It’s hard to imagine anyone but Henry Winkler as the iconic Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarelli on Happy Days, but did you know the role was almost given to someone else entirely? Yes, you read that right—Micky Dolenz of The Monkees was nearly the leather-jacketed greaser we all know and love. But here’s where it gets fascinating: despite coming close to casting Dolenz, the show’s creator, Garry Marshall, had one major hesitation about Winkler—his physical stature. Marshall initially envisioned Fonzie as a taller, more imposing figure, and Winkler’s 5-foot-6 frame didn’t quite fit the bill. According to the book Happier Days: Paramount Television's Classic Sitcoms, 1974–1984, Marshall reportedly quipped, 'This is my Fonzie?' when Winkler first auditioned. And this is the part most people miss: Winkler’s casting wasn’t just a stroke of luck—it was a battle of persuasion, confidence, and undeniable talent.
So, how did Winkler win over Marshall? It turns out, no other actor could embody Fonzie’s coolness and charm quite like him. But it wasn’t just his acting chops that sealed the deal. Winkler’s confidence during his audition was magnetic, and he managed to convince Marshall that he was the right choice, despite his height. Interestingly, Winkler had already played a similar character in the 1974 film The Lords of Flatbush, where he portrayed a rambunctious 1950s street kid named Butchey Weinstein. This role essentially served as a prototype for Fonzie, though it took place in the gritty streets of Brooklyn rather than the wholesome Midwest. Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallone, who co-starred in the film, is said to have inspired the creation of the Happy Days greaser character.
The casting process was anything but straightforward. Winkler faced stiff competition from Micky Dolenz and even Michael Nesmith, another member of The Monkees. Dolenz, already a star from his band and 1960s TV show, seemed like a safe bet to tap into Boomer nostalgia. But Winkler’s suitability for the role was undeniable—even Dolenz later admitted to People, 'Oh my God, he’s just so good. I was definitely not as good as he was.' In his memoir, My Happy Days in Hollywood: A Memoir, Marshall recalled his initial skepticism: 'I thought I wanted a tall, handsome blond, and in walked a short, dark-haired actor.' Yet, it was Winkler’s audacious confidence that ultimately won him the part. As Marshall put it, Winkler 'acted like he was 10 feet tall.'
But here’s the controversial question: Could Micky Dolenz have pulled off Fonzie as well as Winkler did? While Dolenz had the star power and nostalgia factor, Winkler’s portrayal became legendary. Was Marshall right to initially doubt Winkler, or was his hesitation simply a product of outdated casting expectations? Let’s spark some debate—do you think anyone else could have brought Fonzie to life the way Winkler did? Share your thoughts in the comments!
