This program is read by the author.
"Kindhearted and approachable Winkler shines in his narration of his memoir commemorating 50 years of showbiz work...An engaging and endearing memoir by a genuine Hollywood treasure whose work spans generations."—Library Journal
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.
A Macmillan Audio production from Celadon Books.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
October 31, 2023 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781250889829
- File size: 270001 KB
- Duration: 09:22:30
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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August 28, 2023
In this winning memoir, former Happy Days star Winkler (I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River) discusses his career, long-undiagnosed dyslexia, and lifelong struggles with self-esteem. He begins with his academic failures as a child in 1950s New York City, which caused regular clashes with his father, a stern Jewish refugee who wanted Winkler to take over the family lumber business. Drawn to performance as a means of coping (“I used humor to cover everything I couldn’t do—which was most things”), Winkler pursued theater instead, nursing dreams of a Hollywood career while he attended the Yale School of Drama. Shortly after Winkler decamped to California in the early 1970s, those dreams came true when he booked the role of Arthur Fonzarelli on Happy Days. He was often unable to participate in cold-reads, however, because of his dyslexia (for which he wouldn’t receive a diagnosis until he was 31). Winkler is candid about the ways such experiences stunted him emotionally, and at one point allows his wife, Stacey, to weigh in: “I have to admit there were times when I thought, ‘What the fuck? Now I have another child?’ ” Though Winkler includes plenty of inside-Hollywood fare, the book’s frankness sets it apart from standard-issue actor memoirs. The result is a heartfelt chronicle of learning to love one’s self, shortcomings and all. Agent: Esther Newberg, ICM Partners. -
Starred review from January 1, 2024
Kindhearted and approachable Winkler shines in his narration of his memoir commemorating 50 years of showbiz work. Born and raised in New York City to strict Jewish parents who lost their families in the Holocaust, Winkler spent his childhood school days filled with anguish, as adults considered him lazy. It wasn't until adulthood that he received a dyslexia diagnosis. An MFA graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Winkler later achieved worldwide fame with his portrayal of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the '70s sitcom Happy Days. He became a critically acclaimed character actor, appearing in well-known films such as Night Shift, Scream, and The Waterboy. Additional television highlights include Parks and Rec, Arrested Development, and Barry, for which he won a 2018 Primetime Emmy. Always busy and ever modest, Winkler is also an accomplished director, producer, voice actor, and coauthor of the successful juvenile fiction "Hank Zipzer" series. His memoir is sincere about his determination to always strive to become a better person. Stacey Weitzman, Winkler's wife of 47 years, adorns the audio with her own self-narrated passages, offering delightful glimpses into her husband's life. VERDICT An engaging and endearing memoir by a genuine Hollywood treasure whose work spans generations.--Kym Goering
Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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Henry Winkler is clearly delighted to tell his own story. He learned to live with dyslexia; understand his odd, strict parents; and succeed at doing what no one thought he could do--become an actor. Perhaps he made it so quickly because he was never told how impossible it would be for a young man with almost no professional acting experience to make it in Hollywood. Trusting in fate and his own ability, Winkler literally fell into the role of a lifetime as "The Fonz" on "Happy Days" a week after moving to Hollywood with less than $1,000 to his name. Listening to Winkler talk about his life is a pleasure--this is a tell-all coming from the source. He discusses his shortcomings and successes with sincerity. After "Happy Days" ended, he went on to a respected career in television and films, and is still astounded by his own success. M.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
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