Henry Winkler’s journey to success was anything but smooth. He faced significant challenges in school, which led to harsh criticism from his parents. The constant putdowns and name-calling eventually took a toll on his confidence—something he vowed never to impose on his own children. It wasn’t until decades later that Winkler discovered the underlying reason for his struggles. Understanding this, he sought to use his diagnosis to inspire others, particularly children.
Despite being a highly accomplished actor, Winkler had to work incredibly hard for all his achievements. His difficulties began early in life, largely due to the high expectations placed on him, particularly regarding education.
My parents were very, very, very, very, very short Jews from Germany,” Winkler shared with The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. “They believed in education. They thought I was lazy. I was called lazy. I was called stupid. I was told I was not living up to my potential.” But Winkler knew he was giving his best effort, despite what his parents believed.
Determined not to be perceived as “stupid,” Winkler tried every trick to succeed in school. Unfortunately, his efforts often fell short, leading to punishments at home. These struggles also prevented him from participating in school activities like dances or plays. “I was grounded for most of my high school career. They thought if I stayed at my desk for six weeks at a time, I was going to get it, and they were just going to put an end to the silliness of my laziness.”