Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond

Winkler reveals that between seasons 4 and 5 of Happy Days, producer Alan Carr approached him to star as the lead Danny Zuko in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Grease. Not wanting to be typecast, he turned down the offer, and John Travolta was cast. There were rumors of a feud between Winkler and Travolta, but Winkler denies it. He says that though they did not know each other that well, Travolta was a good man and actor.

He writes that he could have let the role of the Fonz absorb him outside the show, and chose instead to do interviews and public appearances as Henry Winkler. After Happy Days ended in 1984, Winkler struggled to find work and began to worry that he would be unable to support his family. His lawyer Skip Brittenham III told him they would start a production company together. Though Winkler found the idea daunting due his dyslexia and insecurities, Skip assured him that he would learn. He then took Winkler and Stacey to Montana to fly-fish, and the experience amazed and relaxed Winkler.

Winkler worked with The Dick Van Dyke Show and All In The Family director John Rich, whose unkind behavior made it difficult for Winkler and others to work with him.