Henry Winkler agreed to play the Fonz — on one condition
Let's face it - you can imagine another actor in the role of Arthur Fonzarelli, but you can't imagine any actor playing the role better than Henry Winkler did.
Winkler was born to play the Fonz, even if he didn't know it when he first auditioned for the role. During an interview with Florida Weekly, Winkler described his audition for Happy Days as one filled with anxiety. Luckily, Winkler didn't let this stress affect his performance, and he was quickly offered the role that would make him a star.
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"I was getting ready to pack to go back to New York, and it was my birthday — Oct. 30," said Winkler. "I got a call and they asked if I’d like the role."
Winkler was more than willing to accept the part, but he did have one stipulation before he agreed. "I said yes, on the condition that they would let me show the character’s other side," said Winkler. While the Fonz is mainly known for his tough energy, Winkler was able to explore the human side of Arthur that made him such an endearing character.
Of course, the role wasn't without its challenges, and Winkler frequently pushed back against higher-ups who tried to refuse certain character choices. One such argument was rooted in the Fonz's choice of wardrobe. Many higher-ups didn't want the character to wear a leather jacket, a look that is today considered iconic. Winkler was able to find a compromise.
"We argued if I was riding a motorcycle, I’d wear leather so I wouldn’t get hurt. Garry (Marshall) got them to agree to let me wear leather if I were filmed with the motorcycle. After that, there was my motorcycle in every scene."
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