‘Happy Days' Star, 80, Is Honored This Iconic Woman Had a Crush on His Character

Henry Winkler, 80, played Arthur Fonzarelli from 1974 to 1984 on Happy Days. During that time, many fans had a crush on his legendary character-including some famous icons. Recently, Winkler spoke about one notable woman who admitted to having a crush on him.

According toThe Hollywood Reporter, "He recalled, during an appearance at the Banff World Media Festival, how he'd been a guest on the podcast IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson and being told the former first lady had had a crush on his Fonzie character."

"I met her," Winkler said. "I was in awe. … She puts you at ease immediately. She is completely present. Her brother was warm and lovely. They had a conversation like sister and brother. I was honored."

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During the podcast, which occurred in December 2025, the former First Lady said, "Let me tell you who The Fonz was, at least to me. First of all, sexy."

She continued, "Now what did I know about sexy at... I can't do the math, but I was young... preteen. I saw on the screen the coolest... You read tall!" She went on, "You read 6'3. Think an even cooler version of John Travolta, before John Travolta. Thick, black, luscious Italian hair. Who knew?"

Obama also spoke about a big change that was made in the show, when the Fonz changed from wearing a khaki jacket to putting on a leather jacket for the first time. She added, "I remember that change because I think it did something to me. I was like, 'Woo!'"

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Winkler is now hosting and executive producing the series, Hazardous History With Henry Winkler, on the History Channel. The show, which discusses hazardous toys and household items that used to be common in the past, is in its second season.

"In this day of age, to be picked up for 30 episodes is an amazement," he told TheHollywood Reporter.

Winkler is also the author of several books, including his memoir, Being Henry, The Fonz… And Beyond. "I was on the New York Times bestseller list for 11 weeks," he said. "I was shocked as I had no idea how it would be received."

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 5:43 AM.