Winkler Details Hanks Firing, Ongoing Tension

Henry Winkler has spoken out about the decades-long tension with actor Tom Hanks, detailing his firing as director from the 1989 film "Turner & Hooch" and the subsequent impact on their relationship. Winkler, 80, shared his perspective in a recent interview on "In Depth With Graham Bensinger," recalling that he was dismissed from the project after just 13 days of filming. Winkler explained that he believes his "talking too much" and offering direction to Hanks and co-star Mare Winningham during rehearsals contributed to his ouster. "I gave them direction what I thought was my job and I wanted to do it over again. And apparently, that pissed them off," Winkler stated. He described the experience as devastating, recalling being summoned to studio executive Jeff Katzenberg's office and then collecting his belongings before driving home, fired from his directorial role. Roger Spottiswoode ultimately took over directing duties for "Turner & Hooch." Winkler noted that while he was hired for the job by a Paramount executive, he felt he was "not suited" to helm the comedy, going "completely against my tummy.