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Winkler rose to national prominence in the 1970s with his iconic portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on “Happy Days.”
Award-winning actor, director, author, and Emerson College alumnus Henry Winkler ’67, LHD ’78, will deliver the keynote address at Emerson’s commencement ceremony for the class of 2026 on Saturday, May 9, at Boston’s Wang Theatre.
Winkler rose to national prominence in the 1970s with his iconic portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on “Happy Days.” He has since built a wide-ranging career in television and film, earning acclaim for roles such as Barry Zuckerkorn on “Arrested Development” and acting teacher Gene Cousineau on HBO’s “Barry.” His performance in “Barry” earned him an Emmy Award.
Beyond his work on screen, Winkler is also a celebrated author and advocate for children with learning differences. Open about his own experience with dyslexia, he co-wrote the Hank Zipzer children’s book series, which centers on a child with dyslexia and was written to be more accessible for young readers with the condition.
In recognition of his advocacy, Winkler was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire in September 2011 by Queen Elizabeth II for his commitment to children with dyslexia and special needs.
A native of New York, Winkler came to Emerson College to study acting and has often spoken about the impact the institution had on his life and career. During a 2011 visit to Boston, he told Emerson students that he was “accepted … into its family.” He has credited Emerson’s learning environment and the mentorship of faculty members such as the late Charlotte Lindgren and the late Leo Nickole ’49, LHD ’01, as instrumental to his success.
While a student at Emerson, Winkler pledged the Alpha Pi Theta fraternity, performed in numerous campus productions, and was involved with the college’s radio station, WERS.
“Emerson College is incredibly honored to welcome the legendary Henry Winkler back to his alma mater as our Commencement keynote speaker,” said President Jay Bernhardt.
“Henry perfectly embodies the extraordinary Emersonian spirit and pursuit of excellence,” Bernhardt added. “His career has been a commitment to Emerson’s values of creativity, curiosity, and expression. I hope our graduates will be inspired and energized as he shares his own personal and professional journey, and I know our entire community will be heartened by his example.”
Around 1,000 undergraduate students will receive their degrees on Saturday, May 9. The all-college commencement ceremony for bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates will begin at 7 p.m.
The college-wide celebration will include speakers, honorary degree recipients, and performances. Two graduate hooding ceremonies for approximately 500 master’s candidates will take place the day before, on Friday, May 8.
All commencement events will be streamed live at emerson.edu/live.
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