A Modern Day Fonz

I read an article online today that got me thinking.  The article was actually an interview with Sean Patrick Flanery.  Mr. Flanery was asked several questions in almost a word association fashion and he gave his responses with his usual honest candor.  One of the responses he was asked for was in reference to his friend and fellow actor, Norman Reedus. 
Anyone that is familiar with the duo of Flanery and Reedus, known as Flandus to their fans, would not be the least bit surprised to the complimentary nature of Mr Flanery's reply.

(Whole interview found here..  http://www.nylonguysmag.com/catching-up-with-sean-patrick-flannery/  )

Norman Reedus
A dear friend. My boy sat Mark McGwire down with his hellacious swing & he cracked a fast ball outta the park & over the center field fence with his role in The Walking Dead. He’s riding a one-handed wheelie with that character. Its killer. He’s Fonzie. He’s a stud.

Comparing Mr. Reedus to the one and only legendary Arthur Fonzarelli, is quite a compliment indeed.  The man, played by the fabulous Henry Winkler, is an icon.  As I was growing up, there wasn't a soul that didn't know who the Fonz was.  That charismatic smile, and the sound of a single syllable was forever branded to the character, thanks to the talents of an incredible actor.  I mean...who didn't try to turn things on with the bang of a fist?  Ayyyyyyyy...I know I did.

Mr. Reedus has given that same empowerment to his role of Daryl Dixon on AMC's The Walking Dead.  A show based off of a comic book, that has grown to be one of the most popular television series on cable AND regular television.  The role of Daryl Dixon was not even in the comic book series, but thanks, once again, to the talents of an incredible actor, the role has exploded into a television phenomenon.

As far as Mr. Flanery's assessment comparing his friend to a modern day Fonz, some may say he is biased due to the friendship he has with Mr. Reedus.  I obviously agree with his assessment, but I decided to provide a few visual aides to bring more light upon the comparison.



VISUAL AIDE #1

THE SALUTE

The Fonzie Thumbs up and the Reedus Salute are both equally synonymous to their presenter.  A gestured greeting of good will that fans adore.





VISUAL AIDE #2

THE MOTORCYCLE

I'm sorry, but not many would disagree to the coolness factor going on here.  Guys want to be like them and girls wanted to be riding on those bikes behind them.

VISUAL AIDE #3

THE SHADES

No explanation required :-)

VISUAL AIDE#4

TONGUE PORN

Again....... No explanation required.

VISUAL AIDE #5

WHAT WOULD THEY DO?

Well I don't know about you... But I don't know of anyone walking around in a shirt that says "What Would Vanessa Do?"  Face it...you are beyond cool when you land on mass market clothing wear.

VISUAL AIDE #6

RICHIE CUNNINGHAM

Of course the cool "bad" guy has the goodie goodie side kick and best friend

And this leads me to last, but not least....

VISUAL AIDE #7

SEAN PATRICK FLANERY

See.....this right here is all the proof anyone could ever need.  Sean IS Norman's very own Richie Cunningham. :-) (No comments about the Goodie, Goodie sidekick part.  Y'all know what I mean.)

There you have it.  Right before your own eyes.  Visual proof that demonstrates how Norman Reedus's portrayal of Daryl Dixon has earned a pretty solid comparison to the equally amazing portrayal of The Fonz played by the forever infamous Henry Winkler.  Both amazing actors who not only play/played their role...but own it as well.