The Coolest Throwback Photos of Henry Winkler, in Honor of His 79th Birthday

Mar. 15, 2025

Henry Winkler on ‘Happy Days’ in the 1970s.Photo:Silver Screen Collection/Getty; ABC / courtesy Everett Collection

Henry Winkler, US actor, wearing a brown leather jacket and white t-shirt in a publicity still issued for the US television series, ‘Happy Days’, USA, circa 1977. The sitcom starred Winkler as ‘Arthur Fonzarelli’, popularly known as ‘The Fonz. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)HAPPY DAYS, Henry Winkler, 1974-84. ph: N. Peters / TV Guide / ©ABC / courtesy Everett Collection

Silver Screen Collection/Getty; ABC / courtesy Everett Collection

Henry Winkler, better known toHappy Daysfans as “The Fonz,” turns 79 on Oct. 30!The American actor became a household name playing Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the hit sitcom, which aired between 1974 and 1984. He went on to act in films likeHeroesandScream,and won hearts in several movies with his friend Adam Sandler likeThe Waterboy(forjust a cookie!) andClick.Winkler also produced the filmMacGyverand directedMemories of MeandCop and a Half. He’s appeared in the critically acclaimed showsArrested DevelopmentandBarry,too.Along the way, he picked up seven Emmy nominations and two wins, both forBarry. He has been nominated for a Golden Globe seven times and has also won twice. And on top of it all,he’s a beloved grandfather, too.Celebrate “The Fonz’s” big day with some pictures from hisHappy Daysdays, along with other memories from his life and career.

Henry Winkler, better known toHappy Daysfans as “The Fonz,” turns 79 on Oct. 30!

The American actor became a household name playing Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the hit sitcom, which aired between 1974 and 1984. He went on to act in films likeHeroesandScream,and won hearts in several movies with his friend Adam Sandler likeThe Waterboy(forjust a cookie!) andClick.

Winkler also produced the filmMacGyverand directedMemories of MeandCop and a Half. He’s appeared in the critically acclaimed showsArrested DevelopmentandBarry,too.Along the way, he picked up seven Emmy nominations and two wins, both forBarry. He has been nominated for a Golden Globe seven times and has also won twice. And on top of it all,he’s a beloved grandfather, too.

Celebrate “The Fonz’s” big day with some pictures from hisHappy Daysdays, along with other memories from his life and career.

01of 15Praise the LordsThe Lords of Flatbush cast in 1974.FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via GettyHenry Winkler put on a tough face with his fellow castmates ofThe Lords of Flatbush, includingSylvester Stallone, in 1974.

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Praise the Lords

The Lords of Flatbush cast in 1974.FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty

Kino. The Lord’s of Flatbush, USA, 1974, aka: Brooklyn Blues - Das Gesetz der Gosse, Regie: Martin Davidson, Stephen Verona, Darsteller: Paul Mace, Perry King, Henry Winkler, Sylvestr Stallone.

FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty

Henry Winkler put on a tough face with his fellow castmates ofThe Lords of Flatbush, includingSylvester Stallone, in 1974.

02of 15The FonzHenry Winkler as “Fonzie” in ‘Happy Days’ in 1975.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyHenry Winkler smouldered as Fonzie while relaxing in Al’s Diner in an episode ofHappy Daysin 1975.

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The Fonz

Henry Winkler as “Fonzie” in ‘Happy Days’ in 1975.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

“Motorcycle” - Season Three - 7/30/75 Henry Winkler (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Henry Winkler smouldered as Fonzie while relaxing in Al’s Diner in an episode ofHappy Daysin 1975.

03of 15Charitable CoupleHenry Winkler and wife Stacey Weitzman in 1977.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyHenry Winkler put his arm around his then-girlfriend, Stacey Weitzman, at the Variety Club Telethon for Handicapped and Underprivileged Children in 1977 in Hollywood.

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Charitable Couple

Henry Winkler and wife Stacey Weitzman in 1977.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

HOLLYWOOD,CA - MAY 14: Actor Henry Winkler and wife Stacey Weitzman attend The Variety Club of Souther California Tent 25’s Fourth Annual Variety Club Telethon for Handicapped and Underprivileged Children on May 14, 1977 at KTTV Studios in Hollywood, California in Hollywood, California.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Henry Winkler put his arm around his then-girlfriend, Stacey Weitzman, at the Variety Club Telethon for Handicapped and Underprivileged Children in 1977 in Hollywood.

04of 15Jumping the SharkFonzie (Henry Winkler) attempting to jump over a shark tank while water skiing in 1977.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyHenry Winkler’s character coined the phrase “jumping the shark” with this episode ofHappy Daysin 1977, as he jumped over a shark tank while water skiing — in his signature leather jacket, no less!

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Jumping the Shark

Fonzie (Henry Winkler) attempting to jump over a shark tank while water skiing in 1977.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 20: HAPPY DAYS - “Fonzie Goes to Hollywood, Part III” - Season Five - 9/20/77, Fonzie (Henry Winkler) accepted a challenge to jump over a shark tank while water skiing

Henry Winkler’s character coined the phrase “jumping the shark” with this episode ofHappy Daysin 1977, as he jumped over a shark tank while water skiing — in his signature leather jacket, no less!

05of 15Out to the Ball GameHenry Winkler in 1978.Michael Ochs Archives/GettyWinkler wore aHappy DaysT-shirt and baseball cap to a charity game in 1978.

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Out to the Ball Game

Henry Winkler in 1978.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

American actor Henry Winkler, wearing a ‘Happy Days’ t-shirt and baseball cap, at a charity match, United States, circa 1978. The charity match also featured the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Winkler wore aHappy DaysT-shirt and baseball cap to a charity game in 1978.

06of 15The Happy PairHenry Winkler and wife Stacey Weitzman at their wedding in 1978.Robin Platzer/IMAGES/GettyStacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler shared a Kiddush as they wed in 1978 in New York City.

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The Happy Pair

Henry Winkler and wife Stacey Weitzman at their wedding in 1978.Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty

NEW YORK, NY - CIRCA 1978: Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman gets married circa 1978 in New York City.

Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty

Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler shared a Kiddush as they wed in 1978 in New York City.

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Golden Guy

Henry Winkler at the Golden Globe Awards in 1978.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

BEVERLY HILLS,CA - JANUARY 28: Actor Henry Winkler attends the 35th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 28, 1978 at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

08of 15Comedic GeniusesHenry Winkler and Robin William on the set of ‘Happy Days’ in 1979.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyHenry Winkler posed on the set ofHappy Dayswith Robin Williams, whom Winkler recently called a “genius,” during a 1979 crossover episode withMork & Mindy.

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Comedic Geniuses

Henry Winkler and Robin William on the set of ‘Happy Days’ in 1979.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

UNITED STATES - AUGUST 14: HAPPY DAYS - “Mork Returns” 3/6/79 Henry Winkler, Robin Williams

Henry Winkler posed on the set ofHappy Dayswith Robin Williams, whom Winkler recently called a “genius,” during a 1979 crossover episode withMork & Mindy.

09of 15Hollywood StarHenry Winker and wife Stacey Weitzman in 1981.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyHenry Winkler looked dapper in a suit as his wifeStacey Weitzmandazzled in pink at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony in 1981.

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Hollywood Star

Henry Winker and wife Stacey Weitzman in 1981.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

HOLLYWOOD - MAY 24: Actor Henry Winker and wife Stacey Weitzman attend Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony for Henry Winkler on May 24, 1981 at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Outside the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Henry Winkler looked dapper in a suit as his wifeStacey Weitzmandazzled in pink at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony in 1981.

10of 15Two IconsHenry Winkler and Danny DeVito in 1982.Vinnie Zuffante/GettyLegends only! Henry Winkler posed for a photo with his arm aroundDanny DeVitoin 1982.

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Two Icons

Henry Winkler and Danny DeVito in 1982.Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

American actors Danny DeVito and Henry Winkler, circa 1982.

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Legends only! Henry Winkler posed for a photo with his arm aroundDanny DeVitoin 1982.

11of 15Forever FriendsHenry Winkler and Ron Howard in 1992.American Broadcasting Companies via GettyHenry Winkler laughed withHappy DayscostarRon Howardin an interview for the ABCHappy Days Reunion Specialin 1992.

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Forever Friends

Henry Winkler and Ron Howard in 1992.American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Los Angeles, CA - 1992: (L-R) Henry Winkler, Ron Howard being interviewed for the ABC tv special ‘Happy Days Reunion Special’

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Henry Winkler laughed withHappy DayscostarRon Howardin an interview for the ABCHappy Days Reunion Specialin 1992.

12of 15Late NightHenry Winkler on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1993.Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyJay Leno sat down for a chat with Henry Winkler on an episode ofThe Tonight Showin 1993.

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Late Night

Henry Winkler on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 1993.Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO – Episode 195 – Pictured: (l-r) Actor Henry Winkler during an interview with host Jay Leno on March 26, 1993

Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Jay Leno sat down for a chat with Henry Winkler on an episode ofThe Tonight Showin 1993.

13of 15Picnic for GoodBilly Baldwin and Henry Winkler in 1995.KMazur/WireImageHenry Winkler attended the 1995 Pediatric AIDS Foundation Annual Picnic in Los Angeles and stopped for a photo withBilly Baldwin.

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Picnic for Good

Billy Baldwin and Henry Winkler in 1995.KMazur/WireImage

Billy Baldwin and Henry Winkler during ‘95 Pediatric Aids Foundation Annual Picnic at Private Home in Los Angeles, California, United States

KMazur/WireImage

Henry Winkler attended the 1995 Pediatric AIDS Foundation Annual Picnic in Los Angeles and stopped for a photo withBilly Baldwin.

14of 15Fonzie in RomaHenry Winkler on a Vespa in Rome, Italy in 1997.Rino Petrosino\Mondadori via GettyLooking dashing on a teal Vespa, Henry Winkler mimicked Gregory Peck inRoman Holidayat the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy, in 1997.

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Fonzie in Roma

Henry Winkler on a Vespa in Rome, Italy in 1997.Rino Petrosino\Mondadori via Getty

“American actor Henry Winkler takes a ride on a Vespa in Piazza di Spagna; the former sitcom star, famous for his role as Fonzie in ““Happy Days””, and later TV producer, mimics Gregory Peck in ““Roman Holiday”” on 1997 in Rome, Italy.

Rino Petrosino\Mondadori via Getty

Looking dashing on a teal Vespa, Henry Winkler mimicked Gregory Peck inRoman Holidayat the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy, in 1997.

15of 15Showing Up for a CauseDavid Spade and Henry Winkler in 1998.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyAlongsideDavid Spade, Henry Winkler smiled at the 9th Annual “A Time For Heroes” Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Benefit in Brentwood, California, in 1998.

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Showing Up for a Cause

David Spade and Henry Winkler in 1998.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

David Spade and Henry Winkler during 9th Annual “A Time For Heroes” Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Benefit at Home Of Ken Roberts in Brentwood, California, United States.

AlongsideDavid Spade, Henry Winkler smiled at the 9th Annual “A Time For Heroes” Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Benefit in Brentwood, California, in 1998.

source: people.com