'Happy Days' star Henry Winkler insists one thing hasn't changed after decades in Hollywood

While he's earned fame, awards and the admiration of generations, the "Happy Days" star opened up about what still matters most to him - regardless of the spotlight. 

When Fox News Digital asked the 79-year-old actor what fame hasn't changed, he replied, "The way that I view the world, the way that I view my family and our puppies, the way that I view the human beings I meet all over the world."

Despite decades of success, Winkler expressed gratitude and shared what continues to drive him in Hollywood. 

"I love getting up in the morning. I love being alive. I love that I'm still at the table," he said.

Winkler has taken on prominent roles across generations of Hollywood, from "Happy Days" to "Barry" and, most recently, "Hazardous History."

Winkler doesn't show signs of slowing down and revealed how he'd like to be remembered in Hollywood after his decades-long career - as "a good human being."

When it comes to acting advice, Winkler told Fox News Digital there are two key factors. 

"One is, you must be tenacious. You must really eat and sleep and breathe you want to be in this industry."

But it's not just about drive - it's about being present. 

WATCH: HENRY WINKLER DISHES ON THE ONE THING FAME HASN'T CHANGED ABOUT HIM

"The ear is the center of all things," he said. "Listening - listening to the creators, listening to yourself and listening to your fellow actors."

However, it hasn't been all glitz and glamor for Winkler.

While the "Hazardous History" host spoke about the wildest hazard he ever faced on set, he recalled a moment that could've turned fatal while working on "Happy Days."

WATCH: 'HAZARDOUS HISTORY' HOST HENRY WINKLER SHARES THE WILDEST HAZARD HE EVER FACED ON SET 

"Where I got the nerve to talk to this guy, I don't know. But I said to him, the first thing that came to my mind: 'Do you have a record collection?' He said, 'I do.' I said, 'Look, just go inside and write on a piece of paper that you're going to sign your record collection over to me.' And then when he got inside, they stopped him from jumping."

After decades in the spotlight, Winkler said kindness has carried him a long way in Hollywood despite the challenges he's faced.

"Kindness has never been a disadvantage. Also, I don't think of myself as a nice guy. I think of myself as a grateful guy," he said. "My gratitude allows the journey - with all the bumps and the bruises and all of the success - to equal out."

He continued, "Cut to 40 years later, he's in 'The Intern,' we're at the party. I walked up to him. I said, 'Look, I've got to do what everybody does. I need to take a selfie.' He turned to me, and he said, 'You said I used the word 'f---' better than anybody on the planet.' I dropped and smashed the phone."

Winkler turned Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli from a supporting role on "Happy Days" into a breakout star and cultural icon. 

Decades later, he reflected on the journey that took him from fan favorite to Hall of Famer.