The Real Life Story of “The Fonz” Actor Henry Winkler

In 1976, at the age of 31, he finally received an explanation for the struggles that had followed him since childhood. He was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning difference that had made reading and writing extremely difficult throughout his school years and even during his early acting career.

The diagnosis was both emotional and relieving. For decades, he had believed the harsh criticisms from teachers and family that he simply was not trying hard enough. Learning that dyslexia was the real cause helped him understand his past and gave him a new sense of perspective about the challenges he had faced.