5 Secrets To Henry Winkler And Stacey Weitzman's 45-Year Hollywood Marriage

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In a town notorious for fleeting relationships, Henry Winkler and his wife, Stacey Weitzman, stand as a remarkable testament to enduring love, having been happily married for over 45 years. Their partnership, which began long before Winkler's career resurgence in recent years, is the stable bedrock of his life, a fact he frequently discusses in his latest public appearances and his bestselling memoir. As of the current date, December 21, 2025, the couple continues to be a shining example of a successful Hollywood family, navigating fame, personal challenges, and professional evolution together.

The woman behind "The Fonz"—a former PR powerhouse, a dedicated mother, and a breast cancer survivor—Stacey Weitzman has carved out an impressive life and career entirely on her own terms. Far from being just a celebrity spouse, her life story is one of resilience, business acumen, and unwavering support for her famous husband, providing a crucial anchor for the Emmy-winning actor, producer, and author.

Stacey Weitzman: Complete Biography and Profile

Stacey Weitzman, born Stacey Furstman, is an American businesswoman, former public relations executive, and activist who has successfully pursued a career separate from her husband's fame. She is best known today as the devoted wife of actor Henry Winkler.

  • Full Name: Stacey Furstman (later Weitzman)
  • Date of Birth: Not publicly disclosed, but born in the United States.
  • Education: Graduated from the University of North Carolina.
  • Career: Successful businesswoman, former fashion Public Relations (PR) executive, clothing designer, and activist. She established her own successful PR firm early in her career.
  • First Marriage: Prior to meeting Henry Winkler, Stacey was married and had a son, Jed Weitzman.
  • Spouse: Henry Franklin Winkler (married 1978).
  • Children: Three—Jed Weitzman (stepson, from Stacey's first marriage), Zoe Emily Winkler (daughter), and Max Daniel Winkler (son).
  • Notable Personal Achievement: Breast cancer survivor.
  • Residence: Los Angeles, California.

The Unexpected Love Story: From First Date to 45+ Years of Marriage

Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman’s relationship began in 1976, two years before they tied the knot. The story of their first meeting and subsequent marriage is a charming anecdote that highlights the genuine nature of their bond, which has now lasted for over four and a half decades.

Meeting the Fonz (and His Fame)

Stacey was working in a clothing store in Los Angeles when she first met Henry Winkler. At the time, Winkler was at the absolute peak of his fame as Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the hit show *Happy Days*.

Their first date was unusual. Stacey, who was a single mother at the time, brought her then-four-year-old son, Jed, along. The child, however, was unimpressed by the TV star. Winkler has humorously recounted that Jed called him "a mean man" on that first outing, a comment that led to a playful argument and a memorable start to their relationship.

Stacey herself was reportedly stunned by the sheer magnitude of Winkler's fame. She had not been a regular viewer of *Happy Days* and was surprised when fans swarmed them in public. Despite the chaos of celebrity, their connection was immediate and real.

A 1978 Wedding and Growing a Family

The couple married in 1978 in a synagogue in New York. Their commitment quickly deepened as they blended their family. Stacey's son, Jed Weitzman, was adopted by Henry Winkler, and they later welcomed two more children: daughter Zoe Emily Winkler and son Max Daniel Winkler.

The children have since grown up to pursue their own successful careers. Zoe Winkler is a teacher and co-founder of the This is About Humanity organization, while Max Winkler has become a successful director and screenwriter. The family unit, often seen together at public events, is a core entity in both Henry and Stacey’s lives.

The Unbreakable Bond: Navigating Health Battles and Hollywood Stress

The longevity of the Winkler-Weitzman marriage is not just a fairy tale; it is a story of facing real-world challenges, including serious health crises and the pressures of a demanding career. These trials have only served to strengthen their bond, proving their commitment goes far deeper than Hollywood glamour.

Stacey’s Battle with Breast Cancer

One of the most defining periods of their marriage was Stacey Weitzman's battle with breast cancer. Stacey is a breast cancer survivor, a personal struggle that she faced with immense bravery.

Henry Winkler has been candid about his own reaction during this frightening time. He has openly admitted that he "froze in fear" and "was not there" for his wife in the way he should have been during her chemotherapy treatment. This admission, shared years later, is a testament to the honesty and vulnerability that define their long relationship, where they acknowledge imperfections but remain committed to moving forward together.

Stacey’s Separate and Successful Career

While Henry Winkler was busy transforming from "The Fonz" to a respected director, producer, and now a celebrated author, Stacey was building a successful career in her own right. She pursued a business degree from the University of North Carolina and established a successful fashion PR firm that attracted high-profile clients.

Eventually, she chose to step back from the high-pressure world of public relations to focus on raising her family. This decision, however, did not diminish her professional identity; she remains known as a successful American businesswoman and activist who created a career independent of her husband’s wealth and fame.

Henry Winkler's Current Life: Celebrating 50 Years in Hollywood

The stability provided by his marriage to Stacey has allowed Henry Winkler to continually reinvent himself professionally. As of 2024, he celebrated 50 years of success in Hollywood and remains in high demand as a multi-talented professional.

The Bestselling Author and Public Speaker

Winkler’s most recent and prominent professional endeavor is his role as a New York Times bestselling author. His memoir, *Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond*, was published in late 2023 and became an instant success, spending 11 weeks on the bestseller list.

Throughout 2024, Winkler embarked on a series of public appearances, including speaking engagements at venues like the Barbican Centre in London, to discuss his life, career, and the lessons learned from his time as "The Fonz" and beyond. This current phase of his career, celebrated by the Television Academy, showcases his enduring relevance and versatility.

The themes of family, resilience, and personal growth, which are central to his book, reflect the strong foundation he has built with Stacey Weitzman. Their partnership is the quiet, powerful force that has allowed "The Fonz" to evolve into the successful actor, producer, director, and beloved author he is today.

henry winkler wife
henry winkler wife

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