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Veteran actor Henry Winkler admitted he could have been more supportive of his wife, Stacey Weitzman, during her battle with cancer. Despite the challenges, their enduring marriage has blessed them with two children. Check out her photos!

Henry Winkler, best known as The Fonz from the iconic sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984), found lasting love with Stacey Weitzman during the show’s run. A two-time cancer survivor, Stacey has been his devoted partner for over 40 years.

Henry and Stacey’s love story began in 1976 at a Los Angeles clothing store. Henry recalls being captivated by her striking appearance, sharing in an interview, “She was wearing purple parachute pants and had red hair. Without her saying a word, I thought, ‘Wow, a beautiful woman standing in front of me.'”

Intrigued, Henry returned to the store a week later to strike up a conversation. He recalled, “Within 10 minutes, I learned how strong she is.”

Henry and Stacey’s first meeting soon led to a memorable first date. Though she initially declined his offer to get a soda, she later changed her mind, and they ended up sharing ginger ales together. Stacey knew little about Henry’s acting career at the time, making their connection feel genuine and unpretentious.

Henry and Stacey tied the knot in 1978, two years after they first met. They later welcomed their daughter Zoe in 1980 and their son Max in 1983.

Henry Winkler also became a stepfather to Stacey’s son, Jed Weitzman, who was diagnosed with dyslexia.

The couple’s daughter, Zoe, was a kindergarten teacher and is the co-founder of This Is About Humanity, a charitable foundation supporting families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border. “I could not get the images out of my head of these children,” she shared, explaining how her experience as a mother motivated her activism.

Zoe isn’t the only one making a difference—her brother, Max, has channeled his passion for storytelling into a successful career as a director and producer. He even included his family in his work, casting his father, Henry, in American Horror Story.

Max’s creative accomplishments are complemented by his stepbrother Jed’s success in the business world. Currently thriving in the entertainment industry, Jed serves as head of music for the ticketing platform Logitix.

Jed’s business success is just one part of the expanding Winkler legacy. Henry now cherishes his role as a grandfather to six grandchildren, a role he holds dear.

Henry expressed, “It is such a wonderful experience to be with them,” adding, “[We] watch the sports, watch our granddaughters dance, watch my little granddaughter walk the dog around the house.”

While Henry treasures his role as a grandfather, Stacey has also made a significant impact in the professional world. She founded her own public relations firm, representing prestigious clients such as Van Cleef & Arpels, Jag, and the renowned Beverly Hills clothing store Jerry Magnin’s.

Stacey’s professional success was overshadowed by a life-altering challenge in 2003 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For Henry, her diagnosis brought to light his own struggles, revealing the emotional toll it took on him.

Reflecting on that difficult time, Henry admitted, “I went to her chemotherapy infusions, but my support consisted of falling asleep in the chair. I was not there. I’m not proud of that.” He also expressed regret for accepting an acting job that required him to be away during her recovery.

In his book, Being Henry: The Fonz… and Beyond, Henry candidly wrote, “I just couldn’t process this gigantic news. I was terrified, as I know she was, but I was also scared to share my fear with her. Not my finest hour.”

Henry eventually sought therapy to address these struggles, exploring childhood traumas he had long suppressed. He credits therapy with yielding “unbelievable” results. Through perseverance and treatment, Stacey’s cancer initially went into remission. However, it later returned, prompting her to make the decision to undergo a double mastectomy.

Stacey’s strength inspired a shared sense of purpose between her and Henry, leading them to dedicate their time to helping others. Together, they co-founded the Children’s Action Network, which has provided free immunizations to over 175,000 children and supported a national adoption campaign.

Henry also contributed by co-hosting the Cerebral Palsy Telethon and serving as the national chairman of Toys for Tots. “I have a nice relationship with children. If I wasn’t an actor, I’d work with them,” revealed the Emmy Award-winning star.

Building on their shared commitment to family and philanthropy, Henry and Stacey’s marriage has flourished for 46 years, marked by love, growth, and resilience.

In a joint interview, Stacey reflected on their marriage, expressing the joy of growing together over the years, even as they’ve changed. She acknowledged that a lasting partnership requires effort and determination, but that love and commitment strengthen both friendship and the relationship over time.

Henry agreed, highlighting the everyday joys they share, such as fly fishing, spending time with their grandchildren, and watching movies together. “We truly enjoy each other every day,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of listening in a relationship, calling it the cornerstone of their bond.

In a separate interview, the Hollywood star explained that the key to their relationship is the ear—being able to truly listen. He also attributed their success to choosing the right partner and having the determination to navigate life’s ups and downs together.

Stacey’s reflections on the effort and love needed for a lasting relationship align with the private life she and Henry have worked hard to maintain. In another joint interview, Henry noted, “We try to live as private a life as we can,” while Stacey emphasized the importance of a strong personal foundation to overcome challenges.

“If you have it, you can survive almost anything,” Stacey shared, a sentiment Henry agreed with. He added, “The stars who last have a strong sense of who they are.”

Henry Winkler and Stacey’s enduring bond is built on mutual respect, growth, and shared values. Their commitment to both their marriage and their individuality has withstood the test of time, making their partnership a true success story.