Henry Winkler is lastly revealing the inspiration behind his portrayal of the beloved sitcom character, Arthur Herbert “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, on “Happy Days.”
In accordance with Winkler, a number of the slickness of “The Fonz” might be attributed to Sylvester “Sly” Stallone.
“They wanted a taller actor to start. They wanted a big Italian. They got a short Jew,” Winkler joked of the unique casting for his “Happy Days” character. “But I had an Italian in me. I liked pasta, and I thought that, that counts,” he shared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
Henry Winkler revealed how Sylvester Stallone helped him together with his well-known “Happy Days” character, The Fonz. (Getty Photographs)
Having simply accomplished filming his film “The Lords of Flatbush” with Stallone, Winkler says the actor was on his thoughts when he went into his audition for the sitcom shortly after. The film was launched in 1974, the identical 12 months Winkler’s present premiered.
“He’s a wonderful fellow… He talks out the side of his mouth,” Winkler playfully demonstrated.
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Henry Winkler co-starred alongside, from left, Paul Mace, Sylvester Stallone and Perry King within the 1974 movie “The Lords of Flatbush.” (FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives by way of Getty Photographs)
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“But really… he’s articulate, he’s funny, he’s a writer. And so in the beginning, when I started doing ‘The Fonz’ I kept thinking, ‘What would Sly do?’”
“I walked into the audition and I stated, ‘Hi my name is Henry,'” Winkler said in his regular voice. “’And I am right here to audition for this half,'” he added, transitioning into the deep and distinguished vibrato of Fonzie.
Henry Winkler performed Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, often known as “The Fonz” or “Fonzie” on “Happy Days” for 11 seasons. (ABC Photograph Archives/Disney Common Leisure Content material by way of Getty Photographs)
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Winkler was clearly comfy revisiting Fonzie, as he continued on in character and complimented Hudson. “I happen to be nuts about your nails,” he instructed the singer and tv host, a lot to her glee, earlier than kissing her hand.
“OK, Fonz,” she squealed.
