and I kept failing at everything.” Recounting his eventual success, he expressed gratitude for the nurturing support he received from Emerson, emphasising the vital role the institution played in his development as both an artist and an individual.

Despite his early achievements in commercials, Winkler faced a less than supportive reaction from his parents. “My parents were not happy with me at all,” he shared. “I embarrassed them.” Yet, his unwavering pursuit of acting remained steadfast. “I had a dream, and I never let that dream out of my mind,” he asserted, a testament to his determination.

After graduating from the Yale School of Drama in 1970, Winkler made his Broadway debut in a production that had an unfortunate run, closing the same night it opened. Nevertheless, he persevered, moving to Los Angeles where he landed a notable appearance on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” before being offered the iconic role of Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli in “Happy Days.” This career-defining role would come to solidify his place in entertainment history.

Winkler has continuously returned to offer wisdom to Emerson graduates, receiving an honorary degree in 1978, and later delivering the keynote address to the class of 1995. His tenure on “Happy Days,” which lasted until 1984, earned him several Emmy nominations, and he ultimately won his first Emmy in 2018 for his portrayal of Gene Cousineau in the critically acclaimed series “Barry.”

The disparity between Winkler’s earlier life and his later success highlights the challenges he faced in achieving approval from his parents. In a previous engagement in 2019, he reflected on their relationship, revealing the poignant reminder of his father’s harsh words during his educational struggles. “I did not need them to be proud of me when I figured out how to be famous,” he noted. “I needed them to be proud of me when I couldn’t figure anything out.”

Now at 80, Winkler has not only made a significant mark on the entertainment industry but also offers a powerful narrative of resilience and self-belief, underlining the importance of pursuing one’s true passions despite external pressures and challenges. His story serves as an encouraging beacon for the graduates of Emerson College, reminding them to remain steadfast in their aspirations as they step into the world.