When Bill Hader developedBarryalongside 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 inAbbott Elementary, the upcoming season ofBarrymay present Winkler with another go at the gold.
While walking the red carpet, Winkler discussedBarry’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 beingBarry’s last season, telling Laverne Cox:
“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 calledBarry.”
Barrywas 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.
Related:Henry Winkler Says He’s a ‘Damn Fool’ for Turning Down John Travolta’s Grease Role
From Fonzie to Gene
Winkler rose to stardom portraying Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarellion the classic hit television seriesHappy 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 likeMacGyverandSightings, and films likeMemories of MeandCop and a Half.
Winkler returned to his acting roots in the early 1990s. Winkler had roles in films likeScream, The Waterboy, andThe French Dispatch, and on series includingArrested Development, Royal Pains,andParks and Recreation.
