Try free for 30 days

  • Being Henry

  • The Fonz...and Beyond
  • By: Henry Winkler
  • Narrated by: Henry Winkler
  • Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (74 ratings)

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Being Henry cover art

Being Henry

By: Henry Winkler
Narrated by: Henry Winkler
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $22.78

Buy Now for $22.78

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

Charmingly and joyfully read by the author, Henry Winkler.

The instant New York Times bestseller.
Winner of 'Humour' – Goodreads Choice Awards, Best Books of 2023.

Henry Winkler, launched into prominence by his role as 'The Fonz' in the beloved Happy Days, has transcended the role that made him who he is.


Brilliant, funny, and widely-regarded as the nicest man in Hollywood (though he would be the first to tell you that it’s simply not the case, he’s really just grateful to be here), Henry shares in this achingly vulnerable memoir the disheartening truth of his childhood, the difficulties of a life with severe dyslexia, the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own, and the path forward once your wildest dream seems behind you.

Since the glorious era of Happy Days fame, Henry has endeared himself to a new generation with roles in such adored shows as Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, where he’s revealed himself as an actor with immense depth and pathos, a departure from the period of his life when he was so distinctly typecast as 'The Fonz', he could hardly find work.

Filled with profound heart, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Being Henry is a memoir about so much more than a life in Hollywood and the curse of stardom. It is a meaningful testament to the power of sharing truth and kindness and of finding fulfillment within yourself.

©2023 Henry Winkler (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic Reviews

Smart and entertaining (New York Times)
You want to brew him some tea, pat his arm. His tender memoir isn’t explicitly dishy. It’s an excavation of his challenges, pain and neuroses (The Washington Post)
Sharing memorable and funny behind-the-scenes moments, Being Henry entertains as an introspective, self-deprecating, and quite moving memoir from a versatile actor . . . The many, many fans Winkler has gathered over his 50 years in Hollywood won't be disappointed by this charming memoir (Booklist)

What listeners say about Being Henry

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    61
  • 4 Stars
    10
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    69
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    60
  • 4 Stars
    6
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    2

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Best

Absolutely loved this.
So easy to listen to.
Henry’s narration was superb,
A great insight from a brilliant Actor‼️

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What’s not to love about Henry Winkler

A lovely listen filled with stories, gratitude and advice. I highly recommend this book. It’s like having Henry sit with you and share his life story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting life

Had no idea how influential Henry is to the entertainment industry, he has lived a full, very interesting life

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it.

Insightful and entertaining. it was great to get an understanding of Henry and I know see him as so much more than The Fonz.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Never give up

Taking me right back to my childhood to happy days. And catching all Henry’s work along his life as well as mine a great listen too
Thanks

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Story

The life of Henry Winkler told by the great man himself. A very witty, easy listening style. Henry takes us from his early childhood, thru his days as The Fonz, and to his current role in Barry. A great book read by a fantastic actor. Definitely recommend.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Being Doug

I particularly liked Henry's honesty about himself and his feelings. I also enjoyed the subtle humour. Lastly, I ;over the touching moments such as the little autistic girl uttering his stage name as her first spoken words and the reaction of that little girls mother. Thank you Henry for being yourself.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Insightful and vulnerable gem

I was surprised and captivated by the depth, vulnerability and candor of this book. What a joy to read. Thank you Henry.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Henry Winkler's Opus

I am unsure whether Mr Henry Winkler will ever see this post but just in case...

In Australia, watching Channel 7’s “Sunrise” programme early this February 2024, I was informed that Henry Winkler was in Australia to promote a speaking tour and to try to spruik extra sales of his book, “Being Henry – The Fonz … and Beyond.” I searched Audible and was amazed to find the not only was a copy available but the great man himself was narrating it. I purchased a copy immediately.

I was expecting to read how “Mr H” has let drugs ruin a great career like in Elton John’s and Jimmy Barnes’ autobiographies. Not only was I wrong but “Mr H” knew about dyslexia and was trying to right so many wrongs suffered by so many. I have just finished listening to the book and am grateful that it came into my life.

Without boring you with ANOTHER story, I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 14 by which time I had learnt coping strategies, so I was written-off as “beyond help.” Over the years I became a Computer Geek and an International Banker and ended-up as a consultant to the South Australian Government before a massive stroke completely changed my life.

I was sent for Rehab because my right side was paralysed, and I was without language. Eventually, I was able to explain to my speech therapist, a young lady fresh out of university, that my dyslexia made it difficult to spell and complete my homework. She had no knowledge of dyslexia. We agreed that whilst I did my homework, she would research dyslexia.

“Mr H” please accept my thanks for writing your book, I really enjoyed it and it is evident that you are a great actor, but the work you have done on behalf of fellow dyslexia sufferers is, in my opinion, your “Mr Winkler Opus.”

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An insight into Henry’s life

Henry gave an honest overview of his life describing his shortfalls (yes pun intended Henry!) & his successes. His vulnerability contradicted against his obvious ability as an actor and it took him many years to find a comfortable balance.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.