Happy day as Fonz picks up OBE

Winkler – who played leather-jacketed Arthur Fonzarelli in the classic US sitcom Happy Days – received the honour at the British embassy in Washington DC, recognising his campaign work for youngsters with the learning disability.

The 65-year-old played the famous character for ten years, earning two Golden Globes for his portrayal.

Recently Winkler – who was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult – has become famous to a new generation as the man behind Hank Zipzer, the dyslexic hero of a bestselling series of books based on the actor’s own experiences.

In June, he spoke to 600 children at Bradford’s Abundant Life Centre as part of a tour for My Way!, the children’s newspaper First News’ dyslexia awareness campaign.

Speaking about his honorary OBE, Winkler said: “Receiving this honour is a very humbling experience. I am flattered to have had my work recognised in this manner.”