Review: Being Henry by Henry Winkler

Being Henry

by Henry Winkler

Publisher: Celadon Books

Pages: 256

Format: audiobook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as “The Fonz” in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is. Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

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, where he’s 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.

Kritters Thoughts:  An audiobook that I finished the end of 2023 and one that I loved.  

The first words that come to mind for most readers when you hear the name Henry Winkler are . . . THE FONZ!  Known for a character he played in his late 20s, Henry Winkler has spent many years trying to play characters that were not The Fonz.  Recounting the fun days of Happy Days and the trying time after where his professional life was many ups and downs and a lot of anxiety.  

While I may not have watched Happy Days, I can remember watching a few episodes with my parents and loving the Grease like air of the show.  I fell in love with Henry Winkler while reading this book.  I loved his recounting of those Happy Days, but I loved more his behind the scenes stories of all of the sets and projects he worked on.  And even more than that I loved hearing about his love story and his friendships that were made in and out of the Hollywood life.  

After reading this book, I was encouraged to go look up other celebrity memoirs and listen to them in 2024 as I do housework, walk the dogs, and spend time in my garden! 

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Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.