Henry Winkler, known for his iconic role as The Fonz on "Happy Days," has spoken candidly about a decades-long tension with actor Tom Hanks. Winkler, 80, detailed the rift during a recent appearance on "In Depth With Graham Bensinger," focusing on his experience being fired as the director of the 1989 film "Turner & Hooch," which starred Hanks, 70.

Winkler explained that despite a "gut feeling" he was not suited for the job, he was hired for "Turner & Hooch" by a Paramount executive. He recalled meeting with Hanks to audition actresses, during which Hanks settled on Mare Winningham. Winkler believes his subsequent actions, which he characterized as over-directing and wanting to reshoot a scene due to insecurity, "pissed them off." Shortly thereafter, he was removed from the project.

"And in 13 days of filming, I’m called into [studio executive] Jeff Katzenberg’s office and he said, 'It’s not in the dailies.' I then go to the set. I get my things. I drive home. I’m fired as a director," Winkler recounted.

He described the career blow as devastating, and Roger Spottiswoode was brought in to replace him as director. "Happy Days" aired from 1974 to 1984, and Hanks had a significant early role on the show as a guest star in 1982.

When asked about his current perspective on his relationship with Hanks, Winkler replied, "I am still working on my perspective." However, he expressed optimism about a future repair, stating plainly, "Sure," when pressed about whether the relationship could heal. Winkler also confirmed he still possesses a model plane that Hanks built for him during their meetings for "Turner & Hooch" prior to Winkler's dismissal.

Rumors of conflict between Winkler and Hanks on the set of "Turner & Hooch" have persisted but were never officially confirmed. Winkler himself has previously made light of the situation. In 1993, he told People, "I got along better with Hooch than I did with Turner," referencing Hanks's character. More recently, in 2020, he denied having a feud with Hanks to TMZ, stating, "I don’t have a feud with Tom Hanks. What everybody says and what is true are two different things."

"Turner & Hooch" follows a police detective who, after inheriting his friend's dog, investigates his mysterious death with his new canine partner.