15 Sep 2011

The Fonz awarded OBE for work with children

Happy Days star Henry Winkler is presented with an honourary OBE for his work on dyslexia in the UK.

Henry Winkler, 'The Fonz', has been awarded an OBE

The actor, who played the role of ‘The Fonz’ in the popular US sitcom, said it was “humbling” to receive the honour.

Mr Winkler was presented with the award at the British Embassy in Washington DC.

The actor was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult, and has spent the last two years touring schools in the UK to spread awareness of the learning difficulty.

Mr Winkler has also written a series of children’s books centred around the character Hank Zipzer, which are based on his own experiences of growing up with dyslexia.

“My goal when I started working with children was never to bring accolades on myself, but instead to change how people think about those around them for whom learning is a struggle,” he said.

“I am flattered to have had my work recognised in this manner, and hope to continue showing kids that their learning difficulty isn’t a disability.”

The actor is best known for his portrayal of Arthur ‘Fonzie’ Fonzarelli in the US sitcom Happy Days, which ran for 10 years from 1974.

With his motorcycle and leather jacket, Fonz was the embodiment of ‘cool’ and won two Golden Globes and three Primetime Emmy nominations for his performance.