The former Happy Days star Henry Winkler is speaking out this week to complain about how America treats older people. According to Winkler, America does not embrace older generations like other cultures do.
Winkler Sounds Off
Last week, Winkler, 80, attended the AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards. There, he discussed how the older generation is treated in the U.S. versus other countries.
“Well, you know, only in America is the more mature generation not completely embraced,” Winkler told Fox News. “And that’s where the wisdom comes from, I think. That’s who I learned from.”
Winkler went on to talk about his friendship with Adam Sandler, 59.
“It started when I called him to thank him for making me a lyric in his ‘Chanukah Song,'” he said. “And then he invited me to be in The Waterboy. And then I did four or five other movies with him.”
“You know what comes to mind? I have to talk to him. I’m so sorry. He hasn’t asked me since,” Winkler joked as he pretended to walk away to go ask him.
Winkler then revealed why their friendship has stood the test of time.
“You know what it is, who Adam is,” Winkler gushed. “Adam is truly, in his soul, all-encompassing. And he is a man of the universe. You cannot tamp him down.”
Sandler also walked the AARP’s Movies for Grownups red carpet. There, he revealed his one rule in the house to keep his two daughters grounded. Sandler and his wife Jackie are parents to daughters Sadie, 19, and Sunny, 17.
“Oh man, I got no idea, but we made them clean the counter right before I left, I know that,” Sandler joked.
Winkler’s Hollywood Success
Winkler has been one of the most famous stars in Hollywood for over 50 years. According to him, however, he’s only just now getting the hang of acting.
“There are some projects I would like to inhale and do them again, because I was so off,” Winkler told Woman’s World back in September.
Winkler skyrocketed to fame playing the beloved Fonzie on Happy Days from 1974 to 1984. In June of last year, he admitted to AARP that people still call him the Fonz. However, Winkler is also recognized for other roles as well.
“Well, you see, yeah, this is the great thing,” Winkler explained. “I go to a Comic-Con, and there are people in line to meet me who have only read my books, [who have only seen] Parks and Rec, Arrested Development, The Waterboy, Scream, Happy Days, Barry. And I’m telling you, they are specifically there for one of those things.”
Some actors grow to resent the roles that they are best known for. Winkler, however, has always been grateful to have played the Fonz.
“I never resented the Fonz. He put a roof over my head,” Winkler said in 2023. “But after Happy Days, I struggled with being locked out of opportunity.”
Winkler concluded by saying that he “knew it was necessary to figure out something else because I was completely stymied. … I couldn’t just sit there. I had a family, and I am a doer.”
Winkler is a true living legend, and there will never be another one like him. Sadly, many will be able to related to his comments about how America disrespects older generations.
God bless you, Henry Winkler!