Henry Winkler, best known for his iconic role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli from Happy Days, leads a fulfilling personal life as a father to Max and Zoe Winkler, a stepfather to Jed Weitzman, and a proud grandparent of six.
Henry's journey into parenthood began in 1978 when he married Stacey Weitzman, a PR executive. The couple's enduring marriage can be attributed, in part, to their shared passions and interests. Henry revealed in an interview with PEOPLE in 2019 that they enjoy activities such as fly fishing, going to the movies, and spending quality time with their grandchildren. He expressed genuine affection, stating, 'We truly enjoy each other every day.'
Stacey already had a son named Jed from her previous marriage when she and Henry met. Recalling their first encounter on the Tamron Hall Show, Henry humorously shared that Jed was already a big fan of Fonzie at the tender age of four. This amusing anecdote set the stage for their blended family's united and loving dynamic.
It was during Jed's middle school years that both Henry and his stepson discovered they shared a common challenge—dyslexia. Henry candidly admitted that he initially responded to Jed's struggles with the same misconceptions he had faced in his own childhood. However, upon realizing the nature of their shared difficulty, he felt a sense of enlightenment. In his memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond, he expressed how he had spent countless years grappling with reading, spelling, and other academic pursuits due to undiagnosed dyslexia. This revelation led him to understand and empathize with Jed's experience, ultimately strengthening their bond.
Today, Jed is a successful businessman who works in the entertainment industry as the head of music at the ticketing platform, Logitix. His journey as Henry's stepson and their shared experiences with dyslexia have undoubtedly shaped his life and ambitions.
Henry and Stacey welcomed their first biological child, Zoe, into the world in 1980. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Zoe embarked on a career as a nursery school teacher. It was during this time that fate brought her and her future husband, actor Rob Reinis, together. Introduced by the mother of one of Zoe's preschool students, the couple went on a date in 2005 and have been inseparable ever since. They tied the knot in 2009 and have since been blessed with three sons.
In 2018, Zoe shifted her focus to humanitarian work and co-founded the nonprofit organization This is About Humanity. The organization strives to aid families and children who have been separated at the US-Mexico border, raising awareness and providing resources and assistance. Zoe's inspiration for launching this organization stemmed from witnessing firsthand the harsh conditions in which migrants were living in border holding facilities. Motivated by the thought of her own young children being separated from her, Zoe felt compelled to take action and make a difference.
Henry's support for Zoe's charitable endeavors became apparent in a surprising way. In 2022, he discovered that he had unknowingly hosted a massive fundraising event for This is About Humanity at his own home. The event boasted an array of celebrity attendees, including Kim Kardashian, Idina Menzel, Zoey Deschanel, Francia Raisa, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Through his daughter's work, Henry has experienced the profound impact that advocacy and activism can have on individuals and communities.
The couple's second biological child, Max, entered the world in 1983. Like his father, Max found his calling within the realm of Hollywood. Instead of pursuing acting, however, he opted to spend his time behind the camera as a director, producer, and writer. Max has directed numerous episodes of popular television series such as New Girl, American Horror Story, and American Horror Stories. His dedication and passion for filmmaking were evident from a young age, as he had expressed his desire to become a director since the tender age of ten. Max's commitment to his craft has earned him great success and has also played a pivotal role in his father's career. In fact, Max directed Henry during his audition for the hit show Barry, ultimately leading to Henry's Emmy-winning performance.
In a delightful turn of events, Max found love while working on the boxing film Jungleland, which starred Charlie Hunnam. British actress Jessica Barden, a fellow cast member in the movie, caught Max's eye, and the two fell in love. They eventually married in 2021 and welcomed their first child, a daughter, later that same year. Their union has brought Henry new joys as he embraces his role as a proud grandfather.
Max's influence on Henry extends beyond his professional accomplishments. He also played a significant role in inspiring Henry to write his memoir. In a heartwarming video message, Max congratulated his father on the release of his book and expressed how proud he was of his achievement. His humorous suggestion that Henry consider giving him a 10% share of the book sales added a touch of levity to the moment. It is clear that the father-son bond between Henry and Max is filled with love, support, and humor.
Henry Winkler's children—Jed, Zoe, and Max—each have their own unique story, passions, and contributions to the world. From the challenges they've faced to the successes they've achieved, they exemplify the strength and resilience that runs in the Winkler family. Henry, as a loving father and grandfather, continues to nurture and support his children as they chart their own paths, leaving a lasting legacy within and beyond Hollywood.
