- Henry Winkler and his wife, Stacey Weitzman, still enjoy each other's company after 45 years of marriage.
- The pair's love, friendship, and relationship have grown stronger despite them facing difficult times.
- Henry and Stacey are now grandparents who enjoy spending time with their grandkids.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman cutting the cake at their wedding reception in New York City on May 5, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
Henry Winkler and his wife, Stacey Weitzman, have been married for over four decades. The couple met in 1976 and tied the knot in 1978. Henry and Stacey share two kids, Zoe Winkler and Max Winkler.
Stacey has another child, Jed Weitzman, from her previous marriage to Howard Weitzman. Henry first laid eyes on his future wife in a clothing shop. Even after all these years, Henry can still remember the details of that day.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman at the 70th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on September 17, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The "Black Adam" star noticed how beautiful Stacey was when he saw her. He recalled that she wore purple parachute pants and had red hair. Henry visited the store again after a week and found Stacey there, too. The actor invited Stacey to have a soda with him, and the two went out and drank ginger ale.
Weeks after this outing, Stacey and Jed, who was four years old then, moved in with Henry. After their wedding, they were blessed with Max, 40, and Zoe, 43. The couple have stood by each other's side for 45 years and supported one another through their ups and downs.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman at the Third Annual Media Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 22, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Henry rose to fame after he moved from New York to Los Angeles. The movie star graduated in 1973 from the Yale School of Drama. He then did a bit of work in a New York theatre before heading to Los Angeles.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the 7th Annual Unstoppable Foundation Gala in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Within weeks of arriving in Los Angeles, the actor landed a small part in the sitcom "Happy Days." Henry's role as Arthur Fonzarelli, better known as "Fonzie," catapulted him to fame, and he became an international star. The sitcom ran for 11 years.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the opening night of Michael McKeon and David Lander's Comedy Sketches in West Hollywood, California on January 29, 1979 | Source: Getty Images
When Henry met Stacey, he had starred in the sitcom for three seasons and was already a big celebrity. However, Stacey didn't know this and suggested that they go to a movie theatre for their first date. The actor told her going to the theatre might be difficult, but they ended up going.
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman at the WE Day celebration dinner in Beverly Hills, California on April 6, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Stacey soon learned what Henry meant because when they got to the theatre, fans rushed to greet the actor. Henry had also asked Stacey that they sit in the back, but she wanted the middle seats. Stacey was amazed when the entire theatre came over to say hi to Henry.
Ace now has shot glasses arranged on his shelf from the cities his granddad has visited.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the 50th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on April 3, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
This popularity later cost Henry a lot. When "Happy Days" ended, the actor admitted that he was locked out of many opportunities because people in the film industry could only see him being Fonzie. In the many years that followed, Henry could not get cast in movies. Stacey stood by him as he navigated his career post "Happy Days."
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the New York premiere of "The Intern" on September 21, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The "Scream" actor didn't sit down and wallow after "Happy Days." When he couldn't get cast in any role, his lawyer advised him to start a production company in 1984. The actor was hesitant about this move, but he knew he had a family to take care of, so he took the bold step.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California on January 12, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Henry produced and did great at it. The actor won a Daytime Emmy in 1985 for a kid's after-school commercial. His company produced the popular "MacGyver" series, for which Henry was its executive producer for seven years. Henry also directed films such as "Cop and a Half" and "Memories of Me."
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the Milk + Bookies 6th Annual Story Time Celebration in Los Angeles, California on April 19, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Henry also took up writing. He created the character Hank Zipzer for a children's book. The Zipzer series was so successful that when it reached 28 books, it was made into a TV series in the UK. Despite venturing into other areas, acting was still Henry's first love.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California on January 27, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
In 2003, Henry landed a role in the series "Arrested Development." It was around this time that Stacey was diagnosed with breast cancer. Henry said he would attend his wife's chemotherapy fusions, but he wasn't really supportive. "My support consisted of falling asleep in the chair. I was not there. I'm not proud of that," he admitted.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the 7th Annual Unstoppable Foundation Gala in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Henry and Stacey's journey through difficult times enhanced their bond. Stacey said it was wonderful to be able to grow with Henry in the 45 years they have been together. In 2018, Henry won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role in HBO's "Barry."
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler at the 70th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California on September 17, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Stacey admitted that it has taken a lot of work for their marriage to be as strong as it is. She said the road has had its fair share of bumps, but the two chose to stick to it due to their love for each other and strong friendship. Proud of their wins and growth in their long-lasting marriage, Stacey said:
"We're not the same people we are when we got married. But certain of the tenets you hold dear are still intact."
Henry and Stacey "truly enjoy each other every day," according to the actor. The couple enjoy going fishing and seeing movies together. Henry also said that he and his wife, who are now grandparents, enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.
Henry and Stacey Find Joy in Being Grandparents
Being grandparents is a joy Henry and Stacey share. The couple have a total of six grandchildren. The actor confessed that the best part about being a grandfather was watching his grandkids, and described it as a "wonderful" experience.
Stacey and Henry watch sports with their grandkids. They love watching their granddaughters dance too. Henry also joked that his little granddaughter would soon open a dog-walking business because of how much she loved walking the dog around the house.
Stacey also loves being a grandma. She said that as a grandparent, they can always blame the mother or father when they don't give their grandkids a hot fudge sundae. However, Henry isn't afraid of spoiling the grandkids.
He takes them to restaurants and to see shows. The actor once took them to watch "Lion King" together. Henry confessed that whenever he travels, he gets shot glasses for his eldest grandson, Ace. Ace now has shot glasses arranged on his shelf from the cities his granddad has visited. Henry also brings his middle grandson, Jules, snow globes whenever he travels.
The actor, who greets his grandchildren with kisses, said he thoroughly enjoys and loves being a grandparent. He and Stacey spoil their grandkids with love. The couple is also still in love and cares so much about each other. Henry is thrilled to be in this world, to have his family with him, and to do the work he loves.
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