Henry Winkler discusses long-standing rift with Tom Hanks

Actor Henry Winkler has provided new details regarding his long-standing rift with Tom Hanks, stemming from the 1989 film ‘Turner & Hooch’. Winkler, who was hired to direct the project, was fired after just 13 days of filming and replaced by Roger Spottiswoode.

Speaking on the ‘In Depth With Graham Bensinger’ podcast, Winkler attributed the fallout to his own insecurity at the time. He explained that he attempted to provide direction to Hanks and actress Mare Winningham, which caused tension on set. Winkler recalled being summoned to studio executive Jeff Katzenberg’s office before being dismissed.

Winkler also noted that the tension has persisted for decades, mentioning that Hanks previously declined to grant permission for a brief clip of his ‘Happy Days’ guest appearance to be used in a television retrospective. When asked if the relationship could be repaired, Winkler expressed that he is “still working on my perspective.”