When Bill Hader developed Barry alongside Alec Berg, he had one man in mind for the role of Gene Cousineau: Henry Winkler. When HBO informed Hader, who also stars in the hit series, that Winkler would audition, Hader was over the moon. Winkler secured the role, which has proven a critical success for the veteran actor. Since its 2018 start, Winkler has earned a Primetime Emmy and a Critics Choice Award, along with a multitude of nominations, for his work on the comedy drama.

Winkler was joined by John Lithgow, Jonathan Pryce, John Turturro and Tyler James Williams in the battle for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a television series. While the statue went to Williams for his role in Abbott Elementary, the upcoming season of Barry may present Winkler with another go at the gold.

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While walking the red carpet, Winkler discussed Barry’s upcoming anticipated fourth season and what he knows about the future of the series. While he did disclose that shooting for the fourth season had wrapped, and is currently in editing stages, he was a bit more coy when discussing the possibility of this being Barry’s last season, telling Laverne Cox:

Barry was renewed for its fourth season earlier this year. The series follows the titular character (portrayed by Hader), an assassin who aspires to make it in the acting world. It was co-created by Hader and Berg, and stars Hader, Winkler, Stephen Root, Michael Irby, Anthony Carrigan, and Sarah Goldberg. Hader, Berg, Aida Rodgers and Liz Sarnoff serve as Executive Producers, with Julie Camino serving as Producer.

“I cannot talk to you about that because they will come and take my grandchildren. They are so strict, I cannot say a word other than it’s on HBO and it’s called Barry.”

From Fonzie to Gene

     ABC

Winkler rose to stardom portraying Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the classic hit television series Happy Days. Transitioning from the beloved character to other roles proved to be difficult for Winkler, who felt he was often typecast, which pushed him into directing and producing. Behind the scenes, he worked on series like MacGyver and Sightings, and films like Memories of Me and Cop and a Half.

Winkler returned to his acting roots in the early 1990s. Winkler had roles in films like Scream, The Waterboy, and The French Dispatch, and on series including Arrested Development, Royal Pains, and Parks and Recreation.