Henry Winkler first captured the spotlight in the 1970s as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the beloved TV series Happy Days. Since then, he has built an accomplished career in film and television, become a best-selling author, and emerged as a passionate advocate for dyslexia awareness.

Born on October 30, 1945, in Manhattan, New York City, Winkler grew up in a Jewish household. His parents, who fled Germany before his birth, emphasized the importance of education—a value that clashed with Winkler’s struggles in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia. The condition made learning a constant challenge, and he often faced ridicule from teachers and peers, leaving deep scars on his self-esteem. Reflecting on his upbringing in an interview with The Guardian, Winkler revealed, “Education was really important to my parents and, of course, the thing that was most important to them was the most difficult for me. They were very critical and sometimes cruel. Their pet name for me was Dumm Hund (dumb dog).”

This harsh treatment profoundly affected Winkler, lingering into adulthood. He admitted that the name-calling and criticism left him feeling unworthy and resentful for years. Everything changed when he was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 31.

“It wasn’t until I was 31 that I realised I wasn’t stupid,” Winkler explained. “We were having my stepson, Jed, tested for dyslexia, and it was like, ‘Ding!’ I thought, oh my gosh, that’s me. All three of my children are dyslexic. Fortunately, we caught it early, but if you don’t catch it early, a child’s self-image plummets, as mine did.”

The emotional wounds from his childhood not only shaped Winkler’s self-perception but also complicated his relationship with his parents, leaving an indelible mark on his life.

Henry Winkler’s childhood was marked not only by physical punishment but also by a distant relationship with his parents. While other children shared stories of family trips, Winkler had no such memories. He could only recall seeing his mother laugh twice—once when she was playfully tickled into a closet and another time when she read an amusing story about an invention in the newspaper.

Determined to break the cycle, Winkler resolved to parent differently. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to his children, ensuring they felt heard and loved. His son Max once joked that his only complaint was being loved “too much.” Reflecting on his approach to parenting in a 2019 interview with Reading Rockets, Winkler said, “I would do it all again because the alternative is hideous. My parents were very tough—not just strict. They didn’t care to see an individual outside of who they were and how it translated to their life.”

Winkler extends that same devotion to his grandchildren, a relationship he cherishes deeply. Having never met his own grandparents, who were taken to concentration camps, his experience as a grandfather has been profoundly meaningful. He shared with Parade that his grandchildren, unaware of his fame, know him simply as “Papa.”

“They’re too young. They know me only as Papa!” he said, emphasizing the joy they bring to his life.

Among his six grandchildren—Lulu, India, Ace, Jules, August, and Francis Joan, with another on the way—one particularly touching moment stood out. In a 2020 virtual interview with Good Morning America, Winkler recounted how his grandson Ace surprised him one Halloween by dressing up as Fonzie from Happy Days.

“My heart flew out of my body,” he said, clearly moved by the gesture from his young family member.

Henry Winkler’s bond with his grandchildren is truly special, and it’s clear the feeling is mutual. According to his daughter Zoe, her children are always excited when their grandparents come over or when they’re dropped off to be babysat, happily waving goodbye to their parents. While the treats are a definite bonus, it’s the fun and joy they experience with their grandparents that keeps them eager for more.

One of Winkler’s granddaughters shares his love for football, particularly his favorite NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Winkler attended his first Chiefs game in the fall of 2022, where he struck up a friendship with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. For his granddaughter, however, the Chiefs hold a different charm—Travis Kelce, a key player on the team, happens to be dating pop icon Taylor Swift.

On October 11, 2023, Winkler shared a humorous moment on social media, posting a picture of his granddaughter wearing a shirt that read, “World’s Biggest Fan of Taylor Swift’s BOYFRIEND’S TEAM.” Captioning the photo, Winkler tagged Kelce, writing, “@tkelce our granddaughter.”

Kelce, who is also a fan of Winkler, wore a shirt emblazoned with “Football, Family, Fonzie” to a game in November 2022, further cementing their mutual admiration. Fans adored the playful post, with some noticing a striking resemblance between Winkler and his granddaughter.

“I see some Fonzie in her! Jenny and the Jets?” one fan joked.

Another chimed in, “She looks just like Henry Winkler—female version.”

“She’s beautiful, Henry,” a third fan gushed.

Others joined in on the lighthearted commentary: “Absolutely adorable! You’re a lucky man, sir!” and “Where do I sign up to be Henry Winkler’s granddaughter? ❤️❤️❤️.”

One fan couldn’t resist poking fun at the Swift-Kelce connection: “LMAO hilarious 😂 Like who cares about the player or team—it’s just whoever Taylor Swift is dating gets credit 🤣🤣.”

Winkler’s playful interactions with his grandchildren continue to showcase his warmth and charm, both as a family man and a cultural icon.

While Henry Winkler is the ultimate doting grandfather, he still maintains a few house rules for his grandchildren.

“The rules in the house, and there are only a few, remain consistent,” he told People. “When the youngest granddaughter is sleeping, there’s no fighting, no yelling. They’re responsible for keeping their friends quiet. And no matter their age—from 14 to 7—they have to clear their dish.”

Though being a grandparent is “completely different than being a parent,” Winkler shared that the emotional bond is just as powerful. “We now have six and three-quarters grandchildren, and each one is unique. You have to approach them all in their own way,” he added.

Winkler has also embraced modern grandparenting by joining TikTok at the encouragement of his oldest granddaughter, India. “She said, ‘Papa, you have to make a TikTok,’ so I think I’ve made seven or eight, mostly with them,” he said. India, an avid dancer, often warms up for her classes at Winkler’s home, a moment he proudly captures in photos.

Winkler frequently shares glimpses of his life as a grandfather, including photos of his three red-haired grandsons playing with their dad, hitting a piñata on a sunny day, or posing with Robert De Niro. His youngest granddaughter also takes center stage in his posts, whether enjoying a bath—captioned, “Here is what love looks like this evening”—lounging in a kiddie pool with a family pet, or playfully climbing into a dog cage with her grandma.

Through heartfelt rules, fun activities, and cherished memories, Winkler exemplifies the joy and love that come with being a grandparent.

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My star is right under the portico of the @Pantages Theatre, where I take my grandchildren to see plays—across the street from @AdamSandler. I must admit I take a picture in front of my star every time I’m there. Preorder #BeingHenry https://t.co/mQINoe5UqV pic.twitter.com/usYR6sDz33

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) October 24, 2023

What are your thoughts on Henry Winkler’s house rules for his grandchildren? Do you have your own set of rules for your grandkids? We’d love to hear about them! Share your experiences, and don’t forget to pass this along to friends and family!