Everything Tom Hanks and Henry Winkler Have Said About Each Other Over the Years

**Reflections on a Complex Relationship: Henry Winkler and Tom Hanks**

Henry Winkler, renowned for his portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in the classic sitcom *Happy Days*, has recently opened up about his long-standing connection with actor Tom Hanks. The two first crossed paths in 1982 when Hanks made a guest appearance on *Happy Days*. Despite their early collaboration, Winkler admits that he is still working through his feelings regarding their relationship.

At 80, Winkler reflected on his experiences with Hanks during a recent interview on *In Depth With Graham Bensinger*. He spoke about their first encounter when Hanks was still rising through the ranks of Hollywood. However, years later, Winkler expressed uncertainty about why their relationship had not developed as he had hoped. “We did a retrospective of Happy Days, and we wanted 60 seconds of Tom Hanks in his episode and we did not get permission for that,” he mentioned, hinting at unaddressed tensions.

The duo had a brief professional reunion in 1989 when Winkler was set to direct *Turner & Hooch*, a film which would feature Hanks in the lead role. However, their collaboration was cut short due to creative disagreements. Winkler revealed during the interview that he felt out of place in the directorial role. “I went completely against my tummy, and it hit me in the face with a 2×4,” he remarked, describing how he struggled to establish authority on set amid nerves.

Filming began but within just a couple of weeks, Winkler found himself summoned to the studio executive’s office. “It’s not in the dailies,” he recalled being told, leading to his abrupt dismissal from the project. “I’m fired as a director… I don’t handle it well. I’m devastated,” he admitted. Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Winkler cherishes a memento from the time: a model plane crafted by Hanks during their meetings.

Winkler brought humour to the situation in a past interview with PEOPLE, indicating that the dog, Hooch, was a more agreeable presence than Hanks while they were filming. In a 2019 segment with Andy Cohen, he reiterated: “I got along great, great with that dog,” showcasing his light-hearted approach towards the difficulties on set.

While acknowledging the discomfort, Winkler has made it clear that he does not consider the situation a feud. In a 2020 discussion with TMZ, he stated, “I don’t have a feud with Tom Hanks. What everybody says and what is true are two different things.” He even mentioned having run into Hanks at an awards ceremony, describing the interaction as “beautiful.”

A year later, during a conversation with Andy Cohen, Winkler revealed that their encounters have been friendly. He shared his pleasant experience of bumping into Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, just before the pandemic, calling their exchanges warm and cordial due to their shared history on *Happy Days*.

Hanks himself has spoken fondly of his time on the sitcom during a 2023 interview on *The Jess Cagle Show*. Reflecting on his role as Dr. Dwayne Twitchell, a karate expert who tussled with Winkler’s character, Hanks humorously recounted, “I kicked Fonzie… I think I’m, legendarily, the first guy to actually strike Fonzie.” He acknowledged that his guest appearance helped boost his career, leading to future roles, including in the film *Splash*.

The relationship between Winkler and Hanks remains a multifaceted one, punctuated with moments of humour and reflection. Despite their past struggles, both actors continue to regard each other with respect and nostalgia, signalling that while some rifts may take time to heal, goodwill endures among fellow creatives.