May 28 - June 3, 2023
celebrityq&a
BY JAY BOBBIN
Henry Winkler OF BARRY ON HBO Q: As “Barry” wraps up its four-season run, how do you reflect on having had the job?
‘Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge’ is leading the way on NBC
A: I was 27 when I came to Hollywood, and I got The Fonz (on “Happy Days”). And then, I was 72 when I got the call from (co-creators) and executive producers) Bill (Hader) and Alec (Berg) to be in “Barry.” I am overwhelmed that I work with these great people. I mean, every one of them. And I am overwhelmed that I continue to live my dream, actually. Q: How have you approached your “Barry” character, acting coach Gene Cousineau? A: Gene tries to be the best teacher he can be. And I have had the experience of holding master classes, and it is one of my favorite things. I’m not sure I know what I’m talking about, but whatever I’m feeling about what the actors in front of me are doing. It is my pleasure to try and get them to taste something different than they came into the room with … just by pushing them a little bit. So, it goes back and forth. I take Gene with me, and I bring Henry to Gene. Q: How did it work for you at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in making “Barry” without being in the same physical space as most of the other talents on the show? A: It seemed like, because of the way it worked out, we were all in our pods and none of us crossed over and met other characters except for Bill. Everybody’s thread went to Bill. I missed (those) guys. Q: Early in the run of “Barry,” you were a major part of a promotional campaign for the series that showed Gene on New York subway posters pitching acting lessons by giving a phone number to call. Did you enjoy doing that? A: I thought it might have been the best campaign I’ve ever been part of, and I did the voice for the phone number – so if you called the phone number, you literally heard me talk to you. I was so proud, because I took that subway for the greater part of my life before I came to Hollywood. I was so thrilled to be part of that campaign.
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