Every girl loves the Fonz, even Queen Elizabeth II, it seems. The Queen awarded Henry Winkler (aka Arthur Fonzarelli of "Happy Days") the Most Excellent OBE (knighthood). Winkler was honored for services to dyslexic and special needs children. Notable is Winkler's "Hank Zipzer" kids book series.
The main character, Zipzer, is nicknamed "the world's greatest underachiever" and is based on Winkler ("Zipzer" morphing from "Winkler"). The protagonist is a lovable, bumbling tween, who like Winkler has dyslexia. Similar to Beverly Cleary's "Henry Huggins" and "Ribsy," Zipzer's best buddy is a dog named Cheerio. Winkler's Zipzer is a normal boy navigating normal kid issues, only with learning disabilities. Zipzer's dyslexic malaprops are funny and endearing. The series gives the non-dyslexic reader an insider view of life with a learning handicap.
Winkler is intelligent, compassionate and unpretentious. Unlike so many actors and directors, Winkler keeps his ego in check. He has that rare ability to laugh at himself, nor is he afraid to show his vulnerability. Just look at his portrayal of Coach Klein in "The Waterboy." It takes a big man with little self-illusion to fill those shoes.
Even to his role best loved role as vain, charming Fonzie, Winkler brought subtle, deeper nuances. Black leather-clad, motorcycle-riding Arthur Fonzarelli, was the coolest guy imaginable, but even the Fonz had weak spots. The role was loosely based on Winkler's character of Butchey Weinstein from "The Lords of Flatbush" (with Sylvester Stallone). Like the Danny Zuko (John Travolta) character from "Grease," Fonzie was the romantic "bad boy."
Winkler gave Fonzie layers not found in Zuko or Weinstein. Fonzie was a dropout, but not because he hated school. He valued education and actually finished high school to become an auto shop teacher. Like Winkler himself (and his fictional alterego Hank Zipzer) Fonzie had some learning anxiety. He teased his egghead friends, but always supported smart kid Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard).
Winkler is best known as an actor and director, but his activism doesn't end with movies and television.
Winkler is a children's advocate in the tradition of Fred "Mister" Rogers and "Captain Kangaroo" Bob Keeshan. Winkler founded the non-profit Children's Action Network which works to address children's issues in media.
Winkler supports many children's groups like the MacLaren Children's Center (a refuge for abused children). He also works with the National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, Special Olympics and the Los Angeles Music Center Very Special Arts Festival. Winkler is involved with teen alcohol and drug abuse programs.
For these and other good deeds, Winkler made the Queen's birthday list and was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. We can't call him Sir Henry because he's not a resident of the United Kingdom, but he's still a knight and richly deserves this honor.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 23 years parenting four kids and 25 years teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and home-school.
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