The star of the 1950s-era sitcom Happy Days, other cast members, and spin-off characters Laverne and Shirley spend the day in Milwaukee, celebrating the unveiling of a new life-sized statue of Arthur Fonzarelli in the city's downtown. Henry Winkler, the actor who portrayed the Fonz for 11 seasons, says he's proud to have the bronze Fonz dedicated to him in Milwaukee.
“Thirty years ago we came here for the first time to Milwaukee. And from the moment that we landed in this city we were so welcomed by the compassion, the hospitality, the warmth, the culture of this great city.”
Winkler thanks his three families: his wife and kids, his fellow Happy Days cast members, and residents of Milwaukee who welcome him to the city.
Winkler calls the dedication an amazing honor, one he shares with everyone. “An amazing honor that I share piece by piece, finger by finger … it's taller than I am” he jokes. “But I share every inch of this statue with my family, with my television family, and with my adoptive family.”
He says Milwaukee is one of the great cities in the US. “Everyone should actually come here to enjoy the theater, enjoy the good food, enjoy the warmth of the people, and the Fonz!”
Winkler also thanks VisitMilwaukee.org for pursuing the idea and bringing the bronze Fonz to reality.
