Being Henry

The Fonz...and Beyond

By: Henry Winkler

Narrated by: Henry Winkler

Charmingly and joyfully read by the author, Henry Winkler.

The instant New York Times bestseller.
Winner of 'Humour' – Goodreads Choice Awards, Best Books of 2023.

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.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir 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.

©2023 Henry Winkler (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

Smart and entertaining (New York Times)

You want to brew him some tea, pat his arm. His tender memoir isn’t explicitly dishy. It’s an excavation of his challenges, pain and neuroses (The Washington Post)

Sharing memorable and funny behind-the-scenes moments, Being Henry entertains as an introspective, self-deprecating, and quite moving memoir from a versatile actor . . . The many, many fans Winkler has gathered over his 50 years in Hollywood won't be disappointed by this charming memoir (Booklist)

Genuine storytelling of a life well lived.

An honest and entertaining tale of the life of an actor who survived the mega fame of early success.

A delight!

Being Henry is a wonderful memoir. It made me smile, laugh, cry, and at times feel so angry - especially at his parents. This is a beautiful book written by a person that you have reinforced is as kind and lovely as he appears on our screens. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Superb

This is the most gorgeous , wonderful and brilliant audio book I’ve listened to in a long time!
Henry’s warm and joyful voice, the narrative and his warm story telling made me feel like he was sitting next to me at my kitchen table. Thank you Henry Winkler

Goodbye Gene Cousineau

Love both the story and the narration. What a twisting and inspiring journey Henry Winkler had. It has every detail that fans like and so much authenticity and emotion in it. Hope you enjoy flyfishing until your lifting another Barry-level show.

If you like listening to the kindest voice...

Being Henry is a beautiful listen. Henry's voice oozes kindness and authenticity. His story is an intriguing one from landing Happy Days to working with Adam Sandler and finding the love of his life. I really enjoyed listening to the effort he put in to healing childhood wounds and pursuing mental health.

What a sweetheart

Absolutely loved the whole memoir. Loved hearing about Henry’s childhood and how he started out.