Henry Winkler to Play Captain Hook in London Peter Pan Pantomime

Henry Winkler, best known internationally for playing Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on the sitcom Happy Days from 1974-1984, is set to make his U.K. stage debut. He will play Captain Hook in a pantomime version of Peter Pan at London's New Wimbledon Theatre from December 8 to January 14.

“I am so excited about playing Captain Hook. He's a bad guy, but I truly believe he's misunderstood. I mean, you have your hand eaten by a crocodile, that's got to create some anger and resentment.” Winkler said of the part. “I think he has redeeming qualities. He's very dashing. He's a good leader—he doesn't delegate well, but he's a good leader,” he added.

Winkler says he is proud to join the long tradition of panto. “I understand there will be hissing and booing—that's a tradition,” the actor noted. “Well, I'm telling you right now: if I am booed, I will come down to the footlights and take names. But I promise you, I will be dastardly. That's for sure.”

He replaces fellow U.S. TV star David Hasselhoff, who was originally announced to play the role. Winkler is joining British comedy legend Boby Davro as Smee and Sarah-Jane Honeywell as Peter.

Winkler's last big stage role was in Neil Simon's The Dinner Party on Broadway in 2000. In recent years he has produced several television shows, including The Hollywood Squares. He has also returned to acting with roles in films including The Waterboy and Clink, and has had a recurring role in the TV comedy series Arrested Development. Last year he starred on TV's Out of Practice.