Henry Winkler Embraces New Challenges at 79
At the age of 79, Henry Winkler continues to dive into new experiences. Recently, he appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” where he talked about filming his very first nude scene—a significant moment since he’s been in the industry for quite some time.
Winkler expressed his admiration for Maya Rudolph, saying, “She’s one of my favorites. Absolutely amazing.” Once she asked him to join the cast of the third season of ‘Booty,’ he didn’t hesitate to say yes without even looking at the script.
During a costume fitting, there was quite the surprise. Maya pointed to her upper thighs and commented on the silk robe she was wearing, saying, “I was just shocked; there was nothing else.” It seems that the experience was more than just about the costume.
Reflecting on the shoot, Winkler shared that he definitely felt some initial apprehension. His first reaction was a firm “No, no, no,” when the topic of nudity came up. They reassured him, saying there would be some jewelry involved, to ease his nerves.
Filming took place on the beach in cold January. Winkler recalled, “The wind was blowing from all directions. Every part of my body felt so exaggerated… It was freezing.” But he took comfort in being surrounded by Maya and the talented cast.
In this season’s premiere, Winkler plays Gerald Canning, an eccentric billionaire who owns a clothing-optional island. His character certainly adds a unique twist to the show. Maya also mentioned in another interview with Kimmel that all actors who appeared nude wore “nude-colored sports shorts” to maintain some modesty.
It was a chilly experience for everyone on set, especially since many were over 70. Winkler admitted to feeling guilty for creating discomfort, yet some actors found joy in the experience, volunteering to go without clothing entirely.
The actor first gained fame for his iconic role as Arthur Fonzie Fonzarelli on “Happy Days,” a character he portrayed for a decade. More recently, he introduced himself to a newer audience as the acting coach Jean Cousineau in the HBO Max show “Barry,” a role that earned him his first Emmy Award in 2018. He had previously received nominations for his performances in “Happy Days” and guest appearances in other shows.
After his Emmy win, Winkler emphasized the importance of self-awareness and honesty in one’s abilities. He compared his journey in Hollywood to nurturing a tree he planted, aiming for it to grow strong and proud. “What a great tree it is,” he reflected, showcasing his gratitude for the journey so far.
