Henry Winkler Says His Name Was Cut From ‘Scream’ Poster Because ‘You Were the Fonz’ and It Would ‘Knock the Balance of Horror Off’

Finding out his name wouldn’t be used on the “Scream” poster wasn’t one of Henry Winkler’s happier days.

The “Happy Days” star played Principal Arthur Himbry in the original “Scream” film, which went on to become one of the most successful horror franchises. But despite his character’s entrance receiving applause during screen tests for the 1996 movie, Winkler revealed the studio refused to put his name on the poster.

“The studio comes to me and says, ‘We can’t put your name on the film. We cannot put you anywhere near the poster,’” Winkler said in an interview for “In Depth With Graham Besinger.” When he asked why, the studio said, “Well, you were the Fonz, and you will knock the balance of horror off if we let them know you’re in it.”

Although it left him feeling “insulted,” the actor didn’t overtly protest the studio’s decision.

“I said, ‘OK. What can I do?’ I went home upset,” the actor said. “I was bewildered a little bit.”

He later learned the same people who had informed him his name wouldn’t be used on the poster were also the ones who asked him if he would do press for the film’s release. Winkler ultimately agreed, noting he obliged for himself, director Wes Craven and the movie as a whole.

Now, looking back 30 years later, Winkler said the experience taught him to navigate the unknown.

“That’s the lesson. You just show up,” he said, also pointing out that “you have no idea what’s going to happen, but that’s out of your control.”

“Scream” also starred Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Drew Barrymore and Matthew Lillard. The franchise’s latest film, “Scream 7,” became the highest-grossing installment with $176.9 million.