Two-time Golden Globe winner and 2018 Emmy winner Henry Winkler stopped at McKimmon Center on Nov. 16 to partner with NC State University Libraries and Quail Ridge Books to discuss his new memoir “Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond.” 

The program consisted of a conversation with Winkler and Cate Lineberry, historian and author of “Be Free or Die,” to reveal the star’s journey with fame, mental health and the stages of his dyslexia diagnosis. 

Winkler was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 31 and said his experiences until that point severely impacted his confidence. His poor performance in school resulted in low self-esteem and the adoption of humor as a defense mechanism. 

“I covered my shame of never getting anything right with humor,” Winkler said. 

He acknowledged that the struggles he experienced in his personal and professional life contributed to his success, discussing the confidence that comes from being able to overcome — or accept the existence of — a challenge. 

“Maybe if I didn’t have this struggle with this learning challenge, I wouldn’t be here on stage with you now,” Winkler told Lineberry.

Reflecting on his personal life and career, Winkler noted many struggles he experienced, from the difficulties of undiagnosed dyslexia to the struggle of being typecast. 

His fear of being locked into “Happy Days” character Arthur Fonzarelli even led him to turn down the role of Danny Zuko in “Grease,” which John Travolta received infinite praise and fame for. 

“I said no, and then I bought some soda and went home,” Winkler said. “Travolta bought a plane.”

Winkler said while he regretted letting the fear of being cast in Fonz-centric roles control him to that extent, he believes his push to overcome being typecast made him stronger. 

Winkler said a change in his thought process significantly impacted his ability to achieve success. 

“You do not put a period at the end of a negative thought,” Winkler said. “When you have a negative thought, you say ‘Sorry, I don’t have time for you right now.’”

Winkler said replacing negative thoughts with positive ideas and goals rewired him mentally, impacting his low self-esteem and encouraging him to believe in his own success. 

“I will talk myself out of things because I always think I cannot do them,” Winkler said. “But then, when the opportunity presents itself, I just … do it; I can do it.”

Throughout his conversation, Winkler kept returning to the power of believing in and being your authentic self. 

“You are very powerful,” Winkler said. “You don’t know what you can accomplish until you put one foot forward and just do it.”

Before the end of the event, Winkler sent a message to NC State students who could not attend the event to encourage them through their adulthood. 

“First of all, you were missed,” Winkler said. “Second of all, you are powerful. Third of all, being out in the world when it is your time is not as bad as you think. One step and one foot in front of the other, and you’ll wind up where you want to be.”

Marian Fragola, director of community and engagement of NC State University Libraries, said author events are a great free opportunity for NC State students. 

“We know you’re in classes; we know you’re working jobs, you’ve got clubs, you’ve got other opportunities, but if you can just put all that aside for a couple of hours, you’ll learn something new, get a new experience that maybe you haven’t had or maybe find somebody with common interests that you didn’t know before,” Fragola said. “You’ve got to grab these opportunities while you can.”

Fragola also explained the importance of NC State partnering with Winkler due to his large audience and encouraged students to grab these opportunities while they can. 

Julia Heilmann, a third-year studying textile technology, said this was her first author event and she had a great time. She said the venue was organized and Winkler was an engaging speaker.

“I really appreciated how much he talked about disability and figuring out who you are later in life,” Heilmann said. “I think he is a huge inspiration, not only because he overcame childhood adversity or was the Fonz, but he overcame a lot after that with being a typecast. 

Fragola said the Libraries holds several other events such as film screenings, faculty talks and making and journaling events throughout the academic year.

“The nice thing is because the Libraries are centrally located, and they’re for all students, the events are for students from any discipline,” Fragola said. “Any college is more than welcome to come in and participate. And there’s no cost.”