Being Henry

Being Henry

by Henry Winkler
Setting: United States
Genres: Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts
Length: 9:22
Published on October 31, 2023
Pages: 320
Format: Audiobook Source: Library

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

From Emmy-award winning actor, author, comedian, producer, and director Henry Winkler, a deeply thoughtful memoir of the lifelong effects of stardom and the struggle to become whole.

Henry Winkler, launched into prominence as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s been revealed as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.


Henry Winkler is about as far as a person you can get from his breakout role as Arthur Fonzerelli. Henry is the child of two German Jewish immigrants who were the only people in their families to leave prior to The Holocaust. His mother, in particular, never recovered from that.

Henry was a sensitive child who had very severe undiagnosed learning disabilities. His father told him constantly how stupid he was. It was only when he was acting that he felt like himself.

I’d recommend getting this book as an audiobook. Henry reads the story himself and he is absolutely delightful. He also brings in his wife to read her perspective on things in their life.

His story is a lesson on just showing up over and over and accepting whatever life is bringing your way even if it wasn’t what you had planned.