Happy Days (Paramount TV, 1974-1984), Henry Winkler "Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarelli" Signature Leather Jack...

Description

Happy Days (Paramount TV, 1974-1984), Henry Winkler "Arthur 'Fonzie' Fonzarelli" Signature Leather Jacket with Signed Letter. "Aaaaaaay!" There are television characters, and then there is the Fonz. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, no one was cooler than Arthur Fonzarelli (Henry Winkler), the biker, mechanic, teacher, and upstairs neighbor of the Cunninghams. So cool, in fact, that he went toe-to-toe with aliens like Mork from Ork, battled rival demolition derby teams, and won the heart of Pinky Tuscadero. The Fonz wasn't just a character, he was a cultural force, and his brown leather jacket came to epitomize everything he stood for.
Offered here is a vintage, production-used brown leather jacket, worn by Henry Winkler as "The Fonz" on Happy Days. It features the classic wide collar, front zipper, rib-knit cuffs and hem, two slash hip pockets, and brown satin interior lining. This exact style became synonymous with the character's image and remains one of the most iconic pieces of television wardrobe ever created. This jacket comes directly from Henry Winkler's personal collection and is accompanied by a signed, handwritten letter from the actor, dated May 26, 2025, on his personal stationery. It reads:
"Hello -
This brown leather jacket is from my collection. It is one of 4 jackets I was able to keep after Happy Days finished its run in 1984. The jacket on the show was never black. It just photographed that way -
Enjoy.
Warmly,
Henry Winkler"
In its early seasons, Happy Days struggled with ratings until series creator Garry Marshall made the pivotal decision to elevate the previously minor character of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli to a lead role. That move not only saved the show but launched it into the top of the ratings, turning both Fonzie and Henry Winkler into pop culture juggernauts. Fonzie's signature style, modeled in part on Brando and James Dean, defined a new kind of "cool," centered on charisma, kindness, and, of course, the jacket.
Today, one of Fonzie's original jackets resides in the Smithsonian, a testament to its enduring relevance and historical significance. This example, from Winkler's own archive, is a rare and meaningful artifact from one of television's most beloved series. Found in the lefthand pocket is a folded fortune reading: "A cheerful message or letter is on its way to you."
Winkler's legacy continues into the present day, recently earning critical acclaim for his Emmy-winning role as acting teacher Gene Cousineau in HBO's Barry, further cementing his place in entertainment history.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of television history, generously offered by one of TV's all-time greats in support of an important cause, reflecting the same warmth and spirit that made Winkler a legend. Exhibits light handling and production wear.
Note: Mr. Winkler has instructed Heritage Auctions that 100% of the proceeds of this lot will go directly to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.
Provenance: Obtained directly from Henry Winkler. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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