Henry Winkler, ‘The Fonz,’ Receives OBE for Dyslexia Work

is an actor, director, producer, writer and now… a royal? Well, not exactly, but the iconic star has been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II with a royal title that adds some exclusive letters to his name – OBE.

Winkler, most known for playing Aurthur Fonzarelli – “The Fonz” – on Happy Days, was recently made an Honorary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to children with dyslexia and special educational needs.

According to the British Embassy in Washington, Henry (who was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult) has spent the past two years touring the United Kingdom, raising awareness and talking to children, educators and policy makers about dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

“Receiving this honor is a very humbling experience,” Winkler said in a statement. “My goal when I started working with children was to change how people think about those around them for whom learning is a struggle. I am flattered to have had my work recognized in this manner, and hope to continue showing children that no matter how they learn, they have brilliance in them.”

During the award ceremony, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, British Ambassador to the United States, said of Winkler:

“Through him, thousands of young people have seen a role model and an inspiration for overcoming their learning difficulties. Henry Winkler is living proof that difficulties can be overcome and that for those suffering challenges and self-doubt, happy days can nevertheless lie ahead.”

In the short clip below Winkler talks about the joy of receiving the OBE, as well as his own struggles with dyslexia as a youth.

via Mirror
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