Henry Winkler on the Moment He Knew Robin Williams Was a “Genius” at His ‘Happy Days’ Audition

Henry Winkler on the Moment He Knew Robin Williams Was a “Genius” at His ‘Happy Days’ Audition

As a lifelong fan and student of Hollywood history, I can confidently say that few moments in television history have been as electrifying as the day Henry Winkler met Robin Williams. The encounter, reminisced by Winkler on the “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald” podcast, is a testament to the transformative power of talent and the unpredictability of human nature.


Henry Winkler recalls vividly one of the early encounters with Robin Williams, an encounter that stands out in his memory.

More recently, the actor graced the Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald podcast, reminiscing about Williams’s tryout for the part of Mork – an alien hailing from the planet Ork who unexpectedly arrives on Earth – on Happy Days, after the initial actor departed from the show.

When Robin arrived for his audition, it’s now Wednesday, Winkler explained that we begin on Monday morning at 10:00 AM on the soundstage. We rehearse at 9:00 AM, he added, and at 10:00 AM, we’ll be on set. ‘No one was keen to take on this role as the alien from outer space,’ Winkler concluded.

As I sat there, nervously awaiting my audition for a role, suddenly a timid, almost whispering man entered with the casting director – or so I thought. But as soon as he picked up the script and opened his mouth, it was like an eruption on stage 19 at Paramount! The words just flowed out of him, leaving me in awe. That’s how I remember meeting Denzel Washington during my audition for “Philadelphia.

At that instant, Winkler realized he needed to “step aside, memorize my lines, and avoid direct confrontation with the apparent prodigy now before me.

In 2014, when Williams passed away, he first appeared as the character Mork in the 22nd episode of season five from the popular series that aired from 1974 to 1984. This episode was titled “My Favorite Orkan,” and it featured Richie (played by Ron Howard), who was trying to persuade others that he had spotted a UFO and had been questioned by an extraterrestrial named Mork, who aimed to transport Richie to his home planet.

In the world of “Happy Days,” a show I adore that was masterfully crafted by Garry Marshall, I found myself immersed in the life of teenager Richie Cunningham and his family residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Arthur Fonzarelli, skillfully portrayed by Henry Winkler, was the enigmatic bad boy who later transformed into my dear friend Richie’s cherished companion.

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2024-10-03 09:25