Smithsonian Associates Honors Henry Winkler With John P. McGovern Award

Smithsonian Associates has named actor Henry Winkler the recipient of the 2024 John P. McGovern Award, which will be presented Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:45 p.m. in the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. The presentation will highlight an evening in which Winkler discusses topics from his New York Times bestselling 2023 memoir, Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond, including his career and his path to stardom and how the issues and causes for which he advocates connect to his roles as an actor, author, comedian, producer and director.

Winkler is receiving the John P. McGovern Award for using his voice to amplify important discussions about dyslexia and other issues that touch American lives. McGovern, a noted physician, educator, author and philanthropist, established the award through an endowment to the Smithsonian to address issues of national and global importance that bridge the sciences and humanities.

In his memoir, Winkler traces his life and career from his star-making role as The Fonz on Happy Days through his work as an actor on shows including Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation and Barry. He also reveals in this vulnerable memoir his professional and personal struggles, including his dyslexia diagnosis at the age of 31.

Since that diagnosis, Winkler has been publicly open about his life with dyslexia, writing a series of children’s books, including Here’s Hank and Hank Zipzer, the World’s Greatest Underachiever, which offer a funny and realistic look at life for a child who struggles with dyslexia. With 17 volumes in the series, more than 3 million copies of the Hank Zipzer books have been sold in the United States, providing help in managing dyslexia to many children, parents and teachers.

Registration prices for the Smithsonian Associates’ presentation are $50 for general admission and $40 for members and include a paperback copy of Winkler’s memoir, Being Henry. For information, the public may call (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org. 

For nearly 60 years, Smithsonian Associates—the world’s largest museum-based education program—has produced innovative, engaging learning experiences that bring the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions, nearly 1,000 livestreamed and in-person programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.

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