The actor, who played cool dude the Fonz in the beloved U.S. sitcom, was handed the medal in recognition of his work for U.K. children's charities, specifically with kids who have dyslexia.

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

Winkler says, ""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.""

British monarch Queen Elizabeth II hands out honorary awards to non-Brits on the advice of the Foreign Office.