John Travolta Auditioned For The Role of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in HAPPY DAYS and Here's The Story

Did you know that John Travolta auditioned for the role of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in the classic 1960s sitcom Happy Days? This is the role that eventually went to Henry Winkler, who was perfect. But Travolta would’ve been an interesting choice as well. Below, you’ll find an interesting video from the YouTube channel I Did Not Know That that dives into the details of all that.

Originally, former The Monkees band member Micky Dolenz was considered for the role, but he was too tall when compared to Ron Howard. Travolta wanted the role but he didn’t want to go blond, which was how they originally envisioned The Fonz.

Travolta said that when he read the script Fonzie was described as having blonde hair. He said he kept wondering if he’d have to dye his hair blonde if he go the part and he sounded like he wasn’t real crazy about that idea. He didn’t have to worry about it long because he didn’t get the part.

Eventually, Henry Winkler got the job, and the dark hair:

Travolta said that when happy days eventually came on the air and became a hit he saw the fawns had dark hair and thought i could have been the Fonz after all.

Travolta’s career ended up taking off regardless of missing out on the role with projects such as Welcome Back, Kotter, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, and more.