Henry Winkler, the actor who played “The Fonz” on the hit t.v. show, Happy Days, was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. At that time there was very little known about dyslexia, and he was punished for being “stupid.” Now that he knows he is dyslexic, Winkler is very angry at the way he was treated by both children and adults during his youth.
Do you know successful actors, singers, writers, or everyday person that has thrived with dyslexia?
Henry Winkler overcame dyslexia to act and write children books.
Henry Winkler decided to take action and to vent his anger by writing children’s books with a main character that has learning difficulties. These books are currently being made into a TV show that Winkler also stars in. The hope is that the show will increase awareness of dyslexia in young children.
Parents don’t quite get it. Parents are embarrassed by their child. “We have a long way to go. Other kids make fun of children who are different.” Henry’s childhood experience with undiagnosed dyslexia inspired him to write a series of children’s books about a schoolboy called Hank Zipzer who has learning difficulties.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Actor Henry Winkler was not diagnosed with dyslexia until he was in his 30’s.
- Henry Winkler, a dyslexia advocate, says we are still a long way off from perfecting early diagnosis and treatment.
- Actor Henry Winkler was inspired to write children books from his experience as an undiagnosed dyslexic student to help inform others.
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