At its peak during the 1970s, *Happy Days* attracted an estimated 50 million viewers each week, making it one of television’s biggest successes. Even with that level of fame, Winkler said the cast generally avoided letting celebrity status create divisions among them.
However, he admitted there was one notable exception.
Winkler recalled that a recurring guest actor frequently talked about the amount of fan mail he received after appearing on the series. The repeated comments eventually prompted the actor to respond.
“One guy came on as a guest star, and then he was brought back a few times. And he would mention his fan mail. And I said, ‘You don’t wanna talk to me about fan mail. I got 50,000 letters a week.’”
Winkler explained that he wanted everyone on the set to remain focused on working together rather than comparing their popularity.
“We don’t talk about that on the set. We are all here as one.”
Despite that conversation, Winkler said the behavior continued.
“And he kept doing it, and he was an assback.”
Although Winkler initially chose not to identify the actor, he later offered a clue by saying the performer had played the character Eugene. Many longtime *Happy Days* fans recognized the reference as Denis Mandel, who portrayed Eugene Belvin in ten episodes between 1980 and 1982. Mandel later appeared in television series including *Knots Landing* and *Homefront* before leaving the acting profession. Reports indicate that media outlets have attempted to contact Mandel for comment, but no public response has been made.
Despite that isolated experience, Winkler continues to speak fondly about the people who made *Happy Days* such a success. He has frequently praised Ron Howard, who portrayed Richie Cunningham before becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected directors.
Winkler shared one memory that has stayed with him throughout his career. During filming, he became frustrated with a difficult scene and started hitting his script. Howard quietly stepped in to offer advice that left a lasting impression.
“I was having trouble with a scene. I started punching my script,”
Howard calmly guided him away from the set and reminded him to remember the writers’ efforts.
“You know, the writers are working as hard as they can. Let’s not hit our script.”
Winkler said he never forgot those words.
“Ron, I will never hit my script as long as I live. And he is, and was, even at that tender age, so wise. He just is easy, he just kind of goes through life and he’s an amazing fellow.”
More than 50 years after *Happy Days* first premiered, Winkler remains active in the entertainment industry and says retirement has never been a serious consideration.
“It never occurred to me [to retire] because I am so happy in my house with Stacey and our children and our grandchildren, and I am so happy when I am working.”
He added that continuing to do the work he dreamed about as a young actor is something he never takes for granted.
“When I’m doing what I dreamed of doing, and I still get to do it. I still get to be at the table. That is an amazement to me. I am not kidding. I don’t take it for granted.”