Net Worth Ranker
What Is Henry Winkler’s Net Worth?
Henry Winkler, the celebrated American actor, director, producer, and author, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $40 million. This financial success is a testament to his multifaceted career, which began in the 1970s with his iconic role as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the television series “Happy Days.”
Early Career and “Happy Days” Success
Winkler’s career took off in 1973 when he secured the role of Butchey Weinstein in “The Lords of Flatbush,” alongside Perry King and Sylvester Stallone. While the film was not released until 1974, it marked a significant step in his acting journey. Simultaneously, he made appearances on shows like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Rhoda.” However, it was his casting as Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli, “The Fonz,” on “Happy Days” in 1973 that catapulted him to widespread fame. The show, which premiered in January 1974, ran until 1984, solidifying Winkler’s status as a household name. While starring as The Fonz, Winkler broadened his acting portfolio with roles in films such as “Heroes” (1977), “The One and Only” (1978), and “An American Christmas Carol” (1979).
Diversification and Continued Acting Roles
After a hiatus from acting in the 1980s, Winkler gradually returned to the screen in the 1990s. A notable role came in 1991 with the made-for-TV film “Absolute Strangers.” In 1994, he co-starred with Katharine Hepburn in the TV movie “One Christmas” and also took on a role in the Fox comedy series “Monty.” Although “Monty” was short-lived, lasting only six episodes, it demonstrated Winkler’s willingness to explore different genres. Adam Sandler’s invitation to appear in “The Waterboy” (1998) marked the beginning of a successful professional relationship. Winkler subsequently appeared in three additional Sandler films: “Little Nicky” (2000), “Click” (2006), and “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” (2008). Winkler continued to make numerous appearances in television shows such as “Numb3rs,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” “South Park,” “The Practice,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “The Simpsons,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Third Watch,” “Arrested Development,” “Family Guy,” “King of the Hill,” “Royal Pains,” “Childrens Hospital,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Barry.” Notably, his role in “Barry” earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2018.
Producing and Directing Ventures
Beyond acting, Winkler has also made significant contributions as a producer and director. He narrated and executive produced the documentary film “Who Are the DeBolts? And Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids?” (1977). This film achieved significant acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Feature-length Documentary in 1978, the Directors Guild of America Award, and the Humanitas Award for director John Korty. Additionally, an edited 50-minute version of the film aired on ABC in December 1978 and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement – Informational Program in 1979. After “Happy Days” concluded in 1984, Winkler focused more on producing and directing. He partnered with John Rich to form Winkler-Rich Productions. Projects where Rich was not involved were produced under Fair Dinkum Productions. During this period, he produced television shows like “MacGyver,” “So Weird,” “Mr. Sunshine,” “Sightings”; game shows like “Wintuition” and “Hollywood Squares”; and the made-for-tv film “Scandal Sheet” (1985). Winkler also directed films like “Memories of Me” (1988) and “Cop and a Half” (1993). In 1999, he became the executive producer for the Disney Channel original series “Weird.” From 2016 to 2018, Winkler was the executive producer of the NBC series “Better Late Than Never,” a travel-reality show featuring himself, William Shatner, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw.
Literary Work
Winkler is a published author, co-writing the “Hank Zipzer” series of children’s books with Lin Oliver. The series features a dyslexic boy named Hank Zipzer, inspired by Winkler’s own experiences with dyslexia. To date, they have published 17 books in the series, contributing to Winkler’s diverse revenue streams and furthering his net worth.
Real Estate Holdings and Personal Life
In November 1993, Henry and Stacey Winkler invested $3.4 million in a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Adjusted for inflation, this investment is equivalent to approximately $6 million today. The current estimated value of the property ranges from $11 million to $15 million, demonstrating a substantial appreciation in value. Around the same time, the Winklers sold their Toluca Lake home to actor Andy Garcia for $2.26 million. They had purchased the Toluca Lake home in 1978, the same year they married. Henry Winkler married Stacey Weitzman in May 1978. They have two children, Zoe Emily (born 1980) and Max Daniel (born 1983). Stacey was previously married to entertainment lawyer Howard Weitzman, and Winkler is the stepfather to her son, Jed Weitzman.
