Zoe Emily Winkler Is a Charity Co-founder – Facts about Henry Winkler's Daughter
Despite having a famous father, Zoe Emily Winkler has lived a normal life since childhood. Though she didn't follow in her father's footsteps and venture into the entertainment industry, Zoe found her purpose by giving back to the community.
Henry Winkler's daughter had a normal upbringing. As a kid, her father drove her to school every day until she turned 16 and got her driving license. Furthermore, her dad would always attend important school events like PTA meetings. They also had dinner together as a family every night.
According to Zoe's father, he didn't want to spoil his kids; he wanted them to have a normal and consistent life. He also said that despite being a public figure, he tried his best to keep his children out of the limelight. Here's what we know about the daughter of a famous Hollywood star who tries to keep her life out of the public eye.
Zoe Winkler attends the Sole Society preview party on October 25, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zoe Wanted to Become a Teacher
Zoe Emily Winkler, born in 1980, is the first child of Henry and Stacey Winkler. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University but didn't pursue acting like her father; instead, she became a nursery school teacher.
Max followed in his father's footsteps, though not as an actor—he is a director, screenwriter, and producer.
Zoe, born with dyslexia, dreamed of becoming a teacher at a young age. When growing up, Zoe told her parents that she wanted to become a teacher because she didn't want anybody to feel stupid.
Actor Henry Winkler and kids Max Winkler and Zoe Winkler on November 6, 1988 at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images
Later, Zoe co-founded This is about Humanity, a charity organization that focuses on raising awareness about reunited and separated families at the border. The organization also supports families with mental wellness checkups, legal services, and shelter.
Zoe and Her Husband Have Three Children
Zoe Emily Winkler always envisioned herself being married and having a permanent friend. She met her husband, Robert Reinis, in May 2005 through Elana Rose, a parent to a kid in Zoe's class. Rose had interacted with Zoe on many occasions and loved her personality and energy.
As a result, she thought to set her up with Robert because she felt they would be perfect for each other. Zoe's husband also grew up in a well-to-do family.
Henry Winkler and Zoe Winkler at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California on September, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Their homes were close to each other, about a mile away. Zoe's husband is one of five children; his parents, Lois and Richard Reinis, have been married for over four decades.
Before Zoe's husband proposed, he had to ask for her parents' permission to marry her. So in July 2008, he sat down with Zoe's parents in their living room and asked for their daughter's hand in marriage.
Henry Winkler and Zoe Winkler on June 8, 2008 at Wadsworth Theater Grounds in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Even though it was a serious discussion that lasted for one and a half hours, Zoe's parents were impressed by Robert's courage and confidence, giving him the go-ahead. Two days later, Robert popped the question early morning with a ring on the pillow and asked Zoe to marry him.
A year later, on June 27, the pair exchanged vows in a colorful wedding ceremony. Though less is known about Henry Winkler's daughter's personal life because she prefers to keep it private, she shares three children with her husband.
Max Winkler, Henry Winkler, Stacey Winkler, Zoe Winkler and Jed Weitzman at Sportsmens Lodge on January 29, 2016, in Studio City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Zoe's Parents Have Been Together for Decades
Zoe's parents, Henry Winkler and Stacey, have been married for over four decades. The two first met in 1976 at a clothing shop, became friends, started dating, and finally tied the knot in 1978. The pair are parents to three children and grandparents to five.
Zoe Is Not the Only Child in the Family
While Zoe is the only daughter, she has two other siblings. Her brother, Max Daniel Winkler, was born on August 18, 1983. Max followed in his father's footsteps, though not as an actor—he is a director, screenwriter, and producer.
Some projects he's worked on include "New Girl" and "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend." Henry Winkler's daughter also has an older half-brother, Jed Weitzman, from her mother's previous relationship.