Henry Winkler, best known as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli from Happy Days, is not just a Hollywood legend but also a devoted family man. Married to Stacey Weitzman since 1978, Henry has built a close-knit family that includes his children, stepchild, and six grandchildren.
Despite his busy career, Henry always prioritizes his family, often speaking about his love for them and sharing their milestones. Here’s everything to know about Henry Winkler’s children:
Henry Winkler’s Family Life
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman have been together for over four decades. They met in the 1970s, and Stacey already had a son, Jed, from a previous marriage. After marrying in 1978, the couple welcomed two more children, Zoe and Max.
Henry attributes the success of their long-lasting marriage to their shared interests. In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, he said, “We enjoy fly fishing together. We enjoy grandchildren together. We enjoy going to the movies together. We truly enjoy each other every day.”
As a father, Henry has always been supportive of his children, guiding them through challenges, including their shared struggle with dyslexia.
Henry Winkler’s Children
Jed Weitzman (52)
- Born: 1972
- Occupation: Businessman, Head of Music at Logitix
Jed Weitzman is Henry Winkler’s stepson from Stacey’s previous marriage. When Henry and Stacey first started dating, Jed was only four years old. Henry fondly recalls that their first meeting was quite special—Jed was already a huge Happy Days fan and greeted him by saying, “Hi, Fonz!”
Henry and Jed later discovered they shared a significant learning challenge—dyslexia. When Jed struggled with schoolwork in third grade, Henry initially reacted the way others had toward him as a child. However, after getting Jed tested, Henry had a life-changing realization: he himself had dyslexia, something he didn’t officially learn until he was 31 years old.
Today, Jed is a businessman working in the entertainment industry. He currently serves as the head of music at Logitix, a ticketing platform.
Zoe Winkler (44)
- Born: 1980
- Occupation: Former teacher, Co-founder of This Is About Humanity
- Spouse: Rob Reinis
- Children: Three sons
Zoe Winkler, Henry’s only daughter, initially pursued a career in education, working as a nursery school teacher after graduating from Loyola Marymount University. During this time, she met her husband, actor Rob Reinis, through the mother of one of her students. The couple married in 2009 and now have three children.
In 2018, Zoe co-founded the nonprofit This Is About Humanity, an organization dedicated to helping migrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. She was inspired to take action after witnessing the harsh conditions children were facing. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Zoe explained, “I never in my life thought I would become an activist, but I don’t have any other choice.”
Her father, Henry, has been a huge supporter of her organization—even hosting a fundraiser at their home without realizing it until he received the invitation! The event was attended by several celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Most recently, Zoe and her mother, Stacey, launched a podcast titled What In The Winkler?! in October 2024. Henry was one of their first guests and revealed that he once put a stop to Zoe’s reality TV ambitions before they even began. She was once considered for a show alongside Kim Kardashian, but Henry intervened, telling the producer, “My daughter is not doing your show.”
Max Winkler (41)
- Born: 1983
- Occupation: Director, Writer, Producer
- Spouse: Jessica Barden
- Children: One daughter
Max Winkler followed his father into the entertainment industry but chose to work behind the camera as a writer and director. By the time he was 10, Max already knew he wanted to direct films. He has since worked on hit shows like New Girl, American Horror Story, and Barry.
Speaking about his son’s directorial skills, Henry recalled how Max helped him prepare for his Barry audition. “My son is very strict,” Henry joked, revealing that Max pushed him to deliver every line exactly as written. That coaching paid off—Henry landed the role and won an Emmy for his performance in 2018.
Max also directed the 2019 boxing film Jungleland, which starred British actress Jessica Barden. The two fell in love while filming and married in 2021. Later that year, they welcomed their first child, a daughter.
Max has also been a strong influence on his father’s writing career. When Henry published his memoir Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond in 2023, Max sent him a video message saying, “I think you should consider whoever gave you the idea to write this book … giving them a 10% piece of the sales.” Henry laughed at the suggestion but appreciated the encouragement.
Henry Winkler as a Grandfather
Henry Winkler is a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—three from Zoe and three from Jed and Max. In interviews, he often expresses his deep love for his grandkids and enjoys spending time with them.
For his 79th birthday in October 2024, Henry shared with PEOPLE that he planned to celebrate with his children and grandchildren. “I am having dinner with my children and my grandchildren. I will blow out the candles on a chocolate mousse cake.”
His love for family remains at the heart of his life, proving that while he may be a Hollywood icon, he is first and foremost a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Conclusion
Henry Winkler’s legacy extends far beyond his role as The Fonz. His greatest pride and joy come from his family—his wife Stacey, his children Jed, Zoe, and Max, and his six grandchildren. Despite the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, Henry has always remained dedicated to being a supportive father and grandfather.
From guiding his children through personal challenges to celebrating their successes, Henry continues to cherish every moment with his family. Whether it’s attending charity events for Zoe’s organization, supporting Max’s directing career, or simply spending quality time with his grandkids, Henry Winkler’s biggest role has always been that of a loving father and grandfather.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many children does Henry Winkler have?
Henry Winkler has three children: Jed Weitzman (his stepson), Zoe Winkler, and Max Winkler.
2. What does Henry Winkler’s son Max do?
Max Winkler is a successful director, writer, and producer. He has directed episodes of New Girl, American Horror Story, and Barry.
3. What is Zoe Winkler known for?
Zoe Winkler co-founded This Is About Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps migrant families at the U.S.-Mexico border.
4. How did Henry Winkler discover he had dyslexia?
Henry Winkler realized he had dyslexia when his stepson, Jed, was diagnosed. He recognized the same struggles in himself and was officially diagnosed at age 31.
5. How many grandchildren does Henry Winkler have?
Henry Winkler has six grandchildren, three from Zoe and three from Jed and Max.
