Henry Winkler has only kind words about his Happy Days co-star and close friend Ron Howard following his July 2025 Emmy nomination.
During an August 16 interview with People magazine, Winkler said he dialed up Howard once he found out the director snagged his first Emmy nomination for acting because of his scenes in the satirical comedy, The Studio.
“I called him immediately. He was so excited. He is limitless,” said Winkler during the August 16 interview.
In addition, Winkler said that Howard “loved” playing himself in The Studio, which takes a look at a production company, led by its new head Matt Remick (Seth Rogen).
“He said to me, ‘I’m doing it and I’m going full-tilt,'” said Winkler to the publication.
Winkler also said he would like to appear on the Apple TV+ show, which premiered in March 2025.
Howard discussed filming The Studio in a July 2025 interview with People.
“I play an a—–e version of myself. Apparently, it went over. I have many noms and even some wins on the producing and directing side, but first nom as an actor, which is kind of funny. I’m getting a kick out of it,” said Howard.
Howard and Winkler began starring together on Happy Days during the show’s first season in 1974. Howard was cast as the show’s initial protagonist, Richie Cunningham. However, Winkler’s character, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, eventually became more popular.
In a November 2021 interview on The Graham Norton Show, Howard spoke about being “overshadowed” by Winkler, who is the godfather of his four children, including Bryce Dallas Howard. He said that while he was close to Winkler while filming Happy Days, he didn’t appreciate how he was treated by higher-ups who wanted the show to focus on Fonzie.
“They started treating me with a lot of disrespect. From a business standpoint, in terms of interaction,” said Howard during the interview. “And the press kept saying, ‘What is it like that you’ve become a second-class citizen on your own show.’ Which I didn’t feel in the workspace and I certainly didn’t feel in our friendship, which endures to this day.”
Howard said because of said treatment, he decided to focus on his career as a director. Howard left Happy Days, which ran for 11 seasons, during its seventh season.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
