APPLAUD THE JEWISH COMEDIANS!

THE FONZ

A list of Jewish contributors in the field of entertainment could not be contained in a book, much less in a few lines or pages. Jewish comedians have garnered more recognition than perhaps any other segment of the world of entertainment. In an interview with Jewish comedian, Red Buttons, Buttons stated that he grew up in New York on the eastside of Manhattan in the same “square mile that gave the world comedians like George Burns, Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor, and Jimmy Durante, just to name a few. George Gershwin and Irving Berlin¹ also played as children on the same streets” (Toth, Linda, Interview with Red Buttons, The Journal of Essential Vitality, Natren Inc., 1999). Buttons’ words reveal the likelihood that these Jewish comedians were the children of immigrants who had come to the United States seeking refuge and found their home in an American-style Jewish ghetto in New York. Although it was a common practice for entertainers to give themselves stage names, perhaps some of the rationale for Jews changing their names was to avoid the stigma of being Jewish which could have hindered their careers. A family left the old country under one name and emerged in American society with another, starting a brand new life. Bernie Schwartz became Tony Curtis. Issur Danielovitch became Kirk Douglas. Aaaron Chwatt reinvented himself as Red Buttons. Humor may have been a coping mechanism for the children of families who had borne the brunt of anti-Semitism. Whatever the reason, audiences the world over are indebted to the Jewish comedians and other entertainers who have brought the blessing of laughter through television, movies, and theater. 

Many Jewish entertainers have not necessarily embraced their Jewishness, but some have reveled in it. Henry Winkler, best known as “The Fonz” on the popular television series, Happy Days, is one example. Winkler said, “I’m proud of being Jewish. For 5,000 years people have tried to eradicate the Jew and we’re still here in a wonderfully positive, contributing way. It’s a nice thing” (Aushenker, Michael, Henry Winkler, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles, 2000).

Henry Winkler survived the pitfalls of stardom for 30 years intact with an admirable value system. He attributed his commitment to family, profession and community to his Jewish Manhattan upbringing, and especially to his parents. Winkler’s parents escaped Hitler’s death camps, and that played a big part in his youth. Winkler said, “In fact, the congregation my family belonged to was built by survivors” (Aushenker).

Today, at 69, Winkler is a successful actor, director, producer, and author.  He has had an enduring marriage of 37 years and devotes much of his free time to social causes, Jewish and secular, especially charities helping children. In 2011, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Winkler an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his service to children with special education needs. He’s received a United Nations Peace Prize and the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Artes et Lettres, the French government’s highest honor. He has received humanitarian prizes over the years from B’nai B’rith International, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and the United Nations.

Winkler was always a poor student in school, and it was only at the age of 31 that he was diagnosed with dyslexia.  In 2003, he began a series of children’s novels with a writing partner, Lin Oliver, titled “Hank Zipzer: The World’s Greatest Underachiever,” inspired by his own struggles.  They have become bestsellers and have given hope to many with learning disabilities.

Winkler’s humility and affinity with his heritage has given him the tools to persevere and to succeed. Wherever he goes in the world, he is received with great affection, because people still relate to him as “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, the lovable, leather-clad, cool ladies’ man of 1976. The Happy Days show didn’t just put Winkler on the map – it put him on the globe (Aushenker). The Fonz’s trademark leather jacket was even placed in the Smithsonian Institution!

How surprising that the Jewish people who have endured so much suffering could produce such a multitude of people to bless the world with the priceless gifts of music, laughter, and all kinds of entertainment. The burden of living has been lifted by the contributions of these talented individuals who are descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

(Most of this excerpted from "Destiny of the Jews," Master's Thesis by Nancy Petrey)

¹ Irving Berlin composed “God Bless America” and “White Christmas.”