http://thedissolve.com/features/movie-of-the-week/959-how-one-performance-changes-everything-in-48-hrs/#comment-1912094828

Which reminds me of how Winkler ended up taking over HAPPY DAYS. (I've always had this theory that the popularity of Fonzie was largely because Winkler was, by all normal standards, horribly MIScast: what was originally conceived as a Brando-esque "bad boy" brute instead came off as a nice guy play-acting as Brando, and the result was charming and relatable. We rooted for him in a way we wouldn't have an actual tough guy).

http://thedissolve.com/features/movie-of-the-week/959-how-one-performance-changes-everything-in-48-hrs/#comment-1912636354

John Travolta on WELCOME BACK KOTTER was the "real" version of Fonzie. He really was everything that Henry Winkler as Fonzie was pretending to be: young, Italian, sexy. It's no wonder that one of them became a real movie star, and the other -- no offense to Winkler, who is a fine and funny actor -- will always be remembered for a sitcom aimed at kids.

The only part I agree with is that Fonzie took over Happy Days. I mean I liked Fonzie and yes he changed over the years. Half owner of Arnold's, school teacher, part of the Leopard Lodge etc. As far as Travolta goes, I mean its tough to gauge because he was only on Kotter for 3 years. I mean thats not a lot of time to see if he's the real Fonzie. I mean, young, Italian, sexy. What good are those if you cant act worth a damn?

The only part I agree with is that Fonzie took over Happy Days. I mean I liked Fonzie and yes he changed over the years. Half owner of Arnold's, school teacher, part of the Leopard Lodge etc. As far as Travolta goes, I mean its tough to gauge because he was only on Kotter for 3 years. I mean thats not a lot of time to see if he's the real Fonzie. I mean, young, Italian, sexy. What good are those if you cant act worth a damn?
I think Barbarino is like the '70s version of '50s Fonzie.

After Grease (I hated that movie) Travolta did much better movies. Pulp Fiction is my favorite.

My favorite pre-Pulp Fiction Travolta movie is Blow Out.

John Travolta on WELCOME BACK KOTTER was the "real" version of Fonzie. He really was everything that Henry Winkler as Fonzie was pretending to be: young, Italian, sexy. It's no wonder that one of them became a real movie star, and the other -- no offense to Winkler, who is a fine and funny actor -- will always be remembered for a sitcom aimed at kids.



People forget but for almost 10 years John Travolta was a laughingstock who couldn't get a decent job in Hollywood. He was considered an over the hill teen idol and was forced to make three dopey "Look Who's Talking" movies and was savaged by critics every time he showed his face on the screen.

Some definite revisionist history there.

John Travolta on WELCOME BACK KOTTER was the "real" version of Fonzie. He really was everything that Henry Winkler as Fonzie was pretending to be: young, Italian, sexy. It's no wonder that one of them became a real movie star, and the other -- no offense to Winkler, who is a fine and funny actor -- will always be remembered for a sitcom aimed at kids.



People forget but for almost 10 years John Travolta was a laughingstock who couldn't get a decent job in Hollywood. He was considered an over the hill teen idol and was forced to make three dopey "Look Who's Talking" movies and was savaged by critics every time he showed his face on the screen.

Some definite revisionist history there.He made a great comeback with Pulp Fiction. I agree with you on Winkler. He is a fine actor but Travolta had more range.