Actor Henry "The Fonz" Winkler, who has become a speaker about dyslexia and author of several children's books on the topic, stopped by Sandwich High School in Massachusetts before he was set to conduct Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra.In addition to the story about him in the Sandwich Broadsider, the newspaper posted a video of his talk as well.
The former “Happy Days” star appeared at Sandwich High School on Aug. 1 to promote his children’s book series “Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest underachiever.” The series, which he wrote with Lin Oliver, is based on Winkler’s real life struggle with learning disabilities.
Winkler shared stories about growing up in New York City and his troubles in school. His parents, who he described as “two short Germans,” were pushing him to take over his father’s lumber business at an early age. He said they nicknamed him “dumm hund” which means “dumb dog” in German because he wasn’t a good student. He read several passages from the first Hank Zipzer book “Niagara Falls or Does It?” about Hank’s struggle to write a five paragraph essay.
“For Hank, writing a five paragraph essay is like climbing Mount Everest with no clothes on,” Winkler said.
“I have done a lot of things in my career and outside of my children, I am the proudest of these books,” Winkler said.
He said kids should stay positive and pursue their dreams no matter that life throws at them.
“You put one foot in front of the other when you know in your mind what it is you want. Just keep walking and eventually you’ll get to your destination. I’m living proof.”
