When you think of Henry Winkler, your mind probably goes straight to his role as 'The Fonz' from Happy Days. Winkler made that role his own, earning global fame as a result. However, during a recent appearance on the "You Could Make This Beautiful" podcast, Winkler revealed that he didn't always want to be an actor.
Videos by Wide Open Country
In fact, Winkler, 80, previously contemplated becoming a child psychologist before ultimately focusing on his acting career.
"Being so dyslexic, whatever I could do, with the least amount of education [is what I wanted to do]. I understand children. I'm able to listen, I think, to children. I'm interested in what they have to say and how they are. I marvel at their prowess in the universe," Winkler said. "Yes, I would work with children."
As the podcast continued, Winkler discussed the difficulties he faces following his 10-year tenure on Happy Days.
"I was doing a Broadway play. I went back to L.A.; I couldn't get hired," he recalled. "They said, 'Oh well, you know you're the Fonz and you were so funny and you're a lovely guy, but you were the Fonz.'"
While he didn't know it then, his inability to land a new acting role lead to an aspect of his life that was undoubtedly highly rewarding for him. Winkler detailed how the next chapter of his life, where he co-authored a childrens book for learning challenged children, came to be.
"I went to a friend, I said, 'I can't get hired. I need help,' " Winkler said. "He said, 'Write books for children about your learning challenge.' I said, 'Well, I can't do that because I'm learning challenged.'"
That's When Henry Winkler Met Lin Oliver
As it turns out, that same friend introduced Winkler to Lin Oliver, who ultimately co-authored 18 books with him.
"There is not one way to do anything," Winkler told the graduates in his speech. "There is only your way. You're not hired to fill just time and space. You are hired to fill that time and space with your imagination, with that power that you're going to find. You are wonderful. And everything is possible. Everything is possible."
So, while Winkler is best remembered for playing 'The Fonz,' his second career has been far more impactful, and helping countless children with additional learning needs.
