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Winkler: Ron Howard 'Almost Vomiting' on Happy Days Set
19 Jun
Summary
- Ron Howard was extremely nervous filming Happy Days before a live audience.
- Henry Winkler used The Fonz's voice to control a massive crowd.
- Happy Days ratings improved after switching to a three-camera format.

Henry Winkler shared a surprising behind-the-scenes detail about Happy Days, revealing that his co-star Ron Howard experienced extreme anxiety during a pivotal show transition. The beloved sitcom, initially struggling in the ratings, made a significant shift from a single-camera setup with a post-production laugh track to a three-camera format with a live studio audience in 1975.
Winkler explained that this change deeply unsettled Howard, who had no prior experience performing before a live audience, to the point of feeling physically ill. Despite his nerves, Howard's performance remained unaffected, a testament to his skill. Winkler also recalled promotional efforts, including a massive fan event in Dallas where he famously channeled his iconic Fonz character to manage an overwhelming crowd, parting them like the Red Sea.