A while back, I published my Top 10 TV Characters from the 80's which you should go back and check out if you have not already. Coming in at #5 on that list was none other than "Arthur ‘The Fonz' Fonzarelli" played by Henry Winkler on the television series Happy Days.

Not sure if you remember or not, but Happy Days was set in the city of Milwaukee (where I live) as was the show Laverne & Shirley, though no scenes were actually filmed here. Milwaukee has always been proud of its connection to the great sitcom which aired from 1974 to 1984. A few years ago, an effort was begun to honor the television icon here in Milwaukee with a bronze statue. The fundraising effort was known as "Bronze the Fonz" and today, August 19th, 2008, the statue was finally unveiled. Here is a link to a short video of the unveiling.

The day was proclaimed Henry "The Fonz" Winkler Day in all of Wisconsin and the statue now stands proudly downtown on the east side of the Milwaukee River just south of Wells Street. Winkler was joined by former cast members from the show - including Marion Ross (Mrs. Cunningham), Tom Bosley (Mr. Cunningham), Erin Moran (Joanie), Don Most (Ralph Malph) and Anson Williams (Potsie) - as well as Garry Marshall who was the show's creator, director and co-producer. Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams from Laverne & Shirley, which was a spin-off of Happy Days, also were present. Ron Howard (Richie) was unable to attend, but was to have a message played on the scoreboard at Miller Park before the Brewers game where Winkler was to throw out the first pitch.

Henry Winkler ranked impressively at #32 on the Entertainment Weekly list of "The 50 Greatest TV Icons of All Time." The leather jacket worn by "The Fonz" is displayed proudly at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. And now he has a bronze statue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Other television icons to have statues in other cities across the country include Mary Tyler Moore in Minneapolis, Bob Newhart in Chicago, Ralph Kramden from The Honeymooners in New York City, Samantha from Bewitched in Salem, Mass., and Andy Griffith in Raleigh, N.C.

Winkler seemed genuinely honored by the statue and special occasion and had many fine things to say about the city. "It's unbelievable, it really is and I hope that this statue really represents in the way that this amazing city deserves," Winkler said. He said the residents of Milwaukee have become his adopted family, with their warmth and hospitality. "I share every inch of this statue with my family, with my television family and with my adopted family. From my bottom of my heart, thank you," he said.

The statue shows "The Fonz" with his trademark two thumbs up and makes a welcomed addition to the rich tradition of Milwaukee. Unfortunately, they do not make great sitcoms like Happy Days anymore and a great television character like "The Fonz" does not come around too often anymore either. I will just end this with the immortal words of Arthur Fonzarelli, "Ayyyyyyyyyy!"

That wraps up a short issue of Kickin' it Old School. Thanks for reading. If you enjoy Kickin' it, please be sure to come back often and also please tell a friend. Check the Archives in the upper left hand column for all of the past issues organized by month. If you want a summary of just the 80's related issues, please click here. Peace and much love.

Check this out: Back in a 1977 episode of Happy Days, "The Fonz" did a water-ski jump over a shark. Here is a link to the video to watch this infamous scene. This moment when he "jumped the shark" was described as the peak moment of the television series and after that moment the show began its downward turn. Jon Hein coined this phrase and made it into the pop culture reference it has now become. He began to detail these similar moments in other television series. These moments may be scenes like Fonzie jumping a shark that finally convince viewers a show has fundamentally and permanently strayed from its original premise. In those cases these moments are viewed as a desperate and futile attempt to keep a series fresh in the face of declining ratings. In other cases the departure or replacement of a main cast member or character or a significant change in setting changes a critical dynamic of the show. You can delve into the fascinating world of "Jump the Shark" by visiting the website. There you can find details on hundreds of shows as well as some humorous tell-tale signs that a show is getting ready to jump. Hope you enjoy this pop culture treasure.

Quote of the day: "The time is always right to do what is right." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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