Meeting a famous sitcom star can make a first date feel more nerve-wracking than usual. Stacey Weitzman likely expected some fan attention when she began dating Henry Winkler, known for his role as Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli in Happy Days.
At the height of the show’s popularity, Winkler was a household name, portraying the leather-clad biker and friend to Richie Cunningham, played by Ron Howard. Over time, the connection between Winkler and Howard would deepen, with Winkler even becoming the godfather to Bryce Dallas Howard, Ron’s daughter.
Winkler became the godfather to Ron Howard’s daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, showcasing the deepening bond between the two actors
Their first encounter took place in 1976 at a Beverly Hills clothing store. By then, Happy Days was already enjoying considerable success, and within a year, it would rise to the top of primetime television.
Despite the show’s growing fame, Weitzman initially didn’t grasp how widely recognized Winkler was until they went on their first date. What was supposed to be a quiet outing took an unexpected turn when Winkler’s celebrity status made staying under the radar impossible.
During a 2023 interview with AARP, Winkler reflected on how Weitzman was unfamiliar with Happy Days when they first met. It wasn’t until they went to a movie theater together that she fully realized how well-known he was.
Winkler suggested they sit in a more private section to avoid attention, but his plan didn’t work out. Soon enough, fans began recognizing the actor and flocked toward him. “The whole theater came over to say hello,” Winkler recalled. Weitzman, surprised by the overwhelming reaction, responded with a simple, “Oh!”
The public’s enthusiasm wasn’t always subtle. In a 2001 interview with People, Weitzman shared a story of how fans would rush toward Winkler, even stepping on her feet in the process. She once told an overzealous fan, “You just ruined my stockings,” only for the admirer to respond, “But I love Fonzie!” Fortunately, the attention didn’t deter Weitzman.
Two years later, the couple married and welcomed two children together, with Winkler also becoming stepfather to Weitzman’s son from a previous relationship. In 2023, they marked 45 years of marriage, defying the trend of fleeting Hollywood unions.
Weitzman, who initially knew little about Happy Days or Winkler’s famous character, has since fully embraced his legacy. She now co-hosts the “What in the Winkler” podcast alongside their daughter, celebrating his career. In 2024, the family even posed for a photo in Milwaukee next to a statue of Winkler’s iconic character, the Fonz, further cementing the enduring impact of his television persona.
