Henry Winkler Regrets Turning Down 'Grease' Role Due to Typecasting Fears; Shares Struggles with Dyslexia in New Memoir

In his memoir, Henry Winkler reflects on career decisions and challenges with dyslexia while sharing advice for actors fearing typecasting; dyslexia diagnosis at age 31 renewed Winkler's approach to acting and paved his path as a successful producer and children's author.

Henry Winkler's new memoir, 'Being Henry: The Fonz... and Beyond,' details his regret over turning down the 1978 lead role in 'Grease' due to his fear of being typecast following his fame as Fonzie in 'Happy Days'.
Winkler endured several years of struggle to find work after 'Happy Days' due to being heavily typecast as 'The Fonz', prompting him to form his own production company.
He reveals that he battled with dyslexia, being diagnosed at 31 which affected his performance on 'Happy Days', leading to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
Winkler advises actors fearing typecasting to 'go with the flow' and prepare to reinvent themselves, adding that tenacity, gratitude, and flexibility are key to handling an acting career.
Despite his initial struggles, Winkler went on to have a successful career that includes roles in movies such as 'Scream', 'The Waterboy', and series like 'Arrested Development' and 'Barry', where he earned his first Primetime Emmy.

The Hollywood Reporter