The veteran actor who shares two children with his wife, Stacey Weitzman, admitted he fell short in supporting her when she battled cancer. See her photos!
Henry Winkler, famously known for his role as The Fonz on the hit sitcom “Happy Days,” which aired from 1974 to 1984, settled down during the show’s run with Stacey Weitzman. A two-time cancer survivor, Stacey has been his partner in life for over four decades.
Henry Winkler on the set of “Happy Days,” 1974 | Source: Getty Images
Henry and Stacey’s love story began in 1976 at a Los Angeles clothing store. The actor vividly remembers her striking appearance that day, sharing in an interview, “She was wearing purple parachute pants and she had red hair, and without her even saying a word, ‘I thought, Woah, beautiful woman standing in front of me.'”
Henry Winkler at KTLA Studios on December 2, 1976, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Intrigued, Henry returned to the store a week later and struck up a conversation. “Within 10 minutes, I learned how strong she is,” he recalled.
Henry Winkler attends a “Celebrity Basketball Game” on February 21, 1976, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Henry and Stacey’s first meeting quickly led to a memorable first date. Although she initially declined his offer to grab a soda, she soon changed her mind, and the two shared ginger ales together. At the time, Stacey had little knowledge of Henry’s acting career, making their connection refreshingly authentic.
Henry Winkler on the set of “Happy Days,” 1976 | Source: Getty Images
Henry and Stacey married in 1978, two years after meeting. They welcomed daughter Zoe in 1980, and son Max Winkler in 1983, respectively.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler during their wedding reception on May 5, 1978, New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The award-winning Hollywood star also became stepfather to Stacey’s son, Jed Weitzman, who was diagnosed with dyslexia.
Henry Winkler and Jed Weitzman attend a SAG-AFTRA event on January 1, 1980 | Source: Getty Images
The couple’s daughter Zoe, was a kindergarten teacher and is co-founder of This Is About Humanity, a charitable foundation formed to support families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. “I could not get the images out of my head of these children,” she shared, explaining how her own role as a mother inspired her activism.
Zoe and Henry Winkler attend the TIAH 6th Anniversary Soiree on August 24, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zoe isn’t the only one making an impact—her brother, Max, has pursued his passion for storytelling. Now a director and producer, Max even brought his family into his work, casting his father in “American Horror Story.”
Max Winkler at the premiere of “Grotesquerie,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Max’s accomplishments in the creative field are complemented by his stepbrother’s achievements in the business world. Currently thriving in the entertainment industry, Jed serves as head of music for the ticketing platform, Logitix.
(L-R) Max, Henry, Stacey, Zoe Winkler and Jed Weitzman honor Henry Winkler as he receives the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Awards on January 29, 2016, in Studio City, California. | Source: Getty Images
His business success is just one part of the growing Winkler legacy. Henry’s family now includes six grandchildren, a role he treasures deeply.
“It is such a wonderful experience to be with them,” he expressed, adding, “[We] watch the sports, watch our granddaughters dance, watch my little granddaughter walk the dog around the house.”
While Henry cherishes his role as a grandfather, Stacey has also made her mark in the professional world. She launched her own public relations firm, where she represented prestigious clients like Van Cleef & Arpels, Jag, and Jerry Magnin’s, a renowned Beverly Hills clothing store.
An undated image of Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler | Source: Getty Images
Stacey’s professional success was met with a life-altering challenge in 2003 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For Henry, her diagnosis uncovered his own struggles.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler attend the 34th Golden Globe Awards on January 29, 1977, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on that time, he admitted, “I went to her chemotherapy infusions, but my support consisted of falling asleep in the chair. I was not there. I’m not proud of that.” Adding to his regret, he accepted an acting job that required him to be away during her recovery.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman attend the Third Annual Media Awards on January 22, 1981, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
In his book, “Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond,” he candidly wrote, “I just couldn’t process this gigantic news. I was terrified, as I know she was, but I was also scared to share my fear with her. Not my finest hour.”
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman attend the WE Day Celebration Dinner on April 6, 2016, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Henry later sought therapy to address these struggles, digging into the childhood traumas he had long buried. He credits therapy with delivering “unbelievable” results.
Through perseverance and treatment, Stacey’s cancer initially went into remission. Unfortunately, it later returned, leading to her decision to undergo a double mastectomy.
Stacey’s strength inspired a shared purpose between her and Henry, leading them to dedicate their time to helping others. They co-founded Children’s Action Network, providing free immunizations to over 175,000 children and supporting a national adoption campaign.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman attend Party with a Purpose x PacSun WE Day pre-party on April 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Henry also contributed as co-host of the Cerebral Palsy Telethon and a national chairman of Toys for Tots. “I have a nice relationship with children. If I wasn’t an actor, I’d work with them,” revealed the Emmy Award-winning star.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 27, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Building on their shared commitment to family and philanthropy, Henry and Stacey’s marriage has flourished for 46 years, marked by love, growth, and resilience.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler during the arrivals for the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards on January 12, 2020, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Stacey reflected on their marriage in a joint interview, expressing the joy of growing together over the years, even as they’ve changed. She acknowledged that a lasting partnership takes effort and determination but love and commitment strengthen both friendship and the relationship over time.
Henry agreed, highlighting the everyday joys they share, such as fly fishing, spending time with their grandchildren, and watching movies together. “We truly enjoy each other every day,” he said. He emphasized the importance of listening in a relationship, calling it the cornerstone of their bond.
In a separate interview, the Hollywood star explained that the center of the relationship is the ear — being able to listen. He also attributed their success to choosing the right partner and having the will to navigate life’s ups and downs together.
Stacey’s reflections on the effort and love required for a lasting relationship align with the private life she and Henry have worked hard to maintain. In another joint interview once, Henry noted, “We try to live as private a life as we can,” and Stacey emphasized the importance of a strong personal foundation to overcome challenges.
“You have to have some kind of a core, and if you have it, you can survive almost anything,” she shared, a sentiment Henry agreed with, adding, “The stars who last have a strong sense of who they are.”
Henry Winkler and Stacey’s enduring bond is rooted in mutual respect, growth, and shared values. Their commitment to both their marriage and their individuality has stood the test of time, making their partnership a true success story.
