Being Henry cover art

Being Henry

The Fonz . . . and Beyond, A Deeply Personal Memoir

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Being Henry

By: Henry Winkler
Narrated by: Henry Winkler
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About this listen

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.

Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Neurodiversity Celebrity Entertainment Funny Witty Heartfelt Comedy Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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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)
This charming autobiography of personal struggles during times of career success and challenge deserves a big thumbs-up (Kirkus)
[An] inspirational story of one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures who became an unlikely TV screen icon and later a champion for those with dyslexia (Associated Press)
All stars
Most relevant
With most autobiography’s it’s clearly being read to you, often poorly, however, this is the first one where I felt the author was actually telling me these stories, from memory. It was a wonderful listen.

Wonderfully read

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What a lovely book. I was expecting another Fonz, and was surprised and delighted to know the compelling beyondness of the man who played him.

Horrific childhood. Cold and lonely, via distant and emotionally cold parents. Funny how somebody longing to hang out with the 'cool kids' ended up being the epitome of cool.

Then he meets his wonderful wife and has a solid marriage, kids and grandkids. I'm so glad that side of life worked out for him as it seems to fail in many Hollywood relationships.

I can't wait to see 'Barry'. The dark comedy he won his Emmy for. I'm starting it tomorrow.

The book is full of integrity, passion, and seminal 'life lessons'. I finished this wonderful book much happier than when I started it.

Thanks Henry.

Such warmth from Mr Cool.

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There was nothing I didn’t love about this book, listen or read immediately. Henry is an amazing man, his determination and love for his family and friends is inspirational.

An honest, funny, entertaining and heartfelt listen by a true icon

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I admired him before I listened to this and love him more now. He seems to a genuinely nice man and his anecdotes about various a-list and b-list celebrities are very amusing.

It was very educational learning about his struggles with dyslexia and the despair it brought him in his early years which makes this an invaluable listen to anyone who has or knows people with the condition.

I didn't give the book the full 5 marks and I think it rambled a little in places and I think some of his most commercially successful films, such as Waterboy might have deserved a bit more air time.

However, during my time with the book I have watched various things that he starred in and am now off to read a Hank Zipster book!

(Quick suggestion for the producers of these books, why not have links with the ebooks which shows the photographs which I expect were in the hard copy of the autobiography?)

Great guy

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Such a joy to listen to! Have loved Henry Winkler since the Fonz and right up to Gene Cousineau in Barry… this was such a a treat to listen to. What a wonderful person 🩷

An enjoyable listen about a lovely man

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