They were great friends, no question about that. But who do you think rubbed off more on who?

Do you think Richie rubbed off on Fonzie more or vice versa?

Fonzie was like the BIG BROTHER, to Richie, coming to Richie's aid, and teaching him about "Cool", if that's what you mean

I think they sorta both leaned on each other about the same as friends. Maybe Richie leaned on Fonzie a little more because as the above poster says he was like his big brother.

I meant to say Fonzie was like Richie's big brother and therefore Richie would lean more on Fonzie.

I think RICHIE also aided FONZIE, too, at times, like, when he protested to not have SHERRIFF KIRK run Fonzie out of town, and also the episode when Fonzie went blind, after Al accidentally smashed him, with his tray

I think Richie did definately lean on Fonzie alot, especially for advice and protection, but Richie had a huge influence on Fonzie as well. Fonz was practically a different person at the end of the series than he was at the beginning, much more caring and "family oriented" than before, and I think Richie and his family had alot to do with that.

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Mr. C - How are you going to support my daughter? How are you going to live? How are you going to eat?
Chachi - Mr. C, after we're married something is bound to come along.
Mr. C - Yeah, and then you'll have to feed that too!

i think richie had a big influence on the fonz, atleast, from the our gang episode. fonz might have still been in a gang with his street fights if it werent for richie. but the fonz more than repayed him with all the help he gave to richie.