Henry Winkler

The stand-ups who took over children's TV

Is performing for young audiences easier? Far from it say the comedians who do clubs at night and CBBC shows by day.

My peccadillo, Henry Winkler

In this week's My Peccadillo, Henry Winkler (aka the Fonz!) reveals why he mourns the time not spent fly fishing.

Henry Winkler interview

Henry Winkler on being a Peaky Blinders fanboy, starstruck by John Lennon and wanting to be a Strictly judge.

The series adapted from children's books by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver returns for a second season. Based on Winkler's own experiences growing up with dyslexia, but with events transposed from the US to Yorkshire, it also stars the man who was Fonzie as teacher Mr Rock, an understanding counterpoint to Ms Adolf (Felicity Montagu). In today's opener, McKelty ruins Hank's school photograph by spraying him with pop. Hank (Nick James) is determined to get himself cleaned up and back in front of the camera.

The Nick Mohammed three minute interview

Nick Mohammed plays Malcolm in E4's new series Drifters and has featured in a host of TV comedies including Miranda, Uncle, and Hank Zipzer alongside Henry Winkler. He is currently writing Morning Has Broken for Channel 4 with Julia Davis. Somehow he has also found the time to bring a new live show, Mr. Swallow - The Musical, to his year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Blog on adapting the Hank Zipzer books for TV

When I was invited to pitch for the job of adapting Hank Zipzer I hadn't heard of the books but I had heard of author Henry Winkler.

Unfailingly charming comedy based on the semi-autobiographical books by Henry Winkler, which tell the story of a dyslexic schoolboy who's always in trouble. In part two, Hank devises an unorthodox way on to the softball team, and there's a big argument about lucky socks. The adult cast and the children all have a chance to shine here, and that helps to make it a show that families can enjoy together.

Adapted from the books by Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler, based upon Winkler's own experience of growing up with dyslexia, Hank Zipzer is a fast-paced, frantic and very funny comedy, with serious undertones, from the CBBC channel.

Several aspects of episode one did jar, however. Firstly, our schoolboy anti-hero's extremely American-sounding name is never explained. Secondly, I'd like to think that modern schools are sufficiently enlightened around dyslexia not to punish a student with the condition by making him read his essay aloud in assembly. Thirdly, the quality of the acting among the young cast covers a wide spectrum, and that's putting it charitably.

Minor quibbles apart, Hank Zipzer is great fun, cleverly constructed and eminently likeable. It also boasts an excellent adult cast, including Felicity Montagu as Hank's bad-tempered, sword-wielding teacher Miss Adolf, and Winkler himself oozes charm as a rock'n'roll music teacher, appropriately named Mr Rock.