Henry Winkler recently celebrated his 81st birthday on October 30, marking yet another milestone in his illustrious career and enduring friendship with fellow actor Ron Howard, who is now 72. The two have shared a close bond for over five decades, stemming from their time together on the beloved television show, Happy Days.
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During a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Winkler fondly recalled the thoughtful birthday present he receives from Howard each year — a generous basket filled with an assortment of cheese and crackers. “Every year, I forget his, and he sends me this unbelievable basket of cheese and crackers,” Winkler revealed, expressing his appreciation for Howard’s kind gesture. He reflected on the early days of their friendship, noting, “I met him when he was 18; I was 27.”
Winkler and Howard became household names in the 1970s when they starred in Happy Days, with Winkler famously portraying the iconic character Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli and Howard playing the wholesome Richie Cunningham. Their chemistry on screen translated into a lasting friendship off-screen, which continues to thrive despite the inevitable passage of time.
In a light-hearted admission, Winkler confessed to occasionally forgetting Howard’s birthday, which falls on March 1. “I do forget his birthday. I know that it’s on March 1, but I never seem to send him cheese,” he said. Nonetheless, the actor made it clear that this lapse in memory does nothing to diminish the depth of their friendship. “I love him very much,” he added, illustrating the strength of their bond over the years.
The two stars have not only maintained their friendship but have also come together professionally on multiple occasions. Winkler recently expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Howard again, although he quipped that they might not be able to replicate the magic of their earlier work. Howard left Happy Days in 1980, but the duo reunited for the 1982 film Night Shift, where Howard directed and Winkler played a unique role as Chuck Lumley, a stockbroker working in a morgue. Winkler mused, “We can’t do anything better” than that film, reflecting both pride and nostalgia for their earlier projects.
Presently, Winkler remains a fixture in the entertainment industry, voicing a character in Disney’s upcoming animated series, SuperKitties. His career spans an impressive five decades, yet he shows no inclination to slow down. In a candid conversation on Graham Bensinger’s podcast, In Depth, Winkler described his work as “heaven,” emphasising his passion for character development. “I love my job. It is like putting a puzzle, a jigsaw puzzle, together and most of the pieces are of the same colour,” he explained, conveying his enthusiasm for his craft.
Interestingly, Winkler suggested that retirement might not be a viable option for him, stating that he might “wither” away without his work. This sentiment underscores his dedication to the industry and his desire to remain active for as long as possible.
Looking ahead, Winkler will be featured in another Disney production titled Hexed, which is set to hit cinemas on November 25. As he continues to embrace new opportunities, his ongoing friendship with Howard serves as a reminder of the enduring connections forged in the world of entertainment.
With their shared history and continued collaboration, Winkler and Howard exemplify not only a professional partnership but a heartfelt friendship that has stood the test of time. Their story is a testament to the lasting impact of camaraderie and support in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.
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