Aayyyyyy! Read this book now! It's Fabamundo!

 by Theresa Gauthier

Becoming Henry by Henry Winkler

Ever since I first read Henry Winkler’s memoir, I Never Met and Idiot on the River, I’ve been hoping he’d write another book—maybe something that covered more about his amazing career. I got my wish, and he’s now published his autobiography. 

Becoming Henry gives readers a look at his life from birth to his current successes and everything in between. Winkler has had a remarkable  career—lucking into a truly funny role on an episode of Mary Tyler Moore’s iconic 1970s sitcom which later led to becoming an icon himself with his legendary turn as everyone’s favorite 1950s era leather-clad biker, Arthur Fonzarelli on Happy Days, and has culminated in his years as acting teacher, Gene Cousineau on Barry.

In between these achievements, he’s written successful dozens of children’s books, produced television programs and movies, and myriad other accomplishments.

The true inspiration here is not in hearing about his public moments, but in hearing about his life between camera set ups. He gives a great deal of detail about his audition for Happy Days, a story I’ve only ever heard from show creator Garry Marshall’s point of view. Hearing Henry’s take on it was not only enlightening, but also proved that Garry Marshall made the right choice for the right reasons. 

It was a revelation to me that Henry Winkler might have had doubts about his talent, especially in the years after Happy Days went off the air. He seems to suffer—like many of us do—from Imposter Syndrome. Yet, how could he? This gorgeous man, this talented man, this inspiring man, doubts himself? 

I’ve loved everything I’ve seen that he’s ever done. I’d love to say I’ve seen everything, but I haven’t. I missed some of the sitcoms that didn’t last long because I didn’t realize he was in them. I never knew he was in Scream, but I couldn’t have seen that anyway. I don’t do horror. (Shudders.) Still, I’ve seen a lot, and I’ve read some of his other books; I Never Met an Idiot on the River; some Hank Zipzer titles. Loved them. 

This is a man who worried how the rest of the Happy Days cast felt when his character began to overshadow them. Many actors wouldn’t have cared. Henry Winkler agonized over it. 

This is a man with a good heart. 

Winkler’s life takes turns that the man himself never could have predicted, and he greets each one with a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and yes, sometimes apprehension. It’s his willingness to learn about the world around him and about himself—to accept growth and change—that makes the book such a compelling read.

If, like me, you’ve loved him all your life, or if you discovered him more recently through his Adam Sandler films, Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development or even through his brilliant performances in Barry, you owe it to yourself to read his book.