‘Fonz’ is honoured by the Queen

14 September 2011 Last updated at 21:15 ET

Henry Winkler won the OBE for his services in dyslexia education

Henry Winkler, who played the Fonz on the classic US sitcom Happy Days, has been awarded an honorary OBE for his educational work on dyslexia in the UK.

Winkler, who may now add “honorary OBE” to his name, received the award at the British embassy in Washington DC.

The actor-turned-children’s author was himself diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult.

In the last two years, he has toured schools in the UK, talking about the learning disability.

“I am overwhelmed to have had my work recognised in this manner, and hope to continue showing children that no matter how they learn, they have brilliance in them,” said Winkler in a statement after Wednesday’s investiture.

‘Inspiration’

He is the author of the Hank Zipzer children’s book series, which features a ng dyslexic protagonist.

Winkler shot to fame playing Arthur Fonzarelli (centre) in Happy Days

Zipzer’s adventures are based on Winkler’s own childhood struggles with school and the resulting bullying.

British ambassador Nigel Sheinwald presented the OBE to Winkler during the ceremony at the embassy.

Mr Sheinwald said: “Through [Winkler], thousands of ng people have seen a role model and an inspiration for overcoming their learning challenges.”

Winkler shot to fame playing Arthur Fonzarelli – a leather-jacket clad, motorcycle-riding, babe-magnet who was the epitome of “cool” – in Happy Days, which ran over a decade from 1974.

The Queen makes honorary awards to non-British citizens on the advice of the UK Foreign Office. It is not clear whether she is a fan of the Fonz.

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