Surprising Stories from the Set of Happy Days

Once Happy Days became a full-blown hit, Garry Marshall was approached with a heartfelt request: could the show help encourage kids to read? Instead of turning it into a preachy moment, the writers did something smarter. They let the coolest guy in Milwaukee lead by example.

In one memorable episode, Fonzie heads to the library and checks out a book — reputation and leather jacket included. When anyone questions it, he delivers the perfect line: “Everybody is allowed to read.” Just like that, reading wasn’t nerdy. If the Fonz could do it, anyone could.