Actor Henry Winkler tells of life with dyslexia
March 11th, 2008
From the Grand Rapids Press:
Henry Winkler, better known as “The Fonz,” inspired fans in Grand Rapids with his stories about growing up with dyslexia. His appearance was part of an effort to raise scholarship money for Aquinas College.
Winkler told the audience that his Jewish immigrant parents called him names and came down hard on him for his difficulties in reading and math.
But, years later, after Winkler rose to fame with his portrayal of Arthur Fonzarelli on the hit show “Happy Days,” he redeemed that boy’s suffering through writing children’s books — 14 so far — about Hank Zipzer, a 10-year-old dyslexic.
“There is greatness in you,” Winkler told a boy with dyslexia in the crowd. “There is greatness in all of us.”


