For most of his early life, Henry Winkler was labeled “lazy” and “stupid” by his own parents, who believed he wasn’t living up to his potential.
Despite the constant putdowns, Winkler harbored a determination that eventually led him to become a celebrated actor and an inspiration for children who face learning difficulties like dyslexia—a condition that he didn’t discover he had until he was 31 years old.
The road to that revelation was paved with challenges, particularly during Winkler’s school years. His parents, German immigrants who valued education above all else, placed immense pressure on him to succeed academically. They believed that hard work would lead to good grades, but despite Winkler’s efforts, he struggled mightily in school. His difficulty with reading and comprehension often resulted in harsh punishment, such as being grounded for weeks at a time.
“I was grounded for most of my high school career,” Winkler told The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. His parents believed that isolating him at his desk would “cure” his laziness, never realizing that his struggles stemmed from an undiagnosed learning disability. Looking back, Winkler admits that his confidence took a significant hit due to the constant criticism, and he vowed never to treat his own children the same way.
Struggling Through Success
Despite his academic troubles, Winkler persevered. He graduated from high school and eventually earned a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University. But his challenges didn’t end there. As an actor, he faced new obstacles—most notably when it came to reading scripts. “You learn to negotiate with your learning challenge,” he said. Winkler often improvised his lines during auditions, making up parts of scripts that he couldn’t read and hoping his charm would carry him through. It worked, and in 1974, he landed the iconic role of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days.
However, even after achieving fame, Winkler was haunted by his difficulty with reading. Monday morning table reads for Happy Days were a particular source of stress, as he stumbled over words in front of producers, directors, and cast members. “I embarrassed myself for 10 years reading around that table,” he said.
It wasn’t until years later, when his stepson began experiencing similar difficulties in school, that Winkler learned the truth. His stepson was tested for dyslexia, and it prompted Winkler to reflect on his own struggles. At age 31, he was diagnosed with dyslexia, and the revelation was life-changing.
“I didn’t read a book until I was 31 years old when I was diagnosed with dyslexia,” Winkler shared. “Books terrified me. They made me nervous.”
Turning Anger into Inspiration
After his diagnosis, Winkler initially felt anger. All the years of punishment and arguments with his parents seemed unnecessary, as they had failed to recognize his learning disability. “All of the grounding was for naught,” he said. But instead of dwelling on his frustration, Winkler decided to use his experience to inspire others, particularly children facing similar challenges.
In collaboration with Lin Oliver, Winkler co-authored a series of children’s books featuring a character named Hank Zipzer, an elementary school student with dyslexia. The Hank Zipzer series quickly became a hit, resonating with children who saw themselves in the main character. The books also helped destigmatize learning disabilities by showing kids that having dyslexia doesn’t prevent them from achieving their dreams.
Winkler has received countless letters from children expressing how much Hank’s story means to them. He responds to each letter personally, encouraging the children not to let their learning challenges define them. In every response, Winkler includes a powerful message: “Your learning challenge will not stop you from meeting your dream. Only you will stop yourself from meeting your dream.”
A Legacy Beyond Acting
Although Winkler is best known for his acting career, which includes numerous accolades and awards, he considers his work as an author his greatest achievement. “Outside of my family, my proudest moment, no matter what I have achieved, are the books,” Winkler said.
And his contributions don’t stop there. In 2024, Winkler will release his memoir, offering readers a deeper look into his life story—one marked by overcoming adversity and using those experiences to help others. Through his writing and advocacy, Winkler has become a beacon of hope for children and adults with dyslexia, showing that even the most daunting challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth.
Winkler’s story is one of resilience, determination, and empathy. By using his platform to raise awareness about dyslexia and support children who face similar struggles, he has become an enduring symbol of perseverance. From being labeled “stupid” as a child to inspiring millions as an adult, Henry Winkler’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing one’s unique challenges and using them to make a difference in the world.
