Ron Howard has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for nearly his entire life, with an astounding career spanning 70 years. Starting as a young child, Howard has grown into one of the most respected personalities in both film and television, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Howard has maintained a strong and enduring personal life. He and his wife, Cheryl, have been together for nearly 50 years—a remarkable achievement in an industry known for fleeting relationships.
Born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma, Ronald William Howard’s journey to stardom began early. He made his screen debut at just 18 months old in Frontier Woman, and by age two, he was already performing on stage in The Seven Year Itch.
Howard’s path to fame really took off when he was cast as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968), a role that made him a household name. His parents, both in the entertainment industry, were supportive but never pushed him. “They always told me I didn’t have to continue, but if I committed to something, I had to see it through,” Howard recalled.
It quickly became evident that Howard had both a passion and a talent for acting. He delivered a standout performance in the 1962 film The Music Man and solidified his rising star status in the 1973 classic American Graffiti, acting alongside Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss.
In 1974, Howard took on the iconic role of Richie Cunningham in Happy Days, a sitcom created by Garry Marshall that became a massive success. Running from 1974 to 1984, Happy Days was a cultural phenomenon, giving rise to spin-offs like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, the latter helping to launch Robin Williams’ career.
Amid his professional success, Howard’s personal life was flourishing as well. In 1970, he met Cheryl Alley, his high school sweetheart, and the two were married in 1975. Their bond has only strengthened over the years, with Howard often speaking fondly of Cheryl. “From the first moment I met Cheryl, I knew she was the one,” he shared with People magazine. “She’s been my biggest supporter from the very beginning.”
To commemorate their 50th anniversary, Howard posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, reflecting on their first date on November 1, 1970. They had gone to see It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and shared pizza afterward. To celebrate the milestone, they took a nostalgic drive in the same 1970 Volkswagen Bug that Howard drove on that first date.
Cheryl, who holds a master’s degree in screenwriting, has appeared in several of Howard’s films. She even made a cameo in the comedy series Arrested Development, which Howard produced and narrated. He affectionately refers to Cheryl as his “good luck charm” and ensures she appears, however briefly, in each of his films.
The couple has four children: Bryce, twins Paige and Jocelyn, and Reed. Bryce Dallas Howard has followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a well-known actress with roles in Jurassic World and The Help. Paige has appeared in films such as Adventureland, while Reed pursued a professional golfing career. Jocelyn, however, prefers to live outside the public eye.
Now proud grandparents to six grandchildren, Howard and Cheryl credit communication as the key to their long-lasting marriage. In an interview with People, Howard remarked, “There’s no secret formula. It’s about communication. You need to be open to having tough conversations and work through challenges together. And sometimes, there’s an element of luck—either you grow together or you grow apart.”
Ron Howard’s life story is not only one of professional success but also a testament to the value of meaningful relationships. Balancing his career with family life, Howard has shown that true success is defined by the strong connections we make with those who matter most.