'Up All Night' Nabs Henry Winkler to Play Ava's Dad (Exclusive)

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What could drive Ava’s (Maya Rudolph) constant need for attention and approval on NBC’s Up All Night? We’re about find out when the man who played “The Fonz” drops in to the NBC comedy later this season.

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While there has already been some speculation that Henry Winkler will be playing the talk show host’s father, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that the deal has officially closed.

Winkler will play Robert Alexander, a children’s book author who’s adored by a generation of readers. And while the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, it’s those same readers who Ava has had to compete with for his one-on-one attention. At this time, no airdate has been set by NBC for Winkler’s episode.

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'The actor originally played the iconic model of cool, Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli, on Happy Days for about a decade between 1974-1984. His other TV credits include another fatherly role on Royal Pains, Sy on Childrens Hospital, and Barry on Arrested Development.

Up All Night airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on NBC.

Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com; Twitter: @TheRealJethro