Henry Winkler and Stacey’s 47-Year Love Story: A Chance Meeting, Real-Life Challenges, and Lasting Devotion

Henry Winkler and wife Stacey nearly missed their first date—now 47 years later, they share a story of love, resilience, cancer survival, and family first.

Henry Winkler is best known as “The Fonz” from Happy Days—but his greatest role might be husband and “Papa.” With three kids and a 47-year marriage to his wife, Stacey, their love story began with a chance meeting that almost didn’t turn into a first date.

They met in a clothing store where Stacey worked with the shop as a public-relations client. Henry walked in looking for a sport coat and asked her for help. He later recalled instantly noticing her bold style—red hair, purple parachute pants—and her strength. When he returned a week later, he asked her out. Stacey nearly declined, but said yes. Soon after, she and her four-year-old son moved in with Henry, and in 1978 they married at the Manhattan synagogue where Henry had his bar mitzvah.

Fame followed. With Happy Days at its peak, Stacey had to navigate the attention that came with being married to “Fonzie.” Fans often rushed up to Henry, sometimes literally stepping over her to get to him. She chose grace, reminding herself that such attention meant his career was thriving..

Together, Henry and Stacey built a family. They welcomed daughter Zoey in 1980 and son Max in 1983. Max followed his dad into Hollywood as a writer, director, and producer on shows like New Girl and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.

Then came their toughest challenge. In the late ’90s, Stacey was diagnosed with breast cancer and went into remission. The cancer returned in 2007, and she underwent a double mastectomy. Since then, she has been cancer-free. Henry became an active supporter of breast cancer awareness, speaking at events and using his platform to champion patients and families—something he’d done in different ways since the 1970s.

Their secret to a lasting marriage? Both say there isn’t just one. It’s love, work, and “stick-to-itiveness.” Stacey has said there are “glitches in the road,” but if the foundation is love and friendship, the relationship grows stronger. On The Late Late Show, James Corden surprised Henry with a wedding photo; Henry smiled and said Stacey is as beautiful now as she was then. Stacey often shares her pride and support for Henry on social media too.

These days, their favorite role is grandparent. Henry, whose own grandparents were lost in the Holocaust, cherishes the chance to be “Papa.” He laughs about a bedtime moment when his young grandson pointed to Happy Days on the DVR and said, “That’s you. Your hair was different. You were skinnier then!”

From a near-missed first date to decades of family, health battles, and unwavering support, Henry and Stacey’s story is a reminder that real love is built day by day—through grace, humor, and resilience.

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