Henry Winkler makes it clear that retirement is nowhere on the horizon.
With an on-screen career spanning more than five decades, the beloved actor says he’s still going full blast and has no plans to step away just yet.
Talking about IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson podcast, the 80-year-old addressed the question he hears most these days.
“People keep asking me if I’m going to retire or ‘Have you retired?’ And I think that’s the furthest thing from my imagination,” Winkler said.
He explained that staying active is not just a choice, but something that feels essential to him.
“I’m very grateful,” he added, noting that he’s currently “working a lot” and juggling “multiple jobs,” including his History Channel series dangerous story.
For Winkler, the idea of slowing down feels more harmful than helpful.
Reflecting on the possibility of retirement, he shared, “You know, I just think it’s deadly.”
He went on to say that he will only consider stepping down when he is no longer able to do the work he loves, explaining that he would only retire when he is “unable to [act] again, more.”
His continued momentum supports this statement.
After winning his first Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for his role on HBO’s Barryearned Winkler three more Emmy nominations for the same performance, proving that his later career resonates as much as his early successes.
Looking ahead, Winkler shows no signs of easing up.
He will appear next Normaldirected by Ben Wheatley with Bob Odenkirk and Lena Headey.
The film is set to premiere on April 17.
In addition to acting, he also continues his many years of work as a writer. In May 2025, Winkler and his writing partner Lynn Oliver published their 40th children’s book, Detective Duck: The Mystery of Emerald Pond.
For Winkler, staying creative, busy and curious seems to be the key. Retirement, at least for now, is simply not part of the plan.
