Fonzie started as a minor side character in 1974. Producers only planned for him to appear in a few episodes. He wore a black leather jacket, rode a motorcycle, and acted like a tough 1950s greaser.

Actor Henry Winkler changed how people saw the character. He gave Fonzie a soft heart underneath the tough exterior. Viewers loved him, and network bosses quickly made him the star of the show.

The Fonz set the standard for cool. He had a signature snap of the fingers and a double thumbs-up. His catchphrases like "Aaaeeeyyy!" and "Sit on it!" became famous across America.

Network censors originally did not want him to wear a leather jacket inside. They thought it made him look like a criminal. Producers compromised by letting him wear it only near his motorcycle. Later, they let him wear it everywhere. He also had a famous habit of hitting broken jukeboxes with his fist to make them play music.