Henry Winkler’s path to success was far from easy. As a child, he struggled in school and faced harsh criticism from his parents, who believed he was lazy or not living up to his potential. Despite trying his hardest, Winkler often fell short, leading to punishments and a deep loss of confidence. These experiences shaped a promise he made to himself: he would never treat his own children the same way.

Winkler’s academic difficulties continued throughout his youth. He was frequently grounded for poor grades and missed out on school activities, yet he pushed forward and eventually earned an MFA from Yale University. Even then, reading remained a challenge. As an actor, he relied heavily on memorization and improvisation to manage scripts, often feeling embarrassed during table reads—especially while starring as “Fonzie” on Happy Days.

Everything changed when Winkler was 31. After his stepson was tested for a learning disability, Winkler realized he, too, had dyslexia. The diagnosis brought relief but also anger, knowing years of arguments and punishments had been based on misunderstanding. Instead of dwelling on frustration, he chose to channel his experience into helping others.

Winkler began writing children’s books featuring Hank Zipzer, a boy with dyslexia. The series resonated deeply with young readers who saw themselves in Hank’s struggles. Winkler personally responds to every child’s letter, reminding them that learning challenges don’t define their future.

Today, despite ongoing difficulties with dyslexia, Winkler is a celebrated actor and author. He considers his books—more than any award—his proudest accomplishment, proving that perseverance can turn pain into purpose.