Henry Winkler Discusses His 80th Birthday and Meeting Bruce Springsteen

TL;DR

Henry Winkler shares his experiences from his 80th birthday party, attending a Bruce Springsteen concert, and filming his first nude scene. He reflects on the excitement of meeting Springsteen multiple times and the challenges of filming in cold weather. Winkler also discusses his TV show 'Hazardous History' and his collaboration with Bob Odenkirk.

Transcript

Our next guest is a beloved actor and the coolest guy ever to live above a strange family's garage. Hazardous History with Henry Winkler returns for season 2 on Sunday night. Please welcome Henry Winkler. Welcome, welcome, welcome. It's very good to see you. How are you? >> I'm so happy to be here. Hi, M. >> Oh, yeah. You're chatting with my wife. ... Read More

Key Insights

• Henry Winkler celebrated his 80th birthday with a party that included a Dodgers game broadcast, ensuring guests stayed entertained.
• Winkler has attended Bruce Springsteen concerts since 1984, describing the experience as consistently thrilling and politically charged.
• He recently filmed his first nude scene for the show 'Loot', which was a challenging experience due to cold weather conditions.
• Winkler's show 'Hazardous History' was renewed for a second season, highlighting bizarre historical facts and events.
• He avoids signing autographs on flesh due to concerns about ink absorption into the bloodstream.
• Winkler's collaboration with Bob Odenkirk began after a chance meeting, leading to his role in a film shot in cold Canadian weather.
• Despite his fame, Winkler values personal interactions and prefers simple greetings from fans.
• He humorously recounts historical oddities, such as a woman who inadvertently addicted babies to morphine with a potion.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Henry Winkler celebrate his 80th birthday?

Henry Winkler celebrated his 80th birthday with a party that included a broadcast of a Dodgers game, allowing guests to enjoy both the celebration and the game. His wife cleverly arranged for a television, ensuring that everyone could watch the game and stay entertained throughout the event.

Q: What is Henry Winkler's experience with Bruce Springsteen concerts?

Henry Winkler has attended Bruce Springsteen concerts since 1984 and has seen him perform about seven times. He describes the experience as consistently thrilling, with Springsteen performing energetically for hours. Winkler notes that the concerts are politically charged, and Springsteen's passion for the country is evident in his performances.

Q: What challenges did Henry Winkler face during his first nude scene?

Henry Winkler faced challenges during his first nude scene for the show 'Loot', primarily due to the cold weather conditions. The scene was filmed on a beach in January, and Winkler humorously describes the wind hitting him from all directions. Despite the discomfort, he appreciated the support of Maya Rudolph and her cast.

Q: What is 'Hazardous History' about?

'Hazardous History' is a TV show hosted by Henry Winkler that delves into bizarre historical facts and events. The show highlights unusual and often humorous occurrences from the past, such as a woman who created a potion that inadvertently addicted babies to morphine. The show was renewed for a second season due to its popularity.

Q: Why does Henry Winkler avoid signing autographs on skin?

Henry Winkler avoids signing autographs on skin because he is concerned about the ink potentially being absorbed into the bloodstream. He humorously mentions that he fears causing harm, so he prefers to sign other items instead. This cautious approach reflects his thoughtful consideration for his fans' well-being.

Q: How did Henry Winkler's collaboration with Bob Odenkirk begin?

Henry Winkler's collaboration with Bob Odenkirk began after a chance meeting when Odenkirk expressed his admiration for Winkler. This encounter led to a friendship, and Odenkirk later invited Winkler to be part of a film project. The film was shot in the coldest part of Canada, adding a challenging yet rewarding experience to Winkler's career.

Q: How does Henry Winkler prefer fans to approach him?

Henry Winkler prefers fans to approach him with a simple 'hello', valuing genuine and straightforward interactions. He appreciates when fans acknowledge his work but emphasizes that they can say anything they want. Winkler is approachable and enjoys engaging with people, making him a beloved figure among his audience.

Q: What historical oddities does Henry Winkler share from 'Hazardous History'?

In 'Hazardous History', Henry Winkler shares various historical oddities, such as a woman who accidentally addicted babies to morphine with her potion. He also mentions a dentist's cellulose dentures that could catch fire in the summer. These quirky stories highlight the bizarre and often humorous aspects of history that the show explores.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Henry Winkler celebrated his 80th birthday with a memorable party that featured a Dodgers game, ensuring guests stayed entertained. He has seen Bruce Springsteen perform multiple times since 1984 and describes each concert as a unique, exhilarating experience. Winkler also filmed his first nude scene for 'Loot', facing challenges due to cold weather.

• Winkler's show 'Hazardous History' was renewed for a second season, where it explores bizarre historical events and facts. He avoids signing autographs on skin, fearing ink absorption. A chance meeting with Bob Odenkirk led to a film role, further showcasing Winkler's continued presence in the entertainment industry.

• Despite his long career, Winkler remains approachable, valuing genuine interactions with fans. He humorously shares historical oddities, such as babies being given morphine-laced potions in the past. His friendship with Odenkirk highlights his collaborative spirit and willingness to embrace new projects.