Whether you know Henry from the show Happy Days as “The Fonz,” or films like The Waterboy, or Click – Henry is the epitome of a household name.
Henry Winkler grew up in New York City and characterizes his childhood as never feeling like he was trying hard enough in school. When discussing his dyslexia, Henry often brings up the pressure that his parents placed on his academics. He was reprimanded frequently for not being able to spell or read at grade level with his peers, and for performing poorly in school. By the age of 30, Henry had read his first ever novel. Henry makes a point of this because it took him late into his life to finally feel that he was able to “put it all together,” when it came to reading. By the age of 31, Henry would get his official dyslexia diagnosis.
Henry has a line of children’s books that follow the main character, Hank Zipzer, who is a charismatic kid with learning differences. Henry based Hank’s stories off of his own personal experience with undiagnosed dyslexia.
Henry Winkler has become a vocal activist in dyslexia awareness. He is continuously sharing his story and bringing new eyes into the world of dyslexia. Thank you, Henry, for continuing to share your story and being active in the dyslexia community!
Quote: “I was 31 when I realized I wasn’t stupid. Dyslexia was diagnosed in me, along with my stepson Jed and, as it turns out, in all our children. They’ve had the same confidence issues I had. You can’t protect them from that, but what you can do is tell them they’re fantastic 15 times a day.” – Henry Winkler