Opening Keynote:
“If You Will It, It Is Not a Dream”

Henry Winkler knows a thing or two about Hollywood, having spent nearly three decades enjoying success in the business. Winkler’s portrayal of “The Fonz” for 10 seasons (1974-84) made him one of the most recognized actors in the world. He won two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series (1976 and 1977), and three Emmy nominations in the same category. He was also honored with a “star” on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Winkler's film and television credits include "The Water Boy," "Scream," "Down To You," "Nightshift," "Holes," Fox’s highly acclaimed series "Arrested Development;" NBC’s "Third Watch," NBC’s "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and ABC’s "The Practice" for which he received an Emmy nomination for outstanding actor. His is also the voice of Norville the Bird on the Award winning animated children’s series "Clifford: The Puppy Years." In 2001, Winkler starred on Broadway in Neil Simon’s "The Dinner Party,” marking his return to the Broadway stage after an absence of 30 years and winning the cast the Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award for Best Ensemble.

Beyond his talents and visibility on the screen is Henry’s strong commitment to human services causes, especially those related to children. Under JMZ Productions (named after his children) Winkler created numerous projects geared for a young audience, including "Happily Ever After," "Two Daddies to Love Me," "Run, Don’t Walk;" and "All the Kids Do It," the latter directed by Winkler and which won the daytime Emmy for Best Children’s Program that year.

At the CONNECTIONS2008 opening session on Tuesday, Henry will share “If You Will It, It Is Not a Dream,” the heartfelt, entertaining and inspirational story about own life and some of the obstacles he had to overcome on the way to his great success. After the keynote, he’ll meet CONNECTIONS attendees in the Exhibit Hall and autograph copies of one of his books from “The Hank Zipzer Collection.” Winkler began writing the Zipzer series of children’s novels in 2003 with his co-author Lin Oliver. The books are inspired by Winkler’s struggle throughout his education due to his learning challenges.