‘Happy Days' Star Has One Problem With the ‘Bronze Fonz' Statue Honoring His Iconic Character

Henry Winkler appeared on the April 22 episode of TODAY to promote his show, Hazardous History with Henry Winkler. While speaking with the hosts, Sheinelle Jones and Willie Geist, he mentioned his recent visit to the Bronze Fonz statue that is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He last visited the monument on his 80th birthday in October 2025.

"You know what pisses me off? He's taller," Winkler, who is five-foot-six joked. "He's taller than I am. I don't look him in the eye."

The statue pays tribute to his iconic Happy Days character, Fonzie, with his classic black leather jacket and white t-shirt. The show ran from 1974 to 1984 and was set in Milwaukee, where the statue is located. It was created by artist Gerald P. Sawyer in 2008 and can be found in the downtown area by the Milwaukee Riverwalk.

Related: ‘Happy Days' Star Will Be Delivering the Commencement Speech at a Top-Tier College

"What a thing in your life," Winkler continued during his interview. "People told me I would never achieve, and I have a statue. I mean, c'mon. And a cool one. A tall one."

Winkler also visited the statue in 2016 and posted a photograph to his social media, which captured him smiling with his arm wrapped around the statue. "OH YES I visit when I'm in Milwaukee," he said.

OH YES I visit when I'm in Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/75GVCPL2YX

— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) August 9, 2016

Many fans have visited the statue over the years as well. As one fan said, "I couldn't visit Milwaukee without finding the Bronze Fonz, even on a freezing cold day! Growing up with Happy Days made this a must-see for me. The statue is a fun and nostalgic tribute, and the spot overlooking the Milwaukee River is beautiful. It's the perfect blend of pop culture and local charm. It's worth braving the cold for this iconic photo op!"

Another said, "I visited this statue on a cold night. It's very strange to think 'I'm lucky to have seen a statue of a fictional character' but I did, and I do. The surround views were nice. The lights reflecting off the water made it even better."

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler, which you can watch on the History Channel, is about reckless moments in American history. Winkler is also starring in Normal with Bob Odenkirk, a film about a small-town sheriff who uncovers a secret while investigating a botched bank robbery. It is in theaters now.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 9:16 AM.