Actor Henry Winkler revealed in a new interview on “In Depth With Graham Bensinger” that lingering professional tension remains between himself and Tom Hanks following Winkler’s firing from the 1989 movie Turner & Hooch. Winkler, who was handpicked by then-studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg to direct the film, admitted he was unsuited for the job and parted ways with production just 13 days into filming.
The 1989 Directing Dismissal from Turner & Hooch
According to Winkler’s interview with Graham Bensinger, studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg pulled him into an office after 13 days of shooting and dismissed him from the project, telling him, “It’s not in the dailies.” Winkler admitted that his own insecurity led him to talk too much and give direction to the cast, including Hanks and co-star Mare Winningham, which ultimately frustrated them. Winkler was subsequently replaced by director Roger Spottiswoode.
“I went completely against my tummy, and it hit me in the face with a 2×4,” Winkler told Graham Bensinger, referencing ignoring his initial instincts about taking the job. He described returning to the set to gather his belongings, driving home, and feeling completely devastated by the firing.
Decades of Hollywood Tension and Refused Permissions
The professional fallout between the two actors reportedly stretched across decades. According to Winkler, a retrospective on the sitcom Happy Days—on which Hanks had guest-starred in 1982—sought to use 60 seconds of archival footage featuring Hanks, but permission was denied. Winkler noted that he is still working on his perspective regarding the relationship, though he remains open to a future reconciliation if an opportunity arises.
Despite the history, Winkler has pushed back against characterizations of an ongoing feud. In comments to TMZ in 2020 reported by Vanity Fair, Winkler stated, “I don’t have a feud with Tom Hanks. What everybody says and what is true are two different things.” He also recalled a pleasant encounter with Hanks at the Screen Actors Guild Awards that same year, describing it as “beautiful.” During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Winkler did note that while he had difficulties with the human lead, he got along great with Hooch, the canine star of the film.
Did You Know? Henry Winkler was nominated for HBO’s hit man comedy Barry, where he attended the same Golden Globes ceremony where Tom Hanks received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, sparking renewed media coverage of their past Turner & Hooch friction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Henry Winkler fired from Turner & Hooch?
According to Henry Winkler, studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg fired him 13 days into filming because Winkler’s insecure directing style—which involved giving excessive direction and wanting to redo scenes—pissed off the cast.
Who replaced Henry Winkler as director?
Director Roger Spottiswoode stepped in to helm the 1989 film following Winkler’s departure.
Do Tom Hanks and Henry Winkler still have a feud?
While Winkler has denied an outright feud, stating they had a warm encounter at the 2020 SAG Awards, he acknowledged that tension lingers and that a request to use Hanks’s past Happy Days footage in a retrospective was denied.
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