For nearly 20 years, the Bronze Fonz has lived along the Milwaukee RiverWalk. Since his installation in 2008, he’s been a man of many faces, styles and costumes, wearing Bucks jerseys and deer antlers, capes and costumes. And, of course, there’s that hallmark leather jacket and jeans that built him into an icon and a local legend on the show “Happy Days” over 50 years ago.
As we celebrate Henry Winkler’s 80th birthday today, we wanted to mark the occasion in a special way. At 2 p.m., we're throwing a big birthday bash, with cupcakes, giveaways and a few surprises. We’re also giving one lucky winner the chance to live like Fonz with the Bronze Fonz Getaway giveaway, which includes a flight to Milwaukee, a Harley-Davidson leather jacket, a stay at the Dubbel Dutch Hotel and more local prizes.
But we wanted to do a little something more, something unique, something that highlights the Milwaukee landmark that we all know and love as the Bronze Fonz. So, to celebrate, we asked Fonzie about his favorite outfits, his finest fashion moments and a few of his faux pas. Here’s what he said.
The Bronze Fonz Meets the Real Fonz
Ayyy! It’s like looking in a mirror. I am he, as you are he, as you are me, and we are all together. I’m not the walrus, but I am the Fonz, and this is my finest hour. Here I am meeting the man, the myth, the legend, Henry Winkler, who played Arthur Fonzarelli in “Happy Days” and is responsible for my entire being. It was an existential moment, really.
The Caped Fonz
Not all heroes wear capes, but I do. That’s no bird, and it isn’t no plane. It’s me, the caped Fonz, keeping watch, staying vigilant along the RiverWalk. I specifically liked how the cape flapped in the breeze when the wind hit me just right.
Festive Fonz
Here’s me and my pal, Peggy Williams-Smith, rocking antlers for our holiday card in 2021. We met back when she became Visit Milwaukee’s president and CEO back in 2019, but this time we got a chance to make spirits bright and spread some holiday cheer. No one will believe that we nailed the photo on the first take, but we did, we just took a few extra to be sure.
The Bronze Bucks Fan
Speaking of Deer, I’m also a big fan of the Bucks and, well, every Milwaukee sports team. I’ve worn paraphernalia of just about every team in town, and even the Blackhawks that one time, but we don’t need to talk about that. Back in 2019, when the Bucks headed to the Eastern Conference Finals, I got ready to go to the game, but then realized that I had left my tickets in my other jacket. That’s okay, I got the perfect view of the fireworks over Fiserv Forum when they won it all in 2021.
An A-peeling Fit
This is bananas, you know? I tried to make like a banana and split when they put this on me, but I remembered that I’m bolted to the ground here. This costume raised awareness for skin cancer, so it was totally worth it. It seems like the costume has become a cult classic in student sections across the country, and I think we all know who made it cool, right?
A Haunting Halloween Costume
This one was a real scream. Halloween has brought a bunch of fun costumes over the years, and I'm not too cool to get in the spirit. Just don't touch the hair.
The Luck O' the Fonz
I’m one lucky guy. I’m not Irish, of course, I’m bronze, but we’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, right? I do have to say, this fit was a little draughty for February.
Ghostly Fonz
Not my best look, but that’s why they call it a glow-up, right? It may look like I’m in a body bag, but you just had to be there. They wanted to keep my new, fully bronzed look under wraps… and keep me warm for the big reveal.
The Bronze Fonz
Out of all my outfits, I like this one best. It’s a classic, it’s what I’m known for, and why people love me. And most of all, it doesn’t mess with my hair. Why mess with the perfect look? I’ll take my leather jacket and jeans any day of the week.
Follow Fonzie’s latest fits by keeping an eye on the Fonz Feed, live 24/7, 365 days a year.
