Parents called him dumb because he couldn’t read until age 31, yet he became famous and loved by millions…

Henry Winkler, adored for his iconic role as Fonzie on Happy Days, experienced a childhood far removed from the glamorous image often associated with celebrities. Born to immigrant parents who escaped Nazi Germany, Winkler encountered significant challenges due to an undiagnosed reading disorder.

His parents, unaware of his dyslexia, unfairly labeled him as «dumb» and even went as far as referring to him as a ‘Dummo Hund,’ or dumb dog. This stigmatization extended to teachers and peers, creating a challenging upbringing that deeply impacted his self-esteem.