Henry Winkler, during an interview on the podcast 'You Could Make This Beautiful,' revealed that he considered becoming a child psychologist before pursuing acting. Winkler, who is 80 years old, mentioned that his struggle with dyslexia influenced his career choices, as he sought a path that required minimal education. He expressed a strong interest in understanding and listening to children, stating, 'I marvel at their prowess in the universe.'
Winkler gained fame for his role as Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarelli on 'Happy Days' from 1974 to 1984, earning three Emmy Award nominations. He has frequently discussed his lifelong battle with dyslexia, sharing insights on how he managed it throughout his career. In a November 2023 interview with PBS News Weekend, Winkler described the challenges he faced during table reads, where he struggled to read scripts aloud. To cope, he would read scripts one word at a time and request copies in advance to memorize them.
Winkler received his dyslexia diagnosis at age 31, after his stepson was diagnosed. He reflected on the humiliation he felt throughout his life due to his condition but later learned to view it as a challenge that contributed to his resilience. After 'Happy Days,' Winkler continued acting in films and television, including roles in 'The Waterboy,' 'Arrested Development,' and 'Barry,' the latter of which earned him his first Emmy Award in 2018. He emphasized the importance of being honest about one's abilities and preparing thoroughly in the industry.