Thanks to the Fonz, Henry Winkler had the freedom to pick and choose his roles

Henry Winkler had incredible success in his role as the Fonz on Happy Days. Almost everyone in the ’70s and ’80s knew this leather-jacket-wearing cool guy, known for his catchphrase, "Ayeee." A man of few words, but one who changed TV history.

There’s no debating how much his character impacted classic TV viewers, pop culture and the definition of cool on television. The role gave Winkler a steady gig, rapid success and fame — and, most importantly, a sense of control over his own destiny.

He rose to a level of fame where he wasn’t worried about what would come next which is a place not many actors are lucky enough to reach. He was able to choose his own adventure, his own roles, and what was next for him.

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For example, according to a 1978 interview with the Omaha World-Herald, Winkler said he had no interest in doing television commercials. At the time, he had turned down all offers, from blue jeans companies to dog food and more. 

"I now make enough money so I don’t have to accept acting jobs strictly for the cash," Winkler said.

Funny enough, today Henry Winkler appears in all kinds of commercials at age 80. Most recently, he can be seen in ads for Syfovre. But at the time, he was the Fonz — and that’s all he had to be.

However, while he was the only person most TV fans could ever see in the role, the producers of Happy Days originally wanted someone who looked completely different. When Winkler first auditioned, they were looking for a Fonzie who was big and husky — someone at least seven feet tall. 

"With the script in his hand, Henry turned his back on us for five seconds. And when he turned around again, he became Fonzie," Co-Producer Gary Marshall said. "Suddenly, he was 10 feet tall."

Winkler was grateful to have the part, and that role became so important, not only to him but to TV fans across the country. Most actors have to struggle for years, but Winkler seemed destined to become the Fonz.