At first, Henry Winkler didn't know the impact The Fonz would have on TV

We all know the character in the black leather jacket, with slicked-back hair, a signature thumbs-up, and a catchphrase that helped make Happy Days one of the biggest shows of the decade. That character is The Fonz.

But behind the tough-guy image and iconic catchphrase was actor Henry Winkler.

According to a 1976 interview with The Commercial Appeal, Winkler said he had no idea what a gold mine he was sitting on when he first took the role and created the character.

While The Fonz was initially meant to appeal mainly to teenagers, everyone identified with him—from older audiences to kids. The main reason? Everyone felt like they knew a guy like The Fonz or went to school with one.

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"I didn’t know I was creating this at first, this character," Winkler said. "The Fonz is what we all wish to be. There are sides to The Fonz that I would want to be in my life—except that it’s not feasible. It’s not who I am in my soul; it’s not what gets along in this world."

The Fonz grew in popularity and confidence as the series went on. He had a special power, and he was charming. Everyone either wanted to be him or wanted to be with him.

His cool confidence was arguably the best part of Happy Days—especially if you ask many die-hard fans. Fonzie became a '70s pop culture icon. He symbolized rebellion with heart and quickly evolved from a tough greaser to a role model.

His signature phrases like "Ayyy!" and his iconic thumbs-up became part of everyday slang. He was also one of the first "cool guys" on TV who actually cared. Unlike earlier "cool guy" stereotypes, Fonzie grew emotionally. That kind of character development was rare on television at the time.

Although the series got a major ratings boost and became a massive success, Winkler was aware it wasn’t cutting-edge TV or groundbreaking storytelling. He knew what he signed up for—but he didn’t know how iconic the character would become.

"I know what I’m doing is a half-hour piece of fluff, but I won’t take it easy and slack off," Winkler said. "If I take responsibility and sign my name to a contract and say I will do this series, then I intend to do my best."

"For me, I don’t feel I will be stereotyped because I’m Fonzie," Winkler continued. "I’m an actor. I’m different from The Fonz. I look different."

Turns out, he was right. Winkler went on to play a wide variety of roles, including in the Emmy Award–winning series Barry. Still, in the hearts of classic TV fans, he’ll always be The Fonz.