Synopsis:
An open and honest exploration of Henry Winkler’s acting career and personal life with insightful reflections on the role his insecurities and challenges with dyslexia played throughout his life.

My Thoughts…
About The Narration:
Memoirs told by the author are always my favourite, and this one did not disappoint. It felt very much like being part of a small intiment audience.

About The Book:
This book just felt honest and genuine. I loved learning about some behind-the-scene stories from his acting career, yet was thankful this didn’t over-power the book. It’s a lovely balance of career, family and life and captures the author’s charm and kindness. If you like memoirs, I highly recommend this one.

This book was such a breath of fresh air. I grew up watching classic tv shows like Andy Griffith, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Happy Days with my dad. It was so fun to hear what went on behind the scenes or about actors from those shows from Henry Winkler himself! He was a great narrator and I loved that his wife chimed in sometimes too. He spilled the tea on a few different things, but in a classy way. He mostly talked about the great people he worked with and the joy he found in life despite a rough upbringing. He is so optimistic and I truly loved this book. And I didn’t know it was possible, but I love Henry Winkler more after reading about his life. I keep telling my husband little tidbits from the book and he finally said, “stop it! I want to hear it from Henry himself. I’ll get it when it comes out!” But that’s a whole month away…. I’m sure I’ll sneak in a few more Henry stories!

One of my FAVORITE memoir experiences EVER!!! Being able to hear Henry Winkler talk about almost everything; from family, auditions, confidence, philosophy, and on! Being able to hear Henry Winkler talk about his own story, the flow with which he speaks, and the emotions that you can hear in his voice as he tells his story all make the audiobook version of Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond one of the best memoir experiences EVER!

I know it sounds silly to hear a 20 year old say that they grew up watching Arthur Fonzarelli and the Happy Days crew, but it’s true! I are up LOVING all of the tv shows from the 70s, and of course, what kid doesn’t think that the Fonz is the absolute COOLEST! Being able to hear Henry Winkler talk about his experiences, not only regarding the show, but also about his entire life and how things shaped him into the
person he is today, is very cool to listen to, especially when it’s from his own mouth!

Even if you just know Henry Winkler from The Waterboy and Happy Days, it’s still a super fun listen that keeps you really entertained and never lulls you into a pattern! I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a good audiobook to listen to!

Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for an early copy of the audiobook! It’s one of the best memoir and audiobook experiences I’ve ever had!

Most of us know him as the Fonz, but there is so much more to Henry Winkler. Severely dyslexic, Henry used his wit and humor to overcome his other inadequacies. Constantly grounded because of his grades, Henry always felt the need to perform.

Despite his negative upbringing, by strict German/Jewish parents (parents that had lost their entire families in the Holocaust), he learned how to be socially charming from an early age, but it was all a front. Henry fought a lot of doubts and continually strove to be a cool kid, causing some issues in his later life.

Somehow, despite his deplorable grades, Henry made it into college and then into the Yale School of Drama. Upon graduation, Henry was chosen to be a part of the Yale Reparatory Theater. Henry soon learned that “laughs were all well and good, but the work was to always be taken seriously”.

Being told that the true work was in Hollywood, Henry packed up and moved across the country. Told upon his arrival that he would have to fight hard for roles, he landed the role of Fonzie in just a week, simply miraculous. That role taught him many things, but also typecast him for the future, and when Happy Days came to an end, so did offers. Henry went on to do whatever was available, working hard, directing, doing voice work, and any offers that came his way.

Not realizing he had a learning disability until much later in life, Henry was a negative thinker, something he worked hard to overcome finally finding something that became the “cornerstone of his existence”. “Never finish a negative thought”. Putting a period on a negative thought makes it grow out of proportion, while leaving it open leaves room to turn it into something positive. Other things Henry always relied on were trusting his tummy, not his head and to never stop working.

Henry continued to work, winning some daytime Emmy’s, but it wasn’t until 43 years later he finally got the chance to read his acceptance speech for a prime time Emmy for his work in Barry.

Henry also went on write a series of books centered around a dyslexic boy, books that have helped so many others that were struggling through life.

Henry’s story was voiced beautifully by both he and his wife, Stacey, a marriage that has lasted 47 years and counting. A delightful tale of overcoming, humbleness, never giving up and a great love of family and friends,
Henry’s memoir was extremely inspirational and this is one you won’t want to miss!

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for an ALC of this book.

EXCELLENT! Ok yeah, big Fonz fan here so I knew I’d enjoy this book. But the Fonz only scratches the surface of who Henry Winkler is. I feel I learned so much in this book where he bares his soul.
LOVED so much that he narrated the audiobook himself!

Growing up in the 70s, I was always home on Tuesday nights to watch Happy Days. Everyone loved the Fonz, and Henry Winkler's depiction of this very "cool" character was all heart.

In recent years, I've been a big fan of Henry Winkler's characters on Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation and Barry. He really reinvented himself. creating dispicable characters who the audience still couldn't help but root for.

Let me just say that I LOVED this book, particularly listening to Henry Winkler's narration. He was charming, a bit self-depreciating and again, all heart. I loved his impressions and his use of Yiddish terms throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed hearing his wife, Stacey's voice and insights on their 45 years together.

Winkler shares stories about his career, his family and his challenges with dyslexia. The writing is witty, his humbleness shines through and I am even a bigger fan after listening to the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

🎶 Sunday Monday happy days, Tuesday Wednesday happy days🎶

“‘If you want to be known to New York, stay here,’ he told me. ‘If you want to be known to the world, go to California.’”

I’m going to date myself here…but I found myself singing the Happy Days theme song in my head as Henry Winkler was narrating. 🤷🏼‍♀️ And I remember it. Like the whole thing. #ImOld

This man has worked with some of the best in the game before they were even a blip on the Hollywood radar. Meryl Streep. Sylvester Stallone. Harrison Ford. Just to name a few. This book is fascinating, funny, and heartfelt and I loved learning how “the fonz” came to be. What a life this man has led!

Actor memoirs narrated by the actors themselves are some of my favorite audiobooks to listen to! They are always so animated and passionate about their stories. In this one, his wife of over four decades also narrates some portions and I loved that addition. Just an overall enjoyable read that I can’t recommend highly enough. I finished this in a day.

“And so this wise eighteen-year-old taught this theater-seasoned but TV-ignorant twenty-eight-year-old a very important lesson for the rest of my career: a little tolerance, with a sprinkle of patience.” Love this!

Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and the author for the gifted physical copy and ALC. .

What a joy to listen to. Like most of the world, I grew up knowing who The Fonz was, but whenever I saw Henry Winkler on the screen, it took me a minute to reconcile that he had been this character. I have always enjoyed his performances and it was always like finding treasure to be watching a TV show or movie and find him there. This book, and specifically that it was read by Henry - and after so many hours of "discussing" your life in my ear, I will always call you Henry - it feels like we have shared time together and I now have so much respect for the actor who played The Fonz. Thank you for sharing your story, your struggles, your frustrations and your triumphs. (When you made it to the stage for your prime-time Emmy and shared your speech, I was smiling for the rest of the day.) Please keep sharing and keep speaking. Please continue to remind people that much of your family was lost in the Holocaust so my Grandchildren know it was real and can see an example of escape from evil. Please keep acting and sharing your craft for those of us who are voracious consumers of that craft. And thank you for sharing yourself as a father and grandfather in a long and happy marriage. You are not just an inspiration, but you are also a goal.

Although I’m fond of memoirs, I’m fairly particular about celebrity memoirs and had not initially considered Henry Winkler’s book. However, I was hooked after sampling his story on BookishFirst, and I was thrilled when Macmillan Audio granted my request through NetGalley.

Overall, Winkler maintained positivity throughout the book, which differs greatly from the memoirs I typically choose. However, he still granted insight into what being Henry entails. I like digging into the emotions that many memoirists offer in their recollections and, despite the lighter tone and humor he used to convey his story, Winkler did allow the reader to comprehend how a number of dark circumstances from his childhood, as well as the enormous obstacles he faced with dyslexia, impacted his life and acting career.

What I especially loved about Henry’s memoir was the way he brought such humanness into the word “celebrity.” It’s easy to forget that someone with fame and fortune has similar struggles and fears as the rest of us. It’s easy to be oblivious to the insecurities they wrestle with. Henry shows readers what a relatable person he is.

I also appreciated his humility in all of this, as he regularly acknowledged his flaws and mishandling of situations. He also helped me understand the many challenges an actor faces within their career, which wasn’t something I had considered too deeply in the past.

I would not call this a fluid read. Winkler tosses us scraps, delivering anecdotes with humor, charm, and pizzazz. It feels like something breezy to lighten the load, but it does have plenty of serious and deeply touching moments. I’m glad that I was lured in by the excerpt I’d read, as everything that followed was quite enjoyable. Henry Winkler was truly a delight to get to know!

I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.

I was eagerly awaiting this audiobook and it was everything I hoped it would be! Henry Winkler (and, at times, his wife Stacey) shares stories from his life and career in a conversational way.

Thank you Macmillan Audio, Celadon, and Netgalley for the advance audiobook and eARC.

What can I say? I loved this so..so much. I thought it was funny, entertaining, serious but in a nostalgic way, and I loved having Henry narrate! He is a definite icon and getting more background on his life and upbringing was fascinating! Thank you, Henry, for putting it all out there, being honest, and being yourself! Your attitude and outlook is a true inspiration!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced listeners copy!

Five stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copy of this audiobook. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Growing up in Wisconsin in the 1970’s, our must-see TV was Happy Days and the series spinoff, Laverne & Shirley, both set in Milwaukee. The Cunningham family, and more importantly, The Fonz, made a big impression on me and remember the show fondly. But as is the case when a character transcends the small screen and becomes a cultural icon, it can be hard to move on from that. Which is exactly what happened to Henry Winkler, typecast as The Fonz.

Of course, Being Henry is not just about his time on Happy Days. It’s also about his upbringing and struggle with learning, only finding out decades later that he was dyslexic. Somehow he managed to get into college and the Yale School of Drama and graduate. He also discusses from time to time his complicated relationship with his parents. It seems to be the only thing he is bitter about.

Winkler talks of his struggles in the business, first landing the big role that would change his life, and then trying to find work after being typecast. He pivoted to producing and directing, creating one of my favorite shows, MacGyver, another character that became a cultural phenomenon. All the while, as Henry tells his story, he talks about gratitude for being allowed to do what he loves to do.

Interesting for a memoir is the fact that his wife Stacy contributes and narrates parts of the book from her perspective. I felt this only added to the audio experience and to getting to know Winkler’s story as a whole. I came away from the audiobook feeling I knew Winkler a little better, and finding him just as nice as everyone says he is. I’ve not seen his most recent series, Barry, but I’ll definitely be checking it out!

_Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond_ is a heartfelt autobiography by Henry Winkler, the beloved actor and author known by many generations. Winkler describes playing The Fonz, and his journey after from struggling through typecasting to finding roles that reflect his personal growth. His narration is incredible, reflecting his emotions and personality. This is a wonderful book filled with humor, personal insight, and heart.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

Love this audiobook, especially because it was read by the author himself! I found Henry's story so interesting, especially his early days and his rise to fame, then fading into the background and eventually back to front and center. I also loved that he had his wife narrate her own perspective of their dating life and getting together. I had no idea the amount of things that Henry has been involved with. He seems like such a genuinely nice guy. I really enjoyed this book and recommend listening!

First of all, a huge kudos to Winkler for narrating the book he wrote even though he struggled with severe dyslexia throughout his whole life. Writing a memoir and narrating it is something the average person can't even do. Happy Days was one of those timeless, bingeable TV shows that multiple generations can enjoy together, so when I found out Henry Winkler was writing a memoir about it, I knew I had to listen to it. Before reading this book, I didn't know much about Winkler or the fact that he never got help for his dyslexia. His story of overcoming and working through that disability to become one of the biggest television stars was inspiring.

However... the story seemed all over the place, jumping around years and events in Winkler's life. There are many sections where he randomly inserts stories about the family dogs and his relationship with them; it felt like an interruption to the current narrative. He also name drops a lot of actors, which does make the stories of his encounters with them interesting, but it unfortunately dragged for me once the Happy Days chapter in his life was over. Lastly, would I be a bad person if I said I did not like his wife's narration in the audiobook? It was fun that she collaborated with him on it, but I don't think her voice was cut out to narrate books.

Charming, Honest, but Flat in some parts, I'm glad I read this memoir.

Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC and Celedon Books for a physical ARC!

As a kid I loved watching Happy Days so when I saw that the Fonz was coming out with a book I knew I had to read it. The genuine heart and soul of Henry Winkler really stands out throughout each chapter. It was so much fun to listen to his stories. Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I think the best way to describe this memoir is genuine, vulnerable, and lots of fun.
Henry Winkler hit stardom as The Fonz. I remember watching reruns as a kid. I loved his quirky tough guy persona but never really knew about him as a person.

I feel like Winkler did a great job taking the reader from his childhood up to present day. It was a joy to listen to the behind the scenes stories about some of his most iconic roles. He took real care to be generous to so many of the actors/directors that he mentioned throughout the book. He really just seems like the nicest guy and I hope this book does really well. Especially knowing now about his struggles with dyslexia. I can’t wait to go back and watch some of the movies/shows he has been in that I was not aware of.

When I first saw this book releasing on 10/31/23, I was ecstatic as it is my birthday!! Getting an advanced copy was truly the icing on that birthday cake. I adore this man, always have and always will. I've had the pleasure of meeting him at a Comic Con and he is truly the nicest human, just as the memoir shows.

I knew a lot about him going into this, or so I thought. I have learned so much more about his life and Hollywood in general. His stories are hilarious, touching, surprising, and difficult.

Of course, I had to have the audio version of the book. Listening to Henry was like catching up with a long-lost friend.

I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who is a fan of Henry or Hollywood in general.

This is the type of celebrity memoir that I like. Henry Winkler is able to address his fame while still mentioning his missteps. I definitely recommend listening to the audiobook because it makes his words hit different listen to him read them.

Henry Winkler is an American icon. Being Henry is an absolute delight!

From playing the immensely beloved “The Fonz” to playing the A$#hole drama teacher in Barry, Henry shares vignettes from his life and career.

I loved this audiobook (narrated entertainingly by Henry himself). The family stories, the pets, the acting jobs and all his other adventures are both humorous and poignant, like Henry himself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.