No, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli isn’t going to the local tanning salon. Rather, the popular character from the TV show “Happy Days” may soon become a life-sized bronze statue in a city not far from my house.
A group in Milwaukee, Wisconsin just announced it plans to commission the bronze sculpture of the character played by Henry Winkler and place it in the heart of the city where the legendary family comedy called home.
Organizers say they got the idea for a bronze “Fonz” from TV Land, a cable network that specializes in broadcasting re-runs of popular vintage television shows. For the past few years the network has donated six statues commemorating memorable TV events or characters to various U.S. cities, including a statue of Ralph Kramden, Jackie Gleason’s character on “The Honeymooners,” which was given to the city of New York. However, TV Land executives say they are not planning to donate any more statues because it is re-evaluating its programming. Which means the tourism group that wants to erect the statue in Milwaukee is on its own to raise the $85,000 needed to immortalize “The Fonz.” Group leaders say they have collected about $45,000 so far.
Henry Winkler, the actor who played the character during the show’s 10-year run, says he likes the idea, but was a bit taken aback when he was contacted about the project.
“It’s an honor,” Winkler said. “But it is so bizarre to think there should be a statue. I wasn’t sure it was something that could happen to me. If it helps the city, a city that has been so supportive and warm to me over the years, then I am so OK with it.”
I happen to be a huge “Happy Days” fan and agree with the group looking to commission the statue that it would be a welcome addition to the downtown area. The dedication ceremony is sure to draw national media attention to Milwaukee, and Winkler said he would be more than willing to come to Wisconsin for the sculpture’s dedication.
Regardless, there are some residents around here that are not happy about “The Fonz” moving in. A few of them were featured on the local news last night saying the bronze “Fonz” sends the wrong message about the city. One guy told a local news reporter that since the show was never actually filmed in Milwaukee the statue would be “an eyesore.”
Geez…
Trust me; visit Milwaukee sometime next year and I will bet you will see a bronze replica of Arthur Fonzarelli wearing his trademark leather jacket in the plaza south of East Wisconsin Avenue and North Water Street.
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