Night Shift

 Have you ever wondered how thrilling it might be for an actor to break free from their iconic role and explore something new? That's exactly the situation Henry Winkler found himself in when his former co-star Ron Howard offered him any part he wanted in the film "Night Shift." Eager for a change of pace from his famous Fonzie character, Winkler joked, "I thought I'd play Richie Cunningham for once," referencing the mild-mannered character Howard portrayed in "Happy Days."

Henry Winkler managed his schedule by filming "Happy Days" episodes in California on Thursdays and Fridays, and then flying to New York to work on "Night Shift" with Howard from Mondays to Wednesdays. This arrangement allowed him to fulfill both commitments without compromising either.
"Night Shift" marked Ron Howard’s second theatrical film as a director, following 1977's "Grand Theft Auto." Winkler chose the quieter role, allowing Michael Keaton to take the role that would become one of his breakout performances. Howard noted that it was intentional for Keaton to be the funnier one, with Winkler setting up the laughs. Howard told The Boston Globe in 1982, "Henry was offered either part, and he opted for the quieter one. Then he helped Michael steal the picture. He gave Michael a lot of choices. With some of the bits, he’d tell Michael, ‘I know you’ll get laughs if you take this routine one step further.’"
Promoted heavily with its "Happy Days" connections, "Night Shift" became Winkler’s best box-office performer. The film revolves around Chuck Lumley, a former successful stockbroker who finds solace in his job as a night-shift attendant at a New York City morgue. His life is turned upside down by his new, free-spirited co-worker Bill "Blaze" Blazejowski, played by Michael Keaton. Together, they embark on an unconventional business venture inspired by Chuck’s prostitute neighbor, Belinda, portrayed by Shelley Long.
The film also features a notable cast including Richard Belzer, Clint Howard, and brief appearances by Kevin Costner and Shannen Doherty. Winkler’s performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy, while Keaton won the Kansas City Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor.
"Night Shift" grossed over $21 million at the domestic box office and received mostly positive reviews. Critics praised the chemistry between Winkler and Keaton, with TV Guide's Movie Guide remarking that "Winkler turns in the best performance of his career, and Keaton is wonderful." Despite some criticism regarding its second half, the film’s comedic timing and the dynamic between the lead actors left a lasting impression, solidifying "Night Shift" as a memorable comedy from the early 1980s.