Henry Winkler, beloved for his role as Fonzie on Happy Days, had a childhood far from the glamorous image associated with celebrities. Born to immigrant parents who escaped Nazi Germany, Winkler faced challenges due to an undiagnosed reading disorder.
His parents, unaware of his dyslexia, labeled him as “dumb” and even referred to him as a ‘Dummo Hund,’ or dumb dog. Teachers and peers followed suit, leading to a difficult upbringing that impacted his self-image.
Despite these hardships, Winkler pursued his dreams relentlessly. Applying to 28 colleges, he secured admission to two and eventually received an acceptance letter from the prestigious Yale School of Drama. His talent shone during an improvised Shakespearean monologue, catapulting him to success.
While thriving on-screen, portraying the charismatic Fonzie, Winkler grappled with dyslexia affecting his reading and coordination. Even when offered the lead role in Grease, he declined to avoid typecasting.
At 31, Winkler’s perspective changed during his stepson Jed’s dyslexia test. Realizing they shared the struggle, Winkler acknowledged dyslexia as a barrier that had silently impacted his life. Overcoming auditions by memorizing scripts, he used humor to mask any inadequacies, claiming he provided the ‘essence of the character.’
Post-Happy Days, Winkler ventured into various acting roles and contributed to creating the MacGyver series. Despite transitional phases, his determination and talent prevailed, showcasing that overcoming personal struggles could lead to significant accomplishments.
Henry Winkler’s journey from being labeled “dumb” to becoming a beloved figure highlights the power of determination and talent in achieving greatness. His story serves as an inspiration, emphasizing that personal challenges can be conquered with resilience and dedication.
STORY: I read a notice on the street
I saw a paper stuck on a pole while walking down the street. It said:
“I lost 20 euros. If found, please return it to me. I’m really struggling right now and can’t even afford food”. S.T., lives in building 34, apartment 12.
Feeling for the person’s situation, I decided to help. I pretended I found the money and went to the address written on the notice. An elderly woman, looking unwell, answered the door. I explained that I found the lost money and handed her 20 euros.
Leaving the money with her, I headed for the elevator. But she called me back and said: “Please take down that notice from the pole. I don’t know who put it there. Your kindness has given me hope and a positive outlook on life”. Let’s spread hope and kindness!
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