Henry Winklerhad a memorable role in theAdam Sandler-led comedyThe Waterboy,but as it turns out, Winkler’s participation was not planned. TheHappy Daysstar’s appearance as Coach Klein was a last-minute favor for Sandler, who reached out to Winkler after the original actor cast for the role didn’t show up for production. Frank Coraci’sThe Waterboyfollows Sandler’s Bobby Boucher, an awkward waterboy who discovers he has a hidden talent for football and becomes a member of Coach Klein’s team. During an appearance on theLet’s Talk Off-Camera with Kelly Ripapodcast, Winkler recounted the story of how he ended up as Coach Klein:
“I did [The]Waterboy. He [Sandler] called me up in the middle of the night. He said, ‘Henry, I need a favor. My actor didn’t show up. I need you to drive right now to the park. It’s in L.A., it is now 11:30 at night. I go and I say, ‘Okay.’ I shave. I drive. I go. I sit. I get makeup until 3:30 in the morning Do you know what I got? A cookie. I didn’t even get to keep my wardrobe.”
When Ripa mentioned Chris Rock said Sandler gifted hisGrown Upsco-stars Maseratis and asked the Barry actor what car he would want from Sandler, Winkler continued to joke, telling Ripa that he wouldn’t want a Maserati:
“I don’t want a Maserati because that would be so low to get into, I would have to sleep in it. I could never get out.”
Despite failing to impress critics,The Waterboymade a splash at the box office (grossing $190 million worldwide against a $20 million budget). Its underdog story - and Sandler and Winkler’s memorable performances -resonated with fanswho love the film.
The Waterboy Helped Revive Henry Winkler’s Career
Despite Henry Winkler’s disillusionment at being compensated with a cookie, the actor has previously said thatThe Waterboyhelped revive his career, as it was difficult for him to secure substantial roles post-Happy Days(where Winkler rose to stardomplaying the iconic Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli). AfterThe Waterboy, Winkler landed roles in popular shows likeArrested DevelopmentandParks and Recreation, and in 2018, earned anEmmy Award for his work onBarry. Winkler has also reunited with Sandler for several projects followingThe Waterboy: 2000’sLittle Nicky, 2006’sClick, 2008’sYou Don’t Mess with the Zohan, and 2017’sSandy Wexler.
Happy Days Star Henry Winkler Struggled with Dyslexia, Actor ‘Felt Embarrassed, Inadequate’
Despite dyslexia, Henry Winkler achieved a level of success and celebrity that very few of his contemporaries could even dream of.
Winkler shared his admiration for Sandler (who is considered one of Hollywood’s nicest guys), telling Ripa:
“I love him. He is whatever you imagine. He is wacky. He is different. He is a family man. He is loyal. He is funny. He is in amazement. He has a vision. You know, when he, directs or he’s in a movie, he is in charge of every detail. There’s not a frame that gets by him. No matter what it is, I love him and I respect him deeply. I’m not crazy about the way he dresses.”
Winkler last appeared in the October 15episode ofAmerican Horror Stories. In the episode, “X”, Winkler portrays Dr. Eric Nostrum, an oncologist who works at a hospital where unethical experimentation is taking place in a mysterious ward. Interestingly, Winkler’s son, Max, directs two episodes of this season’s horror anthology, but is not at the helm of “X.”
