Emmy award-winning actor, author, director, producer and advocate Henry Winkler, who was launched into prominence by his role as “The Fonz” in the beloved TV series Happy Days, has transcended the iconic roles that made him who he is. In his achingly vulnerable memoir Being Henry: The Fonz … and Beyond , the man who is widely regarded as the “nicest man in Hollywood” shares the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with undiagnosed severe dyslexia, and the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own. Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.

On Saturday, November 11, the Merage JCC is proud to host Henry Winkler as part of its 2023 OC Jewish Arts Festival. A motivational and entertaining presenter, Winkler’s humorous anecdotes and inspirational life lessons about overcoming adversity appeals to groups of all ages.

During his 10 years on the popular sitcom Happy Days, Winkler won two Golden Globe Awards, was nominated three times for an Emmy Award and was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Both his famous leather jacket and Fonzie’s lunch box became part of an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum in 1980. Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, for which he won a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy. He has revealed himself as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as The Fonz, he could hardly find work.

Most people don’t know that Henry is also the New York Times bestselling author of numerous children’s books, including Hank Zipzer the World’s Greatest Under-Achiever, a 28-book series inspired by his own struggle with dyslexia. Growing up, the undiagnosed condition filled him with frustration and anger, and he was constantly punished for his academic failings. As an adult, the disorder made it extremely difficult for him to memorize lines while preparing for roles. Diagnosed only when he was 31 when his son was tested for it, Winkler has since used what he has learned as an opportunity to help others struggling with the same learning disability. The book series has been published around the world in nine languages, with more than 5 million copies sold. To date, Henry and his co-author Lin Oliver have written 39 children’s novels. Their newest trilogy, Alien Superstar, became an instant New York Times best seller. Winkler has worked tirelessly to bring awareness and support to children who learn differently by advocating for changes in the education system and informing parents and teachers about learning challenges. He offers support to others with dyslexia by saying: “How you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are, and how difficult it is for you to learn has nothing to do with the destiny you’re going to meet.”

Of all the roles that he has played, the ones he enjoys the most are husband, father and grandfather. Henry and his wife, Stacey, have three children and six grandchildren. Together, they co-founded the Children’s Action Network (CAN) which provides free immunizations. Winkler is also actively involved with the annual Cerebral Palsy Telethon, the Epilepsy Foundation of America, the annual Toys for Tots campaign, the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, and the Special Olympics.

Winkler does not see retirement anywhere on the horizon, and currently has no interest whatsoever in walking away from acting. In fact, he believes he will probably have to be forced to retire, and wants to continue acting until he cannot physically perform any longer.

"I have no license for that," Winkler said of his retirement plans, via People. "I just have that feeling. I will stop when I have to stop." That narrative is certainly embraced by audiences near and far. Come spend a special night with Henry Winkler on Saturday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Visit jccoc.org to purchase tickets to the Merage JCC’s An Evening with Henry Winkler and other OC Jewish Arts Festival authors, films and exhibits.