In a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, the legendary actor Henry Winkler, now 80 years old, reminisced about his role in the beloved television series *Arrested Development*. Winkler, who is best known for his portrayal of the charming yet bumbling lawyer Barry Zuckerkorn, shared his thoughts on the programme that captivated audiences for five seasons and solidified his status in the comedy genre.
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Reflecting on his time with the series, Winkler highlighted three key aspects that made his experience enjoyable. “First of all, the cast was amazing. Second of all, I was hired for like two episodes, and I stayed for five years. Third of all, it was written so incredibly well,” he stated, emphasising the quality of the ensemble and the writing that drew him into the show.
One of the unique features of *Arrested Development* was the involvement of its creator, Mitch Hurwitz, who provided real-time feedback during filming. Winkler recounted how Hurwitz had a live feed set up in his office that allowed him to monitor the action on stage. He described moments when he was about to deliver a line he felt would be hilarious, only for Hurwitz to come in with an alternative that was even funnier. “He would say, ‘Say this! Say this!’ And it was funnier than one of the funniest things I was ever going to say that he had already written,” Winkler recalled, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defined the show.
Despite the opportunity to craft memorable moments, Winkler remarked that he does not have a specific favourite scene. His fondness for the series and the comedy genre is well-trained, as he noted, “I enjoy my job, I love my job every day,” indicating his passion for acting remains strong even after decades in the industry.
Winkler’s character, Barry Zuckerkorn, served as the hapless family lawyer for the Bluth family, the focus of the show. Over the course of 33 episodes across five seasons, Winkler brought this character to life from 2003 to 2006, and made returns in 2013 and again from 2018 to 2019. The series also starred an impressive ensemble cast, including Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, Portia de Rossi, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, and Jessica Walter.
A notable connection for Winkler on the show is Ron Howard, his co-star from *Happy Days*, who served as the show’s narrator. Their relationship, which spans over 50 years, was highlighted as Winkler discussed the deep bond they share, referring to Howard as akin to family. “Ron comes from a family that left the farm in Oklahoma. They went to New York. This was before Ron and his brother Clinton were born,” Winkler explained. The two actors met when Howard was just 18 and Winkler was 27, forming a connection that, according to Winkler, seemed almost destined.
The synergy between Winkler and Howard added another layer of nostalgia and chemistry to the show. “There was a string between us,” Winkler said, implying that they have often shared similar artistic instincts without needing to communicate explicitly. This rare connection has remained a key element in Winkler’s long and fruitful career in entertainment.
*Arrested Development* first aired on Fox and continues to be available for streaming on Netflix, allowing new generations of fans to discover and enjoy the unique blend of humour and heart that defined the series. The show, which garnered critical acclaim and a cult following, is remembered not just for its sharp writing but also for the remarkable performances delivered by its diverse cast.
As Winkler reflects on his rich career, his experience in *Arrested Development* stands out as a highlight, perfectly encapsulating his love for the craft and the collaborations that enrich the world of television.