Henry Winkler recently shared a candid and surprising story about a former colleague’s harsh behavior, without naming names. Winkler, famously known for playing “The Fonz” on Happy Days, revealed that one actor he worked with was so mean-spirited that he once threatened to “rip” Winkler’s head off.
Appearing on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk Off Camera podcast, Winkler discussed how he dealt with difficult people throughout his career. The podcast episode, titled “Henry Winkler: Has Never Jumped the Shark,” references an infamous Happy Days scene where Fonzie jumped over a shark on water-skis, a moment that coined the phrase “jumping the shark” to describe when a show has peaked and resorts to gimmicks.
Ripa, known for her straightforward style, asked Winkler how he copes with unkind people in Hollywood, given his reputation as one of the nicest men in the industry. Winkler explained that he views such people as “sociological events” and refuses to take their actions personally. Recalling one particularly unpleasant experience, Winkler mentioned an actor who tried to provoke him by calling him “Thumper” because he couldn’t make Winkler angry. In one shocking incident, this actor told Winkler, “You are so lucky you’re short, or I’d rip your head off your neck.” Ever the class act, Winkler responded with grace, quipping, “I have never been so happy to be this short.”
When Ripa humorously suggested Anson Williams, who played “Potsie” on Happy Days, as the culprit, Winkler clarified that it wasn’t anyone from the beloved cast. He emphasized the deep bond among the surviving members of the Happy Days crew, referring to them as family who continue to stay connected and care for one another.
Winkler also shared a fond memory of meeting Hollywood legend Robert De Niro while filming Happy Days with co-star Ron Howard. The two young actors had the chance to approach De Niro on the Paramount lot while he was shooting The Godfather II. Decades later, during a chance encounter at The Intern premiere, De Niro surprised Winkler by recalling a compliment Winkler had given him 40 years earlier about his mastery of the F-word. The moment left Winkler in awe, making him feel validated in a profound way.
The conversation also touched on Winkler’s recent book Being Henry: The Fonz … and Beyond, where he reflects on his life and career. Ripa praised him for never “jumping the shark” himself, consistently delivering quality work throughout his long career. Winkler expressed gratitude for the compliment and for his fans’ continued support.
This glimpse into Winkler’s life serves as a reminder that even in the tough world of show business, grace, humor, and professionalism can prevail, no matter the challenges.
It might not have even been on the Happy Days set. It might have been somebody in one of the other shows or one of the movies Henry Winkler was in. Kudos to him for not spreading gossip and saying who it was although the tallest actor I can think of any show he was ever on was the guy who played as Chuck, the eldest basketball playing son who was only on during the first season of Happy Days.