OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc. OnlineHost: Your hosts for tonight's Oldsmobile Celebrity Circle are Bob XR (AOLiveMC15) and Jim JMF (AOLiveMC1). OnlineHost: Henry Winkler serves as executive producer of "SIGHTINGS," the leading authority on paranormal and supernatural investigation and television's primary source for exploration into the unknown. Winkler/Daniel Productions, which Winkler formed in 1987 with partner Ann Daniel, is producing "SIGHTINGS" in association with Paramount Domestic Television. Welcome! AOLiveMC15: Henry Winkler, welcome to America Online and Oldsmobile's Celebrity Circle! HWnkler: This still kills me that we are able to all be together across the country like this! I feel like I know you all already and we've just started! I really appreciate that you have come to say "hi." AOLiveMC15: Ready to start fielding some questions? Question: Now that it's airing on Nick at Nite, "Happy Days" has found a whole new audience. How do you explain the Fonz's enduring popularity? HWnkler: It is amazing to me also. All of a sudden I am getting letters from the children of the children who used to watch, and it is the same excitement on their faces when I meet them, and ultimately it makes me feel so incredibly good. Why the Fonz works like that, I'm not sure myself, all I did was play him. The Fonz was everybody I never was, and he was fun to play, but unfortunately, I could never be that cool! AOLiveMC15: Jcgklg1 asks this question: Question: Hey, Fonzie, how is that you and Richie became big time producers? HWnkler: Ron Howard always knew what he wanted to do. When he was growing up, the neighborhood kids would be the cast in his 8 millimeter movies. That was even before videotape! So, we would talk about his wanting to direct. At that time, I didn't know that I was going to produce and direct -- I thought I would just be an actor. My lawyer said to me, "I'm going to start a company for you, and you'll produce." I said, "I don't have the slightest idea how to do that job," and he said he believed in me, and I would learn. AOLiveMC15: OSale wants to know: Question: Do you have children now, and if so how old are they? Lynn. HWnkler: Lynn, I am happily married, and I have three children. I have a stepson who came into my life when he was four, he is now 25. My daughter is sixteen, and majors in telephone (LOL), and my youngest son is 13 and just won his basketball game tonight before we came Online! AOLiveMC15: JimbO wants to find out: Question: Has your "Sightings" experience changed your opinion about UFO's ? Have you ever seen a UFO? HWnkler: Unfortunately, I never saw a UFO, but I have always been fascinated by the material we cover on "Sightings," which you can now see on the SciFi Channel on Wednesday nights. We are very proud of our show, "Sightings." AOLiveMC15: JayCuz sends this question: Question: Do you still keep in contact with anyone from "Happy Days?" HWnkler: I'm going to Marion's house for a big dinner next Sunday night, and I was with Ron Howard and his family last Saturday afternoon. AOLiveMC15: Amuse80 asks this question: Question: When you played Scrooge, how long did the makeup process take? (We loved you! :-) HWnkler: First of all, I love you back. Second of all, I appreciate your love. And third of all, the makeup for Scrooge started at 3:20 in the morning, and I finished at 9:50 in the morning. We did that for thirty days. HWnkler: There were seven pieces of rubber that had to be glued to my face, and then painted and then makeup applied. It was the toughest makeup job I have ever done in my life. The inspiration was a picture of J. Paul Getty who was on the cover of Time Magazine and we used his face as a model. AOLiveMC15: Lopie1 wants to know: Question: Are you doing any projects that are coming up in the near future? HWnkler: Glad you asked, Lopie1! First of all, there is "Sightings" on the SciFi Channel on Wednesday nights. We have a new series on Showtime called "The Dead Man's Gun," which is like the Twilight Zone of the West. I have a movie on ABC, that I acted in, coming on sometime in the next three weeks in February called "Detention" with Rick Schroeder. I play my first cop. Then in March, I made a movie for the Movie Channel which is a little bit similar to the character I played in "Night Shift." AOLiveMC15: Peg4D wants to find out: Question: What comments or advise can you give to anyone in the acting field? HWnkler: First of all, you must work on yourself. You must believe in yourself. And remember that when you audition and you do not get the part, it does not mean that you are not good at what you do. HWnkler: Second of all, make sure that you have a well rounded life so that you are fulfilled in many different ways, as opposed to just through your work. HWnkler: Third of all, you have to think of yourself as one of those toys that has sand at the bottom so that when you knock it over it comes right back to center again. You must be tenacious and you must love the universe with all of its foibles. AOLiveMC15: Retarmycw sends this question: Question: Hey, Henry, any chance for a "Happy Days" reunion? I mean will we ever see Grandpa Fonzie with gray hair and worn out leather jacket? HWnkler: Maybe that is when I would play him again! When I needed a walker! LOL AOLiveMC15: S2dentagn asks this question: Question: What got you interested in "Sightings" to begin with. Was there a specific event that piqued your interest? HWnkler: No, I've always been interested in the stuff that we don't see, in the energy we can't use, in the part of the brain that is unknown to us, in the life that has to exist in the vastness of our universe and the galaxies beyond. I find that so many people have the same experiences all over the world. They can't all be kooks. I am really proud of the way "Sightings" even handedly handles the stories that we tell. I think Tim White is the perfect host because he was a news man first. AOLiveMC15: Lindsay99 wants to know: Question: When are you going to produce or direct another movie? HWnkler: I never know. I never know when I am going to produce or direct. I am developing some films now, but I like to do all three jobs. I see producing as trying to hold sand in your arms. I see directing as trying to get all that sand into one box. As an actor, I get to play with the sand. HWnkler: Just a special hello to HPNSWRMGN in Row 29. I've heard that you are the coolest! Thanks for being here. And I'm sure you watch "Sightings" on the SciFi Channel! (LOL) AOLiveMC15: RickTurbo wants to find out: Question: I was wondering by playing the role Butchey in "Lords of Flatbush" helped you get your role on "Happy Days?" HWnkler: Butchey did not help me get the Fonz because we went on the air with "Happy Days" in February of 74, and "The Lords of Flatbush" came out in May of 74. The only thing that is similar between the two characters is that they both wore a leather jacket. AOLiveMC15: Initforlif sends this question: Question: Do you prefer acting or directing? HWnkler: I still haven't made up my mind which one I like the best out of acting or directing. Acting was my first love, so I guess I would have to lean toward acting. But I just directed an episode of "Clueless" which will be on this Friday night on ABC. Right after that, you can watch the second airing of "Sightings" on the SciFi channel. I'm shameless! AOLiveMC15: CatLady91 sends this next one: Question: To AOLiveMC15, please let him know a cousin he doesn't know about would like to get in touch with him. HWnkler: To CatLady: Are you declawed? I'm always happy to know about family. If you truly are a family member, you can send a letter to Disney Studios in Burbank. Certainly if you are my cousin, you watch "Sightings!" LOL AOLiveMC15: Planeta 4 asks this question: Question: Henry, how did the producers of "Happy Days" come with the name Fonz for your character? HWnkler: Gary Marshall came up with the name. Arthur Fonzarelli, which was a take off of his real name, Matcharelli. AOLiveMC15: A lot of members are asking if you have an e-mail address? HWnkler: I don't. The only thing that I know about my computer is what room it is in. I walk by it, I touch it, my children turn it on, my wife loves the Motley Crue, but I am completely illiterate when it comes to the computer. AOLiveMC15: HorseCraz wants to know: Question: What was your most embarrassing thing that you had to do on "Happy Days?" When were the most nervous? HWnkler: Gosh, that is such a good question. It is funny, but when I am acting, there is no time or sense of being embarrassed. The only thing that I know is that I am HorseCrazy too! When we go fly fishing, Max and I always go for a ride up in the mountains of Montana. AOLiveMC15: Borque137 wants to find out: Question: How did you get your role in "Scream?" That movie was great! HWnkler: Thank you very much! Thank you so much for liking "Scream." I got the role because Wes Craven asked me to do him a favor, and I had the most fun! Actually, I have never gone to a horror film before, so my whole family went to the theater to see "Scream" together. It was fun. We all watched it wearing our coats over our heads! The director just had the 60 million dollar party -- it had made 60 million dollars and they were celebrating. That was on Friday. Then, by Tuesday it was up to seventy million. The great thing about that is the entire cast watches "Sightings!" AOLiveMC15: BellaPaml sends this question: Question: Do people ever tell you to "Sit on it!?" HWnkler: They wouldn't dare! Bella Pam, they wouldn't dare! (LOL) AOLiveMC15: Slriza287 asks this question: Question: Mr. Winkler, can you comment on television and movie ratings, and the impact that violence may have in our society. HWnkler: Very good question. I believe that we are too violent a society and that we have lost the art of communicating through words. We want everything as instant as a fast food hamburger. And now we have instant communication. So many arguments are solved with a bullet. Yes, I do believe that violence on television really needs to be monitored, because television is used too often as a baby-sitter. But, I think the rating system only adds another little decal up in the corner of our screens. I think that it is a tremendous waste of time and energy. The parent or the guardian must be the rating system. AOLiveMC15: EllenJame wants to know: Question: Is there any particular acting role you've always wanted to play? HWnkler: Yes. I've always wanted to play a mute. I think it would be an incredible challenge to act without using language. AOLiveMC15: Initforlif wants to find out: Question: Do you mind when people call you the Fonz? HWnkler: No. I never mind it because if I ask people to give me a half an hour of their time every week, for eleven years, and then they come and say hello and tell me how much they enjoy what I do, I have always found that to be a great, great compliment. It is the same when people say "Hey, I watch Sightings and I love it!" LOL! AOLiveMC15: Does your show -- I think it's called "Sightings" LOL -- have a web site? HWnkler: It does have a web site -- there are two. There is the "Sightings" website, and there is Dominion which is the SciFi Channel's web site. AOLiveMC15: MClarke76 sends this question: Question: Henry, AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! What would you consider your biggest accomplishment in your film career and why? HWnkler: My biggest accomplishment is that I am still working. I live with a tremendous fear that any minute, my career will turn from actor/director to maitre'd! I'm driven by the fear of never being in one of those books called "Where Are They Now?" AOLiveMC15: MCSka8 asks this question: Question: Which episode of "Happy Days" is your favorite? Which episode of "Sightings" is the most interesting to you? HWnkler: With "Sightings," we have done so many incredible stories. There was just, in Brazil, a sighting which was the same as the Roswell incident in 1947. We did a story on a woman in England who was in another lifetime the mother of seven children who were still alive in Ireland. We just celebrated our hundredth episode of "Sightings," so we were very happy about that. We all put on party hats! HWnkler: Now, in "Happy Days," we did 255 episodes -- one of the longest running shows in history. Mash got to 251. Out of that, the one where I had to go roller skating with Potsie, the one where I was in the wilderness and I had to quiet the animals because I could get no sleep, and almost any scene that I acted in with Ron Howard. I will never have an acting partner like that again in my life. AOLiveMC15: WENsix wants to know: Question: Why do you come to Utah so often for the family workshops? HWnkler: I have been to Utah three times. I skied, I was invited by the Governor to speak on family, and I was just there in December in Sandy making the movie, "Detention," which will be on ABC sometime in February. And, of course, let's not forget, "Sightings," which is on the Sci Fi Channel on Wednesday nights! This is a little theme we've got going! :) AOLiveMC15: This is from GCA1329: Question: Hi, Henry, I'm from Sydney, Australia, and your cousin there, the cantor, wanted to say hi for you. Do you remember him? HWnkler: I not only remember him, I love him and as a matter of fact, his first name is Andre, and he is a very important part of my family. You know, I named my company FairDinkum after my wonderful trip to Australia. AOLiveMC15: DJewett79 wants to find out: Question: What caused you to come up with the idea for your show "Sightings?" And have you been able to live down the Fonzi character? HWnkler: Before answering this question, if anybody from France is Online, I had the most wonderful time this summer in your country! I was knighted by the Government of France in June. HWnkler: Now for the question. The Fonz will always be with me. As a matter of fact, I have built a little room onto our house for him to go into retirement. And "Sightings," Ann Daniel and I had a company together and Ann said "wouldn't it be interesting if we covered some of this material", and I said I didn't know you are interested, do you know how interested I am? We got so excited that we took the idea to Paramount and then together with Paramount, we took the idea to the Fox Network, where it became one of their highest rated shows for two years. AOLiveMC15: Hollypaw sends this question: Question: Do you have a fan club that I can write to? HWnkler: I don't. I have tried to get my children to wear my T-shirts, but I keep finding them torn and ripped in the corner of their rooms! If you want to, you can write to me at Disney Studios in Burbank. AOLiveMC15: Geno Cop asks this question: Question: Is that really your mother on the "Senior Report?" HWnkler: No, no. My mom is resting comfortably and is a gentle elderly woman, who keeps asking me why I don't call more often! But, she is an avid fan of "Sightings!" :) LOL AOLiveMC15: Pickelhot wants to know: Question: Did you know Harriett Bireley? She was active with the Children's Hospital. She said you were great with the kids! AOLiveMC15: Im Nukem wants to find out: Question: How old were you when you decided to become an actor and who or what influenced you? Sue HWnkler: Sue, I was seven when I knew that I needed to be an actor. The obsession stayed with me. I ate it, I dreamed it, I slept it, I didn't study because of it. I never needed anything as much, outside of my family, as I did to become an actor. What inspired me, I don't know. I just knew that it was a great way for me to express myself, because I didn't feel like I could communicate any other way as clearly. I would lie awake in my bed and fantasize being in a play or a movie. AOLiveMC15: JDukeScot sends this question: Question: Henry, how did you land your first film role in "The Lords of Flatbush?" HWnkler: Oh, "The Lords of Flatbush!" They were in rehearsal already. The cast was already chosen, and they were replacing an actor, and I heard about it and called my agent. I had them send me to audition and we improvised several scenes during the audition. You know sometimes when you get that feeling inside where you just know you are doing a pretty good job? Well, I got the job. And I replaced Richard Gere! AOLiveMC15: Planeta 4 asks this question: Question: Henry, was "Night Shift" your first movie after doing sit coms? HWnkler: It was not my first movie. I did "Heroes" and "The One and Only" and a film that almost no one ever heard of called "Crazy Joe" with Rip Torn and Peter Boyle. AOLiveMC15: Zygote2 wants to know: Question: What was you favorite part in any movie, or program? HWnkler: To tell you the truth, I love them all. I wasn't as successful in some as I was in others, but I just enjoyed doing my work so much. I would have to say that of the movies I have made, I think "Night Shift." Of the movies I directed, "Memories of Me." Of the stuff that I have produced, I loved "McGyver" and "Sightings!" AOLiveMC15: Kre1199 wants to find out: Question: Hi, Mr. Winkler, how come your name wasn't mentioned in the "Scream" credits? HWnkler: Oh, because I did it as a favor for Wes Craven. We decided that because I am known as The Fonz and stuff like that, it would be better if I was a surprise. Apparently it worked because people call me and tell me that when I came on the screen the first time people saw it, that I got a cheer! It made me feel good. AOLiveMC15: Quimple sends this question: Question: Have you done any production work with Ron Howard in the past? HWnkler: He directed "Night Shift." My wife and I are the godparents of his children. Does that count? AOLiveMC15: RMoore104 asks this question: Question: Mr. Winkler, is the leather jacket you used on "Happy Days" really the one they display at the Smithsonian? HWnkler: I think everyone who is Online with me tonight should call, email, or just write Ron Howard and say, "We need to see the two of you work together again!" They can even add, "Henry is willing to pay cash!" LOL HWnkler: The question. Yes, it is the jacket. What an incredible journey! My parents escaped from Nazi Germany and came to this new country where I was born, and then they sat in the audience with my wife Stacy when I presented the jacket to the museum. What a journey! AOLiveMC15: KPelz wants to know: Question: Henry, how did you receive the Chevallier de L'Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and what was it actually for? HWnkler: Since I don't speak French, I never knew what they gave it to me for. Just kidding! AOLiveMC15: LOL HWnkler: They called me up and invited me to come over and said that "McGyver" was a big hit in France, and "Happy Days" was a big hit, and they were aware of the work that Stacy and I do with children at risk -- children that have been abused, abandoned, or neglected. It is a beautiful green and white medal. AOLiveMC15: Im Nukem wants to find out: Question: Have you actually been any of the places you do a story on? If so, did it scare you at all to know that there were sightings there? HWnkler: I have never been able to go on location, but the show went to one house in Kansas eleven times. Because a ghost inhabited the house, she was seven years old, and she only attacked the husband of the household. And we're the only show, I think, in history that has some kind of activity on film. The camera was focused on the gentleman's arm, and as the camera was rolling, a scratch appeared and started to bleed spontaneously. The producer who originally went, once he saw that happen, would not go back again! AOLiveMC15: MgmInFla sends this question: Question: What was the biggest career move to date? HWnkler: I would think that the biggest career move to date, the best one I made, was "Happy Days." The worst one that I made was not starring in the movie, "Grease." My children have never forgiven me for that. However, John Travolta was fantastic. AOLiveMC15: There is time for one final question. AOLiveMC15: Kazam101 asks this question: Question: Hi, I am Karrah and I am 8. I got to stay up late just to talk to you! I watch you on "Happy Days" all the time! I sent you a letter about a week ago, from Karrah Herbert, did you get it? I would also like to ask, will you be on America Online so I may E-mail? HWnkler: Karrah, if you have a brother named Rick, keep checking the mail. Because I believe I did receive your letter, and I believe I just might have answered it. AOLiveMC15: Thanks for joining us here tonight Henry, it was very entertaining! HWnkler: I never take it lightly that you have all come to join in this weird world of keyboards and wires. I loved your questions. I hope I gave you some insights and I really appreciate the warmth with which the questions came to me. I love what I do, but even more than that, I truly love that it in some way gets you out there to respond. HWnkler: I would be remiss if I didn't remind you all that "Sightings" is on the Sci Fi Channel on Wednesday nights, but then again, that is my job as a producer! LOL! As a man, I ask you to imagine that my arms can reach out and surround all of you with a gigantic hug. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. AOLiveMC1: Thank you, Mr. Winkler. You were a great guest, with great answers. Good luck and good night! AOLiveMC15: Thanks again, Henry! AOLiveMC15: Thanks to each of you in the audience for being here also! Good night! OnlineHost: All good things must end. We've run out of time for this event! OnlineHost: Thanks for joining us in the Oldsmobile Celebrity Circle this evening. Remember, Oldsmobile brings an exciting guest Online every Monday through Friday, and transcripts from the events can be downloaded using keywords: "Oldsmobile" or "AOL Live" within 24 hours after the event has ended. OnlineHost: Copyright 1997 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc. ======================== More about this Event: 02/06 Henry Winkler: "Sightings" Executive Producer (Bowl) Henry Winkler serves as executive producer of "SIGHTINGS," the leading authority on paranormal and supernatural investigation and television's primary source for exploration into the unknown. Winkler/Daniel Productions, which Winkler formed in 1987 with partner Ann Daniel, is producing "SIGHTINGS" in association with Paramount Domestic Television. Winkler has been executive producer of "SIGHTINGS," along with Daniel, since it first aired in the 1991-93 seasons on the Fox TV network, as well as during its syndicated run for the 1994-96 seasons. A versatile actor, director and producer, Winkler has showcased his talents both on and off the screen. He launched his acting career in the 1973 feature film "Lords of Flatbush," and later that year he joined the cast of the hit comedy series "Happy Days," where his portrayal of The Fonz for ten seasons (1974-84) made him one of the most recognized actors in the world, and won him two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (1976 and 1977), and three Emmy nominations in the same category. Winkler recently finished Wes Craven's "Scream" for the big screen, and this season he stars in "National Lampoon's Dad's Week Off" for Showtime. He recently played the lead in the CBS movie "A Child Is Missing." Earlier this year Winkler was honored with the prestigious Chevallier de L'Ordre des Arts et Lettres, the highest award the French Government can present a citizen. Winkler launched his first production company, Fair Dinkum Productions, in 1979 and served as executive producer and host of a television documentary about Dorothy and Robert DeBolt's remarkable children, 13 of them, physically and/or emotionally challenged and adopted. The special, entitled "Who Are The DeBolts And Where Did They Get 19 Kids?," won the prestigious Humanitas Prize. Consistent with his commitment to quality children's programming on television, Winkler formed JZM Productions in 1983, and developed television documentaries, specials and animated programs aimed at young audiences. The following year, he earned an Emmy Award for Best Children's Program for directing the CBS School-break special "All the Kids Do It," which focused on teenage drunk driving. JZM's initial project was the animated one-hour special "Happily Ever After," which aired in 1985 as part of PBS' "Wonderworks" series. A sequel, "Two Daddies to Love Me," aired on PBS in 1989. Winkler, in association with partner and Emmy Award-winning producer/director John Rich, sold two series to ABC for the 1985-86 season: "Mr. Sunshine" and "MacGyver." Both shows were produced under their Henry Winkler/John Rich Productions banner. "MacGyver" aired on ABC for seven seasons. The initial project for Winkler/Daniel Productions, "A Family Again," which aired in October 1988, starred Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry. The one- hour special, originally scheduled as an ABC After-school Special, was moved to prime time when the network saw the finished product -- only the second time that ABC has done so. His feature film production credits include "The Sure Thing" and "Young Sherlock Holmes," with directing credits such as "Memories of Me" with Billy Crystal and "Cop and a Half" starring Burt Reynolds. The Paramount Television Group is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc. Event Keyword: "Oldsmobile"