Henry Winkler Reflects on His Time in Hollywood and ‘Happy Days’

Henry Winkler recently shared insights about his experiences with fellow actors on the set of ‘Happy Days.’ Speaking at a fan expo in Tennessee, the 80-year-old actor emphasized the teamwork and lack of hierarchy on the show. He recounted one guest star who failed to fit in with the cast.

Winkler explained, “On our set, there was no stardom. We were an ensemble, working hard to make it funny every week.” He recalled a guest who frequently mentioned his fan mail. Winkler advised him against it, highlighting that the set was a space where everyone worked together, rather than competing for attention.

“We don’t talk about that on the set. We are all here as one,” Winkler explained to the guest star.

Despite Winkler’s advice, the actor continued, leading Winkler to describe him as “an a–back,” though avoiding mentioning the actor’s real name. He noted the guest star played a character named Eugene.

Winkler, who portrayed Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli for 11 seasons, from 1974 to 1984, subsequently built a successful career in film and television. He earned notable roles in ‘Heroes,’ ‘The Waterboy,’ ‘Holes,’ and ‘Click.’ At the age of 80, Winkler continues to explore new roles, recently filming his first nude scene for the third season of ‘Loot.’

In the scene, Winkler sported a silk robe and endured the chilly winds on a beach. Working alongside Maya Rudolph and her cast brought excitement to the experience. He described Rudolph as “a brilliant and lovely person.”

Though Winkler won two Golden Globes for his role as Fonzie, his first Emmy Award came in 2018 for his portrayal of Gene Cousineau in the show ‘Barry.’ In this role, he played an acting coach who forms a friendship with a wanted assassin, played by Bill Hader.

Winkler advised, “Be yourself, be honest about your ability, and prepare so you’re not a flash in the pan.”

Reflecting on his career, Winkler said, “When I first started in Hollywood, I thought of myself as a tree or sapling. I wanted to grow and be strong until I couldn’t do this anymore. And what a great tree it is.”

Lori A. Bashian is an entertainment news writer at Fox News Digital.