Henry Winkler has expressed a keen desire to reunite with his former co-star Ron Howard for a new project, more than four decades after they first graced television screens as Arthur Fonzarelli and Richie Cunningham in the beloved sitcom “Happy Days”. The pair, who starred together from 1974 until 1980, have maintained a close friendship ever since, despite Howard’s departure from the show to pursue a career in film directing.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/henry-winkler-ron-howard-happy-days-081626-9f8bc7301a484ea9a9cbdbd0a95cb20c.jpg)
Speaking to “People” magazine during the recent Televerse Festival at the TV Academy in August, Winkler, now aged 80, revealed that he would readily embrace the chance to collaborate with Howard again. While Winkler often daydreams about potential projects, he candidly admitted, “I have no idea if he does.”
Winkler reminisced fondly about their past collaborations, including their work on the 1982 comedy film “Night Shift”. He joked that their efforts together were so successful that they felt it would be hard to surpass, saying, “We can’t do anything better.” He continued by highlighting the enduring affection audiences hold for their earlier work, calling it “so touching” and a “great compliment” that the film continues to resonate decades later.
Their time on “Happy Days” was impactful, but the relationship extended beyond the studio walls. Winkler shared an emotional recount of their final moments on set, revealing how he learned of Howard’s decision to leave. “There was a phone booth right by the front door of stage 19,” he recalled. When he picked up the call that day, Howard informed him he would not be returning to the show.
On hearing the news, Winkler’s initial reaction was one of despair, describing his thoughts at that moment as, “I’m going to die now.” He felt the loss of his acting partner and close friend would leave him adrift. However, he quickly pivoted to support, urging Howard to follow his true passion for directing, which he believed was evident in Howard’s very nature. “Go and be the best you can be, and I cannot wait to see what you do,” Winkler stated, showcasing the strong bond they had formed over the years.
Reflecting on their enduring friendship, Winkler told host Rich Eisen that there was an intangible connection between them, a “string” that has remained intact since their days on the show. He noted that while they come from vastly different backgrounds, their paths intertwined in a unique way. “I didn’t have to tell him what I was going to do. He didn’t tell me what he was going to do. We just were in the same space at the same moment, it’s rare.”
As both actors have continued to evolve in their careers, the respect and affection they hold for one another have only grown. Despite their separate journeys, Winkler and Howard’s friendship exemplifies a profound bond that goes beyond the screen, reflecting genuine admiration and support for each other’s dreams and aspirations.
Currently, Winkler remains active in the entertainment industry, with ongoing projects that keep him in the public eye, while Howard has successfully transitioned to directing, focusing on acclaimed films and television series.
The longing for a creative reunion remains, and fans of both actors continue to hold out hope that they will see Winkler and Howard collaborate once more. Their legacy as iconic characters in “Happy Days” is secure, and their relationship showcases the enduring power of friendship in Hollywood. As Winkler stated, he looks forward to the day they can join forces again, enticed by the memories of their previous triumphs together.