Henry Winkler discusses ‘Happy Days’ title change and ‘Scream’ poster exclusion

Actor Henry Winkler has shared insights into his career, specifically regarding his time on the sitcom ‘Happy Days’ and his role in the horror film ‘Scream’.

Winkler revealed that during the height of his fame, ABC president Leonard Goldenson proposed renaming ‘Happy Days’ to ‘Fonzie’s Happy Days’ to capitalize on the popularity of his character, Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli. Winkler declined the suggestion, stating that the show was already successful and that changing the title would be a ‘slap in the face’ to the ensemble cast.

Regarding his role in the 1996 film ‘Scream’, Winkler disclosed that the studio refused to include his name on the promotional posters. The studio reportedly told him that his association with ‘The Fonz’ would ‘knock the balance of horror off’ the film. While Winkler expressed feeling insulted and bewildered at the time, he ultimately participated in the film's press tour to support the director and the project.