
Henry Winkler may be best known as the cool and confident Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli from Happy Days, but to his daughter Zoe, he’s simply Dad—and sometimes, a podcast wingman.
The father-daughter duo recently made a joint appearance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, blending a night of family fun with promotion for Zoe’s new podcast, What In The Winkler? In an interview on the red carpet, Zoe opened up about the show’s premise and her unique upbringing.
“It’s really just about family,” she explained. “People assume that growing up in Hollywood is one way, but it’s really just a normal family. We go through all the same insanity as everybody else—and it’s been the most fun.”
When asked what it was like being raised by a beloved TV icon, Henry joked, “She used me like a garden tool. She would not listen to me unless there was a nice young fellow in the vicinity.” Zoe laughed and added, “I’m doing it now. He came with me on a Monday to Dolby Theater to help me promote my podcast. So, I’m grateful.”
Zoe co-hosts the podcast with her mom, Stacey Winkler, who has been married to Henry since 1978. The couple first met in 1976 at a Beverly Hills clothing store—right in the middle of Henry’s rise to fame. Their wedding took place at a synagogue in New York, and together they raised three children: Zoe, Max, and Jed (Stacey’s son from a previous marriage).
Zoe also shared a few life lessons she’s learned from her father, including one of Henry’s most memorable sayings: “The people you meet on the way up are the people you meet on the way down.”
She admitted it was tough to pick just one, adding, “There are so many valuable things I’ve learned from him.” Another piece of wisdom that’s stuck with her: “The energy you put out is the energy you get back.”
With their playful banter and shared passion for storytelling, Henry and Zoe continue to prove that behind the fame is a close-knit, down-to-earth family that values laughter, love, and a good life lesson.