"Happy Days" in Spite of Dyslexia

The Fonz

Henry Winkler assured his place as a star in the Hollywood firmament by playing the role of "The Fonz" on the television show Happy Days, three decades ago. The Fonz wasn't just a slick, motorcycle-riding dude in a leather jacket who had a way with the chicks—he was a hero and often won the day. Today, Winkler is still a hero, still winning the day, but in the real world: the world of special education.

Undiagnosed Dyslexia

Winkler had to battle a severe case of undiagnosed dyslexia to make his way to stardom. Now 65, Winkler says that every person has the potential for greatness. The greatness, so he says, has nothing to do with one's grades or how one learns. The real job of the dyslexic is to discover his gift and how he will contribute to the world.

Book Series

Winkler is still acting, having performed in dozens of television and movie roles since Happy Days finished its ten-year run back in 1984. But his true and current claim to fame is as the co-author of a series of books about a character named Hank Zipzer. The character is at least semi-autobiographical and describes the adventures and misadventures of a boy with a learning disability not unlike Winkler's own.

Immigrant Parents

Winkler grew up in Manhattan, the child of German Jewish immigrants. His parents had no understanding that their son suffered from a learning problem. They gave him a derogatory nickname, an expression in German that meant, "Dumb dog." By his own admission, Winkler says he had issues with math, spelling, science, writing, reading, and social studies, but was, " … very good in lunch."

"Lazy, Stupid!"

Sports were also difficult and the actor recalls getting hit in the face with the ball when playing tetherball. Both his parents and his educators told him he was lazy, stupid, and not living up to his potential. But Winkler knew from the age of 7 that he was going to be an actor.

Master's Degree

Though he never attended a single special-education class, Winkler managed to get through high school. He even earned a bachelor's degree from Boston's Emerson College as well as a master's in fine arts, from Yale University's School of Drama. When he was 31, Winkler discovered that he had a real disability, something called "dyslexia." He felt a tremendous sense of relief. Today, he expresses gratitude for having a disability. He feels that dyslexia forced him to work harder and gain greater achievements.

Real People

Winkler draws on real life people in naming the characters in his books. Ms. Adolf is named for an actual, cold-hearted teacher from Winkler's childhood. The kind-hearted character Mr. Rock is named for Winkler's only teacher who assured the young boy that he would be fine.

Triumphal Symbol

Winkler's dyslexia is still alive and kicking, but he's learned to cope with new scripts by getting them early and learning them one word at a time. Henry has even gotten to the point where he reads mysteries and thrillers for pleasure, though reading will never be easy. He saves each book he reads on a designated shelf in his home as a symbol of triumph.