Henry Winkler Remembers Having to Play His Bloody “Scream” Death Multiple Times: ‘Be More Excruciating’ (Exclusive)

Henry Winkler is set to reflect on a significant moment in his career as the iconic horror film “Scream” approaches its 30th anniversary this December. The acclaimed actor, known for his earlier role as Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli in “Happy Days”, played the character Principal Arthur Himbry in the groundbreaking 1996 film by director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson. Speaking recently with PEOPLE, Winkler revealed insights into his experience while filming the chilling scene that ultimately claimed his character’s life.

In a conversation held on August 29 during This Is About Humanity’s 8th Annual Soirée, hosted at his home in Los Angeles, Winkler expressed pride in his contribution to “Scream”. However, he admitted that he has never revisited the film since its original release. “I haven’t because I don’t like horror movies,” said Winkler. He recalled viewing the film through his fingers when it first hit theatres, indicating his discomfort with the genre.

Winkler recounted how he was invited to join the film, which has left an indelible mark on pop culture. The original cast, featuring Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, Courteney Cox as journalist Gale Weathers, and David Arquette as deputy Dewey Riley, has continued to evolve over the years. The film’s frightening antagonist, Ghostface, was unveiled as part of the horror genre’s rich tapestry. Winkler’s character, Principal Himbry, attempts to maintain order amid the chaos wrought by the killers targeting the students of Woodsboro High.

Describing the filming experience, Winkler noted that the atmosphere while shooting was not as terrifying as the finished product might suggest. “When you’re doing it, it’s not scary,” Winkler explained, adding that he genuinely enjoyed the process. However, the death scene itself came with its share of challenges.

In the scene, Winkler’s character is alone in the school when he hears unsettling noises. As he enters his office, he believes he is safe, only to be met by the masked killer, Ghostface, who brutally stabs him. Reflecting on how the first take unfolded, he remarked, “When I was stabbed the first time, blood came out of tubes all over my body. I screamed and fell to the floor.”

Despite the gruesomeness of the scene, Craven pushed for a more intense portrayal, prompting Winkler to take another shot at the grim sequence. “The director came to me and he said, ‘Do you think it might be more excruciating?’” Winkler recalled. Eager to deliver an improved performance, he reshot the scene after a brief clean-up, resulting in what Winkler described as a more visceral second take.

Following this role, Winkler experienced a resurgence in his career that had been dormant for nearly two decades after “Happy Days” concluded. He had previously shared feelings of uncertainty regarding his future in acting, mentioning a prolonged period of struggle where he sought opportunities to work. It was during this time that he pivoted towards producing, notably the popular TV series “MacGyver”.

The role in “Scream” marked a turning point for Winkler, leading to a series of roles that revitalised his acting career. His work included appearances in films alongside Adam Sandler, such as “The Waterboy” and “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan”. He also garnered acclaim for his performance in the critically acclaimed television series “Arrested Development”, along with various guest roles on shows like “Parks and Recreation” and “BoJack Horseman”.

In 2018, Winkler achieved considerable recognition for his performance in HBO’s “Barry”, where he portrayed the character Gene Cousineau. This role not only showcased his versatility as an actor but ultimately earned him his first Primetime Emmy award, marking a high point in a career that spans several decades.

As “Scream” celebrates its milestone anniversary, Winkler’s reflections provide a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of a film that redefined the horror genre. While he may not be inclined to rewatch his own performance, his contributions to the franchise — and his subsequent career successes — continue to resonate with fans and audiences alike.