Henry Winkler was best known as the character “The Fonz or Fonzie” on the 1970’s hit TV show Happy Days also produced television shows, directed several movies, appeared on Broadway and is the author of the Hank Zipzer series of children’s books. Adding to this success and accomplishment is that Winkler did all these things having dyslexia.
“My Problems with Learning have Affected My Whole Life”
Henry’s parents as Jewish-German immigrants who barely escaped Nazi Germany prior to War War II, were strict with high expectations for their son Henry, especially when it came to achievement in school.
With regard to his lack of academic achievement, Henry said,
‘It caused massive issues with my parents because I was a disappointment to them. All I can remember about my school days were the rows about why I wasn’t doing well, the groundings, the ultimatums.’ My parents thought I was lazy. ‘I was the class dunce, someone who was less able, not that bright. Stupid.’
Described as an effervescent child who loved performing, Henry at the age of 14 declared he wanted to be an actor.
Henry after graduating high school managed to continue with his education receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Emerson College and despite poor grades gained admission to Yale University’s School of Drama. His audition performance as part of his application process landed him admission to this prestigious program. In 1970 Henry was awarded an MFA from Yale School of Drama.
He launched his career on Broadway and later moved to Los Angeles to become a television actor. While in Los Angeles he auditioned for the role of Arthur Fonzarelli, “The Fonz” on the sitcom Happy Days. The character became iconic and everyone wanted to become the Fonz. After Happy Days, Henry produced the popular television show MacGyver, acted in a Neil Simon play on Broadway, directed several movies and co-authors with Lin Oliver the popular Hank Zipzer series children book.
Dyslexia Diagnosis
At 31 years old, Henry was diagnosed with dyslexia.
Henry’s stepson Jed, from his marriage to Stacey Weitzman was having difficulty writing a report about a class trip and Winkler found himself saying and doing everything to Jed that was said and done to him as a child. “Live up to your potential”. “You can’t listen to your records, television is out-until you write your report”. Subsequently, Henry and Stacey had Jed tested for a Learning Disability. When Jed received a diagnosis of dyslexia, Henry realized that he also suffered from dyslexia his whole life. With regard to this moment, Henry said, “I went, ‘Oh my goodness. I have something with a name.’ That was when I first got it.”
“You’re doing everything you can do to be in control and you have no control over your brain. It is painful”. (Source: Successful Dyslexics: Henry Winkler)
Henry realized despite all of his efforts and energy and no matter how hard he tried to excel in school, he never did. He met his challenges through improvising and never stopping to achieve his goal.
Success through Resilience!
In an interview with Marie Speed of Success Magazine, Henry said, “I guess the key is, no matter how many times you fall over, you dust yourself off and you keep moving.”
Hank Zipzer Books
Somewhat biographical of his younger self, Henry co-authors with Lin Oliver a series of humorous fictional books depicting the life of Hank Zipzer, a resourceful, wise-cracking grade school student and his struggles with dyslexia.
The books are funny but the message is: “A learning challenge doesn’t have to stop you from meeting your dream. It doesn’t matter what obstacle you have there is a way around it !”
The books, 17 in the series with more than three million copies sold in the United States have had a positive impact on children, parents and teachers as they struggle with the challenges of dyslexia. Henry Winkler talks about dyslexia
An interview with Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver co-writers of the award-winning children’s book -Hank Zipzer series bringing about dyslexia awareness.
Why did you decide to write the Hank Zipzer books? (Source: The Guardian Interview with Henry Winkler)
It was an accident. My agent suggested it to me and at first, I was shocked, me write a book? I thought I couldn’t do it, I thought I was too stupid to write a book. Even though I was a famous actor, I still thought I was stupid because I’d been told that so many times at school. It was imprinted on me and that’s why I think it’s so important that parents, teachers, librarians, carers don’t even joke about a child being stupid. All children know when something is wrong and they can’t understand something – they never need someone to tell them they’re stupid. They need help in solving the problem.
When he was asked what advice would you give your 10-year-old self? (Source: The Guardian Interview with Henry Winkler)
Henry: ‘ You are not defined by school. No matter how difficult it might be it has nothing to do with how brilliant you are. Your grades do not define how brilliant you are. Good thinking and a good thought is why you are smart’.
“You don’t have any idea how powerful you are and what you can achieve. You literally cannot give in to your fear. You literally have got to walk over it, step on its face and keep moving forward where you want to go and eventually if I can get there, there’s no reason you can’t get there” http://Dyslexia.yale.edu/story/henry-winkler/
Resources
In the 50’s, 60 ‘s and 70’s many Students with learning difficulties were not diagnosed and there were no educational plans to support them. Educators and parents were not aware of dyslexia and the impact on learning.
Today many adults, like Henry Winkler do not become aware of their learning disability until their child is diagnosed.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was established in 1973 (Section 504) and the American With Disabilities Act. ADA in 1990 These laws protect the rights of the disabled and provides access to services