Henry Winkler Reflects on Dyslexia, Career

The actor discussed his dyslexia, criticism and his role in Disney's animated film HEXED during a Tamron Hall Show appearance.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Celebrities

Flat-color poster illustration of an open storybook with a folded paper plane lifting from its spine, set in warm mustard and teal. — Actor Henry Winkler told Tamron Hall how criticism and dyslexia shaped his school years, while promoting his voice role in Disney's animated film HEXED. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Henry Winkler appeared across several segments of The Tamron Hall Show, where he spoke about having dyslexia and being made to feel unintelligent because of his school struggles. The show was celebrating his 81st birthday around the time of the visit.

Why it matters

Winkler's comments offer a personal account of how criticism and negative labels can affect people, and they frame his long career in terms of perseverance. His discussion also previews his voice role in HEXED, a Disney animated film opening in theaters nationwide.

Winkler has co-created 41 books with writer Lin Oliver, including the DETECTIVE DUCK series discussed on air. HEXED is scheduled to open in theaters Nov. 25, but no commercial projections were provided.

The players

Henry Winkler

Henry Winkler is an actor best known for playing Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli on the sitcom Happy Days, and he has since become an author of children's books.

Tamron Hall

Tamron Hall is a broadcast journalist and talk show host whose daytime program features celebrity interviews and personal stories.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is an actress and television host who has hosted her own daytime talk show.

The details

In the first clip, Winkler and Lisa Nichols discussed how criticism and negative labels affect self-worth. Tamron Hall surprised him in a later segment with artwork by illustrator Dan Santat, and Winkler also talked through the DETECTIVE DUCK series and HEXED with Drew Barrymore.

- Nov. 25: HEXED is set to open in theaters.
- Nov. 7, 2026: Coverage of Winkler's Tamron Hall appearance was published.

Industry Dynamics

Winkler's move from Happy Days into children's books and animated voice work reflects a broader pattern of older television performers building second careers in youth-focused media. Franchise and animated releases like HEXED continue to draw established actors to voice roles.

HEXED opens in theaters Nov. 25, so audiences can see Winkler's animated role on the big screen that day. The extraction does not specify ticket pricing or whether the film will also stream later.

The takeaway

Winkler's account shows how early criticism can shape a person's self-image, and how persistence can still lead to a long and varied career. Readers who follow his work can watch for HEXED's November release.