Books to Borrow Williamsburg Public Library Recommends

“Your head knows some things; your tummy knows everything.”

These are the words repeated by Henry Winkler several times in his new memoir Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond. It is just one of the many life lessons Winkler shares as he takes us through the highs and lows of the life of one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actor/writer/directors.

Winkler celebrates 50 years of Hollywood success in 2023, but in his eyes, it was not all success and happiness, as many may view it from the outside looking in. He tells stories about life with his strict Jewish parents whom he butted heads with at every turn. He spends time discussing life after Happy Days, when he struggled to be seen as anyone other than “The Fonz.”

Winkler is candid about his struggle with dyslexia, which he did not know he had until he was 34 years old, when his son Jed was diagnosed with the same neurological disability. Winkler had grown up struggling in school, with parents who seemed to think that he was just stupid and that if they yelled at him more, it would fix the problem. It affected his early acting career, forcing him to work harder than most may have thought he had to. Through his struggles and the eventual clarity of what was going on in his head, he went on to write the very successful Hank Zipzer series, which has encouraged children around the world with various disabilities to just keep going and doing their best, no matter what that looks like.

Throughout the book, readers will get a glimpse into the famous friendships (and those that are not so friendly) with some of the true greats in Hollywood. From his times working with Adam Sandler to his various acting stints in popular TV shows old and new, Winkler provides a fun glimpse into the Hollywood scene.

Also sprinkled in the book are moments written by Winkler’s wife Stacey Weitzman, whom he has been happily married to for 45 years. From their chance meeting in a department store, through raising their children, to getting through Stacey’s cancer diagnosis, both Winkler and Weitzman are honest about the joys and struggles of their relationship. Their continued love for each other shines through their writing.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read for those who grew up watching Happy Days or came to know Winkler through any of his myriad of other career accomplishments.