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Henry Winkler: A Look at His Iconic Career & Best Roles

Henry Winkler, best known as "The Fonz," is an iconic actor with a long, celebrated career that's seen him dominate the big screen and small screen over the course of decades.

Henry Winkler's Iconic Roles

The beloved actor has an awesome list of credits including roles in a diverse array of projects!

His star turn as "The Fonz", back in the 1970s, solidified his legacy and made a huge splash! He appeared in many of his projects from dramatic roles to funny ones. But what made him popular were these characters who could switch from the dramatic to comedic, often having roles that blended both elements, which showed audiences just what he could do!

He even appeared in the newest version of "Scream". A well-known horror flick!

His incredible, long and diverse career is filled with remarkable works for a real icon, here's a closer look.

Also Read: Mortal Characters Who Entered Valinor: Lord of the Rings Explained

Winkler's Top 10:

Click (2006) - poster - Adam Sandler holding a remote control Image
  1. "Click" (2006)- In the funny fantasy-comedy film "Click," you'll see a truly heartwarming role for Winkler. Starring Adam Sandler as Michael Newman, an architect. The main story is that Michael finds this remote that controls time and takes it a bit too far and soon regrets how it impacted his life! Winkler as "Ted Newman," is his kind father who shows his son that taking time for family is truly special!
  2. "On The Count of Three" (2022)- This dramatic and dark comedy is something that will stay with you! Winkler is the perfect match to play a therapist. If you haven't seen the movie, then you're in for a real surprise.
  3. "The French Dispatch" (2021)- You may know that Wes Anderson is the mind behind this unique comedy! This story centers on The French Dispatch a newspaper! The anthology comedy follows this magazine with a diverse cast, it has elements that really bring those incredible elements from all the shows he’s done! In this film, Winkler plays "Uncle Joe" a man who is very supportive of a man as they go after a criminal's incredible talent!
  4. "Scream" (1996)- This iconic horror movie takes a whole new, super cool approach. Henry Winkler takes a supporting role as "Principal Himbry." While not the most known, this role makes the movie much more frightening!
  5. "Heroes" (1977)- Winkler's starring debut was amazing and is a special gem, fans won't want to miss it! He played a veteran who is trying to come to terms with a horrific experience while trying to re-establish bonds from a very challenging time in his past, his experience in Vietnam!
  6. "Night Shift" (1982) - A comedy from the 1980s that had the amazing directing talents of Ron Howard and Winkler.
  7. "The Waterboy" (1998)- Winkler had a recurring role working with Adam Sandler over the years but it started with The Waterboy! You get to see Winkler playing the endearing character, "Coach Klein" a somewhat panicky character in the comedy! It also brought out that talent of Winkler’s who could really take on a part of his roles and show the best that this movie had to offer.
  8. "Happy Days" (1974-1984)- For sure the most iconic role in this series. One of the best examples of Winkler's comedic talent, The Fonz, who's seen as a lovable and rebellious character who was one of the coolest stars!
  9. "Barry" (2018-2023)- Fans of HBO are well-aware, "Barry, is a hit show! Starring Bill Hader as a hitman! He has so many unique moments! But Henry Winkler is right there to add some levity with his amazing skills.

  10. "Arrested Development" (2003-2019)- A cult classic for sure! Winkler has such an amazing comedic style and delivers it so well in this long running, hilarious comedy series. The entire series is chock full of funny characters and this show brought together an unforgettable cast.

There is no surprise, it seems! He's really an inspiration, who has brought a long line of awesome and amazing characters. With each one leaving an impressive mark, showing everyone just how far talent can take you.

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