Henry Winkler’s Transformation: ‘Barry’ Brings Him Closer to Acting Heroes Nicholson and Hopkins, Credits Show’s Writing as “Special Sauce”

Henry Winkler, the 77-year-old star known for his role as Gene Cousineau in the comedy series Barry, believes that working on the show has elevated his acting abilities to new heights.

Winkler, famous for his portrayal of the Fonz in Happy Days, is expressing that starring in Barry has brought him closer to his acting idols Jack Nicholson and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Winkler shared, “I have become a better actor. I have. I’m getting close to the actor I dreamt of being when I was doing the Fonz. Some of my idols in acting are Jack Nicholson and Anthony Hopkins, where there’s no distance between their soul and their character. You can’t even put a sheet of paper between the two. There is something so magnificent about that. And I have been working to get there.”

The veteran actor received critical acclaim for his performance in Barry, even winning an Emmy Award. Winkler attributes much of the show’s success to the exceptional quality of the writing. He describes it as the “special sauce” that sets the series apart.

He emphasized the collaborative nature of the show’s production, explaining, “Everything starts with the writing. Everything starts with the people at the top. If it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage. That’s their secret sauce. I don’t know how to describe it. I’m just lucky enough to have it on my meal.”

Henry Winkler Has Mixed Emotions on the Show’s Finale

With Barry‘s series finale recently airing, Winkler expressed mixed emotions about the show’s end. While he understands the rational aspect of it, he also feels a sense of sadness.

Reflecting on the final scene, Winkler revealed, “I was lucky enough to be the last shot for the end of ‘Barry.’ I’m in a room. I walk through the door. And the entire crew was there. Bill (Hader, co-creator) gave me a hug. And he whispered in my ear: ‘Thank you for being such a great collaborator.’ And my heart flew out of my body.”

Henry Winkler’s journey on Barry has not only enriched his craft as an actor but also allowed him to pay homage to his idols while contributing to the show’s undeniable success.