Henry Winkler, acclaimed actor and author, didn’t have an easy path to success. From a young age, he faced difficulties in school and endured harsh criticism from his parents.

The constant putdowns and name-calling affected his confidence and self-belief. Little did he know that years later, he would come to understand the reason behind his struggles and use his own experience to inspire others, especially children.

Despite his accomplishments as an actor, Henry Winkler’s journey was filled with challenges. It all began in his childhood when he faced high expectations, especially in terms of education. His parents, short Jewish immigrants from Germany, valued education but misconstrued his difficulties as laziness. They labeled him as lazy, stupid, and falling short of his potential. However, Winkler knew he was trying his best and refused to believe their claims.

Despite trying everything he could think of, Winkler found it exceptionally hard to thrive in school. This not only led to punishment from his parents but also prevented him from participating in extracurricular activities like dances and plays. “I was grounded for most of my high school career,” Winkler shared. His parents hoped that by confining him to his desk for weeks at a time, they could force him to overcome his supposed laziness.

Despite these struggles, Winkler went on to graduate with a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University. However, after graduation, he encountered difficulties yet again. Reading scripts proved to be a challenge for him. Instead of following the written words, Winkler improvised and made up his own interpretations. Sometimes he made people laugh, and at other times, he got hired simply because of his conviction.

Although Winkler eventually achieved fame as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in Happy Days, he admitted to struggling during table reads. He stumbled over every word and felt completely embarrassed. However, he discovered that when the writing was well-crafted, his brain could absorb the lines effortlessly.

It wasn’t until his stepson faced similar struggles in school and was diagnosed with a learning disability that Winkler considered the possibility of having dyslexia himself. At the age of 31, he made the discovery. “I didn’t read a book until I was 31 years old when I was diagnosed with dyslexia,” he revealed. Books had always intimidated him and made him feel anxious.

Initially, Winkler felt anger upon learning about his dyslexia diagnosis. He realized that all the arguments with his parents and the punishments he endured had been for naught. But instead of dwelling on the past, he chose to use his diagnosis as an opportunity to inspire others, particularly children. He accomplished this by writing a children’s book series featuring a character named Hank, an elementary school student with dyslexia.

The series has resonated with many young readers, and Winkler often receives letters from children. In each reply, he includes an uplifting message: “Your learning challenge will not stop you from achieving your dreams. Only you can stop yourself from reaching your dreams.”

Despite his ongoing struggle with dyslexia, Winkler has achieved remarkable success. Alongside his Hollywood career, he has written several books, and a memoir is set to be released in 2024. Despite all his achievements, he considers his books to be one of his proudest accomplishments. He remains an inspiration for those who face similar challenges and proves that with determination, any obstacle can be overcome.

Henry Winkler’s story serves as a powerful inspiration. Just imagine constantly being criticized by your own parents for not living up to their expectations, only to later discover that you have dyslexia. I am immensely grateful that he managed to rise above his hardships and become an inspiration for others who share similar struggles.