Happy birthday Henry Winkler! The Happy Days actor celebrated his 81st birthday on Friday, October 30.
In his eighth decade, Henry is still succeeding on screen with his new show, Hazardous History with Henry Winkler, where the actor journeys through America's past, revealing shocking everyday activities and products – from hazardous toys to dangerous household items.
Henry and his wife of 48 years Stacey are proud parents to three children, Jed, Zoe, and Max. So, on his 81st birthday, let's take a look at the famous actor's life over his 50 year career.
© Getty ImagesHAPPY DAYS - AD Gallery - 1974 Henry Winkler
Henry's Happy Days era
Henry became a star as Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, a.k.a. "The Fonz" on Happy Days. While his role was initially a side character, he grew to be the biggest icon in TV at the time. Henry appeared on the show for a decade before the sitcom wrapped in July 1984.
© Getty ImagesActor Henry Winker and wife Stacey Weitzman attend Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony for Henry Winkler outside the Pantages Theatre.
Henry and Stacey's love story
In 1976, Henry met the then Stacey Furstman at a clothing store in Beverly Hills. She was working in PR at the time and repping the store, and Henry was starring on Happy Days. While sparks didn't initially fly for Stacey, the actor returned to the store a week later and ran into her again, and the rest is history.
Two years later, in 1978, Stacey and Henry tied the knot in an intimate wedding in New York City.
© Getty ImagesHenry Winkler (center) with children Zoe and Max at the "Click" Los Angeles premiere
The actor is a proud dad
Stacey already had a son when she met the Fonz. Henry met her son Jed on their first date. During an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, the actor recalled meeting him, saying: "When I picked up Stacey for her and my first date, the door opened and there's a little 4-year-old, and he said, 'Hi, Fonz!'"
In 1980, Henry and Stacey welcomed their first child, Zoe, together. Two years after Zoe was born, Henry and Stacey welcomed their son Max who has followed in his dad's footsteps. But, unlike Henry, Max enjoys work behind the camera and has directed several episodes of hit series like New Girl, American Horror Story, and American Horror Stories.
© Getty ImagesJason Bateman and Henry Winkler during the 6th Annual Lullabies & Luxuries Luncheon and Fashion Show to Benefit Caring for Children & Families with AIDS
Henry's comeback on Arrested Development
The actor found career resurgence in 2003 when he starred as Barry Zuckerkorn on the oddball comedy Arrested Development with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.
"First of all, the cast was amazing. Second of all, I was hired for like two episodes, and I stayed for five years. Third of all, it was written so incredibly well," Henry shared with People in June 2026 about his time on the show.
© Getty ImagesHenry Winkler (L) and Bill Hader attend HBO's "Barry" Season 4 Premiere at Hollywood Forever
The actor won his first Emmy in 2018
In 2018, Henry joined HBO's Barry, which was developed by Bill Hader. He starred as acting teacher Gene Cousineau and ended up winning his very first Emmy award for the role. The actor thanks his therapist for the success in that show.
"I could not have done 'Barry' without having met that doctor," he said on a 2023 appearance on Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist. "I could not have done that character with that kind of texture ... I was stilted as an actor."
© Getty ImagesAce Reinis, Rob Reinis, Zoe Winkler Reinis, Gus Reinis, Jules Reinis and Henry Winkler attend the 2026 This Is About Humanity Soiree
He is a grandpa
At the annual gala for he and his daughter Zoe's joint charitable foundation in August 2026, Henry was joined by his grandchildren – Ace, Jules, and Gus. Henry and Stacey are grandparents to four more children through their sons Jed and Max.
At the event, the Barry star spoke with People about the lessons he wants to impart to his seven grandchildren. "There are lessons, like no matter how you learn, it has nothing to do with how brilliant you are. If they have a learning challenge, if school is difficult, if they're trying something and it's hard, that tenacity and gratitude are two of the roads to live your life down."
