Introduction: henry winkler wife
Henry Winkler’s wife is Stacey Weitzman, an American businesswoman and activist born on November 15, 1947, in Los Angeles, California. Henry Winkler is the beloved actor, director, and producer best known for playing Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days, along with later roles in Arrested Development, Barry, and Parks and Recreation. While Winkler’s career has made him a household name, Stacey Weitzman has built her own quiet legacy as a public relations entrepreneur, foster-care advocate, and breast cancer survivor.
This article looks closely at who Stacey Weitzman is, how she and Henry Winkler met, their decades-long marriage, and the family they’ve built together. If you’ve ever wondered about the woman standing beside one of television’s most iconic stars, here’s everything worth knowing about Henry Winkler’s wife.
Who Is Stacey Weitzman?
Stacey Cooper Furstman Weitzman was born on November 15, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, making her an American by nationality. She grew up in West Los Angeles alongside her brother, Scott. Her mother, Belvy Cooper, taught art at Beverly Hills High School before later teaching elementary school in Santa Monica. Her father, Edward Furstman, originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin, served four years in the U.S. Army before becoming a dentist and teaching at the USC School of Dentistry.
Stacey stayed close to home for her education, attending the University of Southern California (USC). After graduating, she moved quickly into the world of public relations rather than a traditional 9-to-5 career path.
Before marrying Henry Winkler, Stacey was previously married to entertainment lawyer Howard Weitzman. The two wed on October 19, 1969, and had a son, Jed Weitzman, born in 1971. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1976. That same year, Stacey’s path crossed with Henry Winkler’s, setting the stage for a relationship that has now lasted for decades.
Stacey Weitzman’s Career & Professional Life
Professionally, Stacey Weitzman built a successful public relations firm that represented well-known brands and clients, including luxury jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels, fashion label Jag, and Jerry Magnin’s clothing store — the very shop where she would later meet Henry Winkler. Her sharp instincts in PR and entertainment marketing earned her respect in Los Angeles business circles long before she became known publicly as “Henry Winkler’s wife.”
Beyond PR, Stacey has dabbled in acting, appearing in small roles including the animated series As Told by Ginger and the drama film The Touch. However, her most defining professional and personal work has been in philanthropy. She co-founded the Children’s Action Network, an organization dedicated to helping foster children find stable homes and get the media attention needed to support adoption efforts.
Stacey is also known as a two-time breast cancer survivor, an experience that reshaped her outlook on life and strengthened her bond with Henry. While exact figures for her personal net worth aren’t publicly documented, Henry Winkler’s own net worth is estimated at around $40 million, largely built through his decades-long acting, directing, and writing career, including his popular Hank Zipzer and Alien Superstar book series.
How Did Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman Meet?
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman first met in 1976 at Jerry Magnin’s clothing shop in Beverly Hills, a boutique that happened to be one of Stacey’s public relations clients. According to widely shared accounts, Stacey was in the shop wearing purple parachute pants, while Henry was there looking for a sport coat. At the time, Stacey’s divorce from Howard Weitzman had just been finalized, and Henry was riding the massive wave of fame brought on by his role as Fonzie on Happy Days.
What began as a casual encounter in a clothing store quickly turned into something more serious. Henry later told the press he had found “someone who is intellectual enough to have her own life, and open enough to be in love with me.” As their relationship progressed, Stacey began appearing alongside Henry at Hollywood events, and the couple’s romance drew steady attention from entertainment magazines of the era.
Unlike many Hollywood love stories that move quickly and fizzle out, Henry and Stacey’s relationship deepened over time, built on mutual respect rather than just star power. Henry also embraced the role of stepfather to Stacey’s young son, Jed, easing him into the family despite Jed’s initial hesitance about the transition.
Marriage & Wedding Details
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman got married in May 1978, while Henry was still starring as Fonzie on Happy Days at the height of the show’s popularity. Some reports place the ceremony at a synagogue in New York City, reflecting the couple’s shared Jewish heritage.
Their wedding marked the beginning of what has become one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood, now spanning more than four decades. In a September 2019 red-carpet interview, talk show host Jenny McCarthy joked that most celebrities tend to get “crankier” the longer they stay in show business, but Henry only seemed to grow nicer with time. When asked about the secret to their lasting marriage, Stacey called herself “the luckiest” and credited their success to a shared, ongoing commitment to making the relationship work — not luck or chance.
Children & Family Life
Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman have three children in their blended family. Stacey’s eldest son, Jed Weitzman, was born in 1971 during her first marriage, and Henry raised him as his own after marrying Stacey. Together, Henry and Stacey welcomed a daughter, Zoe Winkler, and a son, Max Winkler, born in 1980 and 1983 respectively.
Max Winkler followed his parents into the entertainment industry, becoming a director and actor in his own right, while Zoe has pursued her own creative path. Despite Henry’s decades in the spotlight, the family has largely kept their day-to-day life private, prioritizing normalcy at home over public exposure.
One especially notable chapter in their family story: Henry and Stacey opened their home to actress Marlee Matlin for two years early in her career, helping her navigate sobriety and stability during a difficult period — a reflection of the couple’s quiet generosity beyond their own household.
Stacey Weitzman on Social Media
Unlike many spouses of celebrities, Stacey Weitzman does not maintain any active public social media accounts. She has largely stayed out of the influencer-style spotlight, choosing instead to appear publicly alongside Henry at select red-carpet events, award shows, and interviews rather than through a personal online platform. This low-key approach has helped her preserve a sense of privacy despite being married to one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stacey Cooper Furstman Weitzman |
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1947 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Businesswoman, PR entrepreneur, activist |
| Married to | Henry Winkler |
| Marriage Year | 1978 |
| Children | 3 (Jed, Zoe, Max) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed (Henry Winkler’s net worth: ~$40 million) |
FAQ Section
Q: What is Henry Winkler’s wife’s name?
A: Henry Winkler’s wife is Stacey Weitzman, an American businesswoman and philanthropist. They have been married since 1978.
Q: How old is Stacey Weitzman?
A: Stacey Weitzman was born on November 15, 1947, making her in her late 70s as of 2026.
Q: What does Stacey Weitzman do for a living?
A: Stacey Weitzman ran her own public relations firm representing brands like Van Cleef & Arpels. She’s also a co-founder of the Children’s Action Network.
Q: When did Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman get married?
A: The couple married in May 1978, while Henry was starring as Fonzie on Happy Days.
Q: How many kids do Henry Winkler and Stacey Weitzman have?
A: They have three children together: Jed (from Stacey’s first marriage, raised by Henry), Zoe, and Max Winkler.
Conclusion
Stacey Weitzman may not chase the spotlight the way her husband does, but her story is just as compelling. As a successful PR entrepreneur, dedicated foster-care advocate, and two-time cancer survivor, she has built a life of purpose alongside her decades-long marriage to Henry Winkler. Their relationship, which began with a chance meeting at a Beverly Hills clothing shop in 1976, has grown into one of Hollywood’s most enduring partnerships. Understanding who Henry Winkler’s wife is reveals more than just a name beside a celebrity — it reveals a woman whose resilience and quiet impact have shaped their family for nearly 50 years.
