Green Light Speaker Series

An Evening with Henry Winkler

Tuesday, November 17, 2026
6:30–8 pm
Ringling College Studio Labs Soundstage and Post-Production Complex

Proceeds from this event support Ringling College of Art and Design, celebrating its award-winning programs in art and design, which are consistently ranked among the top in the world. These programs equip students with cutting-edge technical skills, creative confidence, and the professional preparation needed to excel in today’s dynamic creative industries

Henry Winkler will celebrate 50 years of success in Hollywood this year and continues to be in demand not only as an actor, producer, and director but as a best-selling author. A 1973 audition in Los Angeles forever changed the life of the Yale School of Drama graduate when Winkler was cast in the iconic role of Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz,” in the TV series Happy Days. During his 10 years on the popular sitcom, he won two Golden Globe Awards, was nominated three times for an Emmy Award, and was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In recent years, Winkler appeared in a number of series, including Arrested Development, Children’s Hospital, Royal Pains, New Girl, Parks and Recreation, and Barry. He co-starred as acting teacher Gene Cousineau on the hit HBO dark comedy, Barry. In 2018, he won his first Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for his role on the series. He was nominated again for an Emmy in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Winkler has also won two Television Critics Choice Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and SAG Award. Some of his other notable roles include Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch, On the Count of Three, Pink Skies Ahead, Night Shift, Here Comes the Boom, The Waterboy, Click, The Lords of Flatbush, Heroes, Holes, and Scream. 

In addition to his creative work, Winkler has always believed in helping others and is especially passionate about helping children. He has received a number of accolades from a variety of prestigious organizations, including B’nai B’rith, the Peace Prize by the United Nations, and Women in Film’s Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, presented to both Henry and his wife, Stacey, for their tireless efforts and devotion to the “improvement of the human condition.” His work includes Honorary Chairman of United Friends of the Children; Founding Member of the Children’s Action Network; the first National Honorary Chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation of America; National Chairman of the annual Toys for Tots campaign; the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped; the Special Olympics; and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Very Special Arts Festival for children who are physically challenged; as well as participating in numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. 

Audiences always leave Henry’s presentations inspired and entertained. Through humorous anecdotes and inspirational life lessons about overcoming adversity, to tales from his storied career in television and entertainment, groups of all ages can learn from Henry’s speeches.