Henry Winkler’s journey to success was anything but smooth. He faced significant challenges in school, which led to harsh criticism from his parents. The constant putdowns and name-calling eventually took a toll on his confidence—something he vowed never to impose on his own children. It wasn’t until decades later that Winkler discovered the underlying reason for his struggles. Understanding this, he sought to use his diagnosis to inspire others, particularly children.

Despite being a highly accomplished actor, Winkler had to work incredibly hard for all his achievements. His difficulties began early in life, largely due to the high expectations placed on him, particularly regarding education.

“My parents were very, very, very, very, very short Jews from Germany,” Winkler shared with The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity. “They believed in education. They thought I was lazy. I was called lazy. I was called stupid. I was told I was not living up to my potential.” But Winkler knew he was giving his best effort, despite what his parents believed.