Henry Winkler Set For USC Comedy’s 2024 Oakie Award

After wrapping up his four-season run on HBO’s acclaimed dark comedy Barry, Henry Winkler has been set to receive USC Comedy’s prestigious Oakie Award for Exceptional Achievements in Film and Television Comedy.

Part of the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Masters of Comedy Lecture Series, the award presentation will take place on Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00 pm and will include an in-depth conversation with Winkler, moderated by Barry‘s co-creator and star, Bill Hader. In addition to Hader, past recipients of the Oakie Award include Catherine O’Hara, Nancy Meyers, Kenya Barris, Steve Carell, James Burrows, Paul Feig, Mel Brooks, James L. Brooks, Judd Apatow, Lisa Kudrow, Barnet Kellman, David Isaacs, Phil Rosenthal, and Tim Story.

In a statement on Winkler’s forthcoming recognition, David Isaacs, Co-Chair of USC Comedy and Chair of the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, said: “Henry Winkler’s indelible mark on the world of comedy stands as a testament to his dedication to his craft, complemented by his infinite generosity and infectious spirit. He has solidified his place as a true comedic icon and we are honored to present him with USC Comedy’s 2024 Oakie Award.”

Isaacs went on to acknowledge that “from his iconic portrayal as Arthur ‘the Fonz’ Fonzarelli in the beloved sitcom ‘Happy Days’ to his recent acclaimed performance in the hit series ‘Barry,’ Winkler’s career has been defined by his extraordinary comedic talent. We eagerly anticipate welcoming him to campus, knowing our students will glean invaluable insights from his career and extensive experience in the industry.”

Boasting more than 50 years in entertainment, Winkler on Barry portrayed Gene Cousineau, acting coach to Hader’s hit man Barry Berkman. For his work on the series, he won an Emmy and two Critics’ Choice Awards, among numerous other accolades.

Also recognized over the years for his work as a filmmaker and bestselling author, Winkler is otherwise best known for roles on iconic series like Happy Day, as well as films like The Waterboy and Click. More recently, he’s been seen in Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch and Warner Bros/DC’s Black Adam, among other titles.