HENRY WINKLER SAYS DECADES-LONG RIFT WITH TOM HANKS UNRESOLVED

Henry Winkler has stated that a falling-out with Tom Hanks remains unresolved. Winkler directed the 1989 film Turner & Hooch, in which Hanks starred as a police officer partnered with a dog. Winkler was removed from the production after 13 days due to what was described as "creative differences" and was replaced by Roger Spottiswoode. In a 1993 interview, Winkler remarked that he "got along better with Hooch [the dog] than I did with Turner [Hanks]."

During an appearance on In Depth With Graham Bensinger, Winkler explained the circumstances of his departure. He stated that he had provided direction to Hanks and Mare Winningham, believing that was part of his role as director, and had wanted to film scenes again. Winkler recalled being summoned to the office of studio executive Jeff Katzenberg before returning to the set to collect his belongings. He described the experience as devastating and said he "did not handle it well." Winkler also noted that Hanks had appeared as a guest star on Happy Days in 1982, playing Fonzie's former classmate, before becoming a major film star.

Winkler further stated that Hanks declined to participate in a televised retrospective of Happy Days, refusing permission for a 60-second appearance in footage from his earlier guest episode. When asked about his perspective on the rejection, Winkler responded that he was "still working on my perspective."