The actor, who became famous for his role as Arthur Fonzarelli in «Happy Days,» has been married to his wife, Stacey, for 44 years. However, they almost missed their first date.
They met at a clothing store that was a client of the public relations firm where Stacey worked at the time.
He recalled their first meeting
Henry walked into the store looking for a sports jacket. He asked for Stacey’s help and she agreed. The actor recalls the day he met her in vivid detail.
He even remembers the color of the pants she was wearing. He knew that day that he had met his future girlfriend, and he has talked about it many times.
«She was wearing purple parachute pants and had red hair. Without her saying a word, I thought, ‘What a beautiful woman.’ I went back to the store the next week and there she was. And within 10 minutes, I realized how strong she was,» he recounted.
When Henry returned to the store a week later to pick up his coat, he asked Stacey out. She initially refused, but eventually agreed. They went on their first date and ended up dating for two years before getting married.
Although she had initially been hesitant about dating Henry, the two ended up moving in together a few weeks later. Stacey and her four-year-old son lived with Winkler for two years before the couple married in 1978.
The actor and his beloved were married in the same Manhattan synagogue where he had had his bar mitzvah. By the time they married, Henry was becoming increasingly famous and Stacey was having to deal with all the female attention he was receiving.
Stacey talked about her experiences with women constantly coming on to Henry without any regard for her or her son. She said she just had to get used to it for the sake of Henry’s career.
«People would run up to Henry and literally run over my feet. One time I said, ‘You just completely ruined my stockings.’ And this woman said, ‘But I love Fonzie!'» she added.
Although Henry’s fans did not pay much attention to his wife, she supported her husband as his career expanded and reached wider audiences. They both faced a major challenge when she had serious health problems.
Stacey’s health problems
Henry and his wife had two children together: Zoey, who was born in 1980, and Max, who was born in 1983. When Zoey was in college in the late 1990s, Stacey was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, she quickly went into remission.
Unfortunately, a few years later, in 2007, the cancer returned. This time, the actor’s wife underwent a double mastectomy as part of her treatment.
As a result, Stacey has been cancer-free since that surgery. In addition, the love between her and the actor has continued over the years.
Henry is now very involved in breast cancer awareness and is as supportive now as he was many years ago when his wife received her first diagnosis.
He was a guest speaker at the 13th annual In The Pink of Health luncheon, which raises funds to support breast cancer patients and the families of those affected.
The actor’s support for those battling cancer didn’t begin when his wife was first diagnosed with the disease.
In fact, Winkler attended an all-star basketball game in 1976 that was held in support of the American Cancer Society.
Despite the many challenges they have faced during their marriage, such as fans ignoring Stacey and recurring illnesses, they have remained close. They now live a happy and healthy life.
He’s still in love with Stacey
Although the couple has been married for more years than usual in Hollywood, their love for each other is still as strong as ever.
The husband and wife have often been asked what the secret to their long union is. While they don’t have a definite recipe, they have said they really enjoy spending time together.
On «The Late Late Show With James Corden,» the host pulled out a photograph of Henry and Stacey on their wedding day. While doing so, the actor told Corden that his wife looked just as beautiful as she did on their wedding day.
Stacey has also shared her feelings about her husband after many years of being together. She often posts photos of Henry on social media. She took to Twitter in early October 2018, where she posted a photo of the actor.
«Handsome Henry Winkler on Jimmy Kimmel tonight!» she wrote in the message that accompanied the image.
She has also taken to the social network many times to wish her husband a happy birthday. Every year, the couple shares a birthday and Stacey pays tribute to her husband by calling him amazing or handsome. Fans love her Twitter posts.
The actor and his wife have been married for 44 years and have often talked about their challenges and how they have overcome them. While it hasn’t been easy, they both admit it has been worth it.
«It takes work. There are failures along the way and you get a little out of control, but if you have the skill and perseverance based on love, then your friendship and your relationship only gets better,» Stacey said.
The husband and wife have many hobbies they enjoy doing together, but one of the things they enjoy most is their family.
Henry has said, «We enjoy fly fishing together. We enjoy grandchildren together. We enjoy going to the movies together. We really enjoy each other every day.»
