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.
Legendary actor Henry Winkler, 80, has not only left an indelible mark on Hollywood but also shines as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
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.
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.
Together, the longtime couple has raised their children, Max and Zoe Winkler, along with Stacey’s son from a previous marriage, Jed Weitzman.
They have been married for 47 years, and Henry and Stacey now take great pride in being grandparents, cherishing the happiness this new chapter brings.
When in Wonderful Milwaukee …… pic.twitter.com/GAWcdb9FG7
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) October 23, 2024
Seven Grandchildren: Henry’s Expanding Family
Henry is a proud grandfather of seven — India, Ace, Lulu, Jules, Gus, Francis Joan, and the newest addition, welcomed in 2024 by his son Max and daughter-in-law Jessica Barden.
While the baby’s name hasn’t been revealed yet, Jessica offered a heartfelt glimpse on her Instagram stories, sharing a tender moment of skin-to-skin bonding as she cradled her newborn.
In an interview, the “Happy Days” actor warmly spoke about the joy and fulfillment he finds in being a grandfather.
“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.
Hope you and yours are healthy pic.twitter.com/CqWbSxbxEK
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) January 31, 2021
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.
Oooooo yes pic.twitter.com/LrAVdGmK4a
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) September 27, 2024
“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 a book tour !! AMERICA pic.twitter.com/5hjg9xUPIe
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) November 7, 2023
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.
Celebrating pic.twitter.com/mZJa3aARB3
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) December 11, 2020
Sunday festival pic.twitter.com/aVpGvNx3JM
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) May 24, 2020
Mr. De Niro asked to take a picture Ace for his birthday . OMG @R0BERTDENlRO pic.twitter.com/jKBlrNE0Qc
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) March 27, 2024
Max’s daughter, Francis, also brings joy to the family. In one sweet moment captured, Henry smiled warmly at her while she played in the bathtub.
Here is what love looks like this evening pic.twitter.com/UiU4VGyEVF
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) February 3, 2023
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.
Excuse me Masie ,,, what is this ?? pic.twitter.com/canmNqWT23
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) September 22, 2022
Another image displayed the youngest family member enjoying a sunny day outside, splashing around in a kiddie pool while wearing an orange shirt.
Our youngest granddaughter enjoying her summer pic.twitter.com/6KKzbVTieg
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) August 20, 2023
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.
Our youngest granddaughter is one tough cookie . PLEASE let nana out ! pic.twitter.com/WdIiTH5SWw
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) January 22, 2023
@henry.winkler ♬ original sound – Henry
@henry.winkler ♬ original sound – Henry
Transitioning to another part of the family, Jed’s daughters also share a close bond with their award-winning famous grandfather.
Granddaughter relaxing waiting for dance class pic.twitter.com/MTnxXBUKx9
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) November 23, 2020
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.
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.
@henry.winkler ♬ original sound – Henry
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.
My star is right under the portico of the @Pantages Theatre, where I take my grandchildren to see plays—across the street from @AdamSandler. I must admit I take a picture in front of my star every time I’m there. Preorder #BeingHenry https://t.co/mQINoe5UqV pic.twitter.com/usYR6sDz33
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) October 24, 2023
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.
