The veteran actor admitted he fell short in supporting his wife, Stacey Weitzman, during her cancer fight. Despite this, their lasting marriage has brought them two children. 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.
