Get the latest gossip

Henry Winkler Explains Turning Down John Travolta’s Role in ‘Grease’

Henry Winkler explained his thought process about why he decided to turn down a leading role in ‘Grease’ which went to John Travolta

“This is the reason, in my pathetic mind, I thought to myself, ‘I have now been the Fonz for 10 years,’” Winkler, 78, said, referring to his notable greaser Happy Days character, during a Wednesday, October 9 appearance on Kelly Ripa ’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera” podcast. John Travolta ended up getting cast in the part, which became one of his most notable roles and cemented him as a leading man in Hollywood. Ripa, for her part, did not buy that Winkler couldn’t sing, noting that he’s shared the stage with legendary singers like Neil Diamond before.

Get the Android app