Longtime Hollywood star Henry Winkler beams with pride as a grandfather, calling grandparenting an experience that’s “completely different” from raising children. The beloved TV icon also opened up about the special house rules he has set for his cherished grandkids. See what they look like.
Celebrating his 79th birthday on October 30, 2024, legendary actor Henry Winkler has not only left an indelible mark on Hollywood but also shines as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Henry Winkler pictured on August 28, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
He’s openly shared his thoughts on being a grandparent, embracing the role with love and enthusiasm. Photos reveal the sweet bond he shares with his grandchildren, who carry unique features.
Henry Winkler photographed on December 22, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Devoted Husband and Father for Over Four Decades
Over the years, Henry has built not just an iconic career but also a strong and loving family life. He married Stacey Weitzman in May 1978.
Stacey Weitzman and Henry Winkler pictured at their reception on May 5, 1978, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Together, the longtime couple has raised their children, Max and Zoe Winkler, along with Stacey’s son from a previous marriage, Jed Weitzman.
(L-R) Max, Henry, Stacey, Zoe Winkler, and Jed Weitzman honor Henry Winkler as he receives the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Awards on January 29, 2016, in Studio City, California. | Source: Getty Images
They have been married for 46 years, and Henry and Stacey now take great pride in being grandparents, cherishing the happiness this new chapter brings.
Six Grandchildren and Counting: Henry’s Expanding Family
Henry currently has six grandchildren—India, Ace, Lulu, Jules, Gus, and Francis Joan—with another one expected soon. In an interview, the “Happy Days” actor warmly spoke about the joy and fulfillment he finds in being a grandfather.
Henry Winkler during Ashlee Margolis and Zoe Winkler host a Pre-Fourth of July Bash on July 1, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“It is different, completely different than being a parent, but it is filled with the same emotion. We now have six and three-quarters grandchildren. Every one of them is different. You have to approach each one completely differently,” said the family man.
House Rules: Maintaining Harmony and Respect in the Winkler Home
Despite their unique personalities, Henry keeps consistent house rules when his grandkids come for a visit. The father of three shared that the rules in his house, although there are only a few, remain the same.
“When the youngest granddaughter is sleeping, there is no fighting, there is no yelling. They are in charge of their friends to keep it down. No matter what age they are, from 14 to 7, they have to clear their dish,” the New York native explained.
What Henry’s Grandchildren Look Like: A Glimpse into Their Unique Features
Zoe’s three red-haired sons, who have freckles, were once pictured wearing light blue, white, and pastel shirts in the photos. They appeared happy and relaxed, posing closely with their mother and grandmother. One image showed them outdoors, attending an event, while another captured them at a museum, enjoying their time together.
Zoe Winkler Reinis and sons attend the TIAH 6th Anniversary Soiree on August 24, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
(L-R) Zoe Winkler, Stacey Weitzman, and family attend Hammer Museum K.A.M.P. 2024 on September 29, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
(L-R) Elsa Marie Collins, Stephanie Levinson, Julianne Hough, and guest pictured with Zoe Winkler Reinis and son at the TIAH 6th Anniversary Soiree on August 24, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Max’s 2-year-old daughter, Francis, also brings joy to the family. In one sweet moment captured, Henry smiled warmly at her while she played in the bathtub.
Another photo showed Francis comfortably seated in a cozy chair, holding a small ball as she interacted with the family dog, both appearing curious and engaged.
Another image displayed the youngest family member enjoying a sunny day outside, splashing around in a kiddie pool while wearing an orange shirt.
In a playful scene indoors, she was seen standing by a pet crate, watching closely as another family member plays inside, showcasing her curious and spirited nature.
In addition to spending quality time with his grandkids in person, Henry also bonds with them through TikTok, a platform he has embraced with enthusiasm.
Henry Winkler dancing with his grandchildren, dated November 25, 2022 | Source: TikTok/@henry.winkler
His eldest grandchild, India, suggested they make dance videos together, and since then, Henry divulged in an interview that had filmed “seven or eight” TikTok clips, mostly featuring his grandchildren as his dance partners.
During a 2023 appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” the star also shared another way he connects with his grandkids—through music. He creates playful fruit-themed songs, especially for his youngest, Francis, singing about bananas, strawberries, and apples. He revealed that performing these songs over FaceTime is a “terrific connector” for her.
Henry Winkler’s life is a blend of professional success and personal joy. While he remains an iconic figure in Hollywood, it’s clear that his role as a grandfather brings him immense fulfillment.
From setting house rules and creating TikToks with his grandchildren to singing playful songs that spark joy, Henry demonstrates how he cherishes every moment with his family.
