This TV Star Was Called ‘Dumb’ by Parents & Could Barely Read until Age 31 When He Learned of His Disorder by Chance
- With a stellar career spanning decades, this TV icon has charmed audiences worldwide and graced our screens with unforgettable performances.
- Yet, beneath the glittering surface of his stardom lies a remarkable tale of triumph over adversity, a journey that began in the most challenging of circumstances.
- He was once labeled “dumb” by his parents and struggled with reading until an unexpected revelation at the age of 31 uncovered a hidden disorder that changed the course of his life.
Picture taken circa 1970 | Source: Getty Images
This TV star has graced our screens for years, becoming a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. His charisma and talent have captivated audiences across the globe, making him a household name.
But the path to this esteemed position was far from smooth; in fact, it was a journey fraught with obstacles and adversity that would have deterred most. Behind the scenes of his illustrious career lies a story of a challenging childhood far removed from the glamorous life he would later lead.
The Journey of a TV Icon
Born into a Manhattan apartment to immigrant parents who had escaped the horrors of Nazi Germany, this TV star’s early years were marked by difficulties that could have easily shattered a less determined spirit. The “Happy Days” actor did not have a very happy childhood. In fact, he only ever heard his mother laugh twice. Sharing his experience during childhood, he said:
“When children at school used to say to me, ‘My parents and I are going on a trip’ or ‘We had so much fun together,’ I didn’t even know how that was possible.”
He grappled with a problem that went unnoticed for far too long—a problem that would define his early life and affect his relationship with his parents, his teachers, and even himself. He was surrounded by an atmosphere that was far from nurturing, and his parents’ expectations were exceedingly high.
As a child, he had a severe reading disorder, an affliction that set the stage for a tumultuous upbringing. Troubles with reading plagued him from an early age, yet he was met with a lack of understanding and support. Instead of encouragement, his parents misconstrued his genuine struggle as laziness.
During the filming of “Hero” in 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Labels and insults became a constant presence in his life, even from those closest to him. His parents gave him a term of endearment that masked the frustration they felt. During an interview, he shared:
“They had an affectionate phrase for me called Dummo Hund. That means dumb dog.”
In a promotional photo for “Happy Days” in 1974...
