EP 159: Henry Winkler on the Fonz, Fonts, & Helping Dyslexic Kids

Actor, producer, and author Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Arrested Development) talks about his best-selling series of Hank Zipzer books for children with dyslexia inspired by his own childhood struggles with the learning disability. He shares how his reading disorder led to some creative auditioning when he tried out for Happy Days, his fondest memories of the show’s creator Gary Marshall, and why the network tried to shoot down the Fonz’s famous leather jacket. He discusses how he navigates the hurdles presented by his learning disorder in his roles as actor, producer, and author, and he talks about the innovative new font he uses in the Here’s Hank books that actually makes reading easier for dyslexics. Plus, why bad grades aren’t the end of the world and why “jumping the shark” isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

There are 17 books available in Henry Winkler’s Hank Zipzer: World’s Greatest Under-Achiever series (ages 8-12) and 9 books in the Here’s Hank series (ages 6-8) including his latest Here’s Hank: Always Watch Out for Flying Potato Salad available to order on Amazon. Follow Henry Winkler on Twitter at @hwinkler4real.

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