When Henry Winkler was in Dallas back in 2010 at St. Philip’s School and Community Center, the Golden Globe Winner/author/philanthropist in the suit addressed the gym filled with students, their parents and others adults. Before he talked to the crowd, the kids were preparing to hear a grownup talk about the importance of reading and education. On the other hand, the adults couldn’t help but think two words — The Fonz.
Henry met the expectations of both groups. He talked with the kids and not at them, as Fonzie would have. He still had the “Happy Days” cool.
But his involvement in making people aware of community involvement didn’t stop there. Few realized that he had been a longtime mentor for Academy Award-winning Marlee Matlin. Why, following a cruel comment by Rex Reed regarding her winning the Oscar, she “fled to Winkler’s home in Los Angeles for solace. An offer to spend the weekend turned into two years while she rebuilt her career.” It was at Winkler’s house that Matlin’s wedding took place 20 years ago.. So, it was no stretch of the imagination that Marlee would be a guest speaker at St. Phillip’s a couple of years later.
Now, Each Moment Matters Luncheon Co-Chairs Barbara Hunt Crow and Lucy Johnson are tapping Henry’s talents by having him be the guest speaker for the Faith Presbyterian Hospice fundraiser on Friday, October 28, at the Hilton Anatole.
In case you’re lucky enough to get a ticket and meet Henry at the luncheon, how about some Winkler trivia? Did you know he:
- is the cousin of “Law and Order” actor Richard Belzer.
- is the godfather of Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Ron “Richie Cunningham” Howard.
- is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.
- has written more than 18 books.
- had a rough time in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia.
- loves fly fishing.
- will turn 71 two days after appearing at Each Moment Matters. You might want to wish him an early happy birthday.