Ron Howard has been a household name almost as long as the 70 years he’s lived. The Hollywood heavyweight has been going nonstop in film and television, a career he started as a toddler.
In addition to his impressive career, the multiple award winner – who also demonstrates longevity in his personal life – has been married to his wife Cheryl for almost half a century.
Keep reading to learn more about Howard, his decades-long career and marriage!
Ron Howard: A Hollywood Icon and Family Man
On March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma, Ronald William Howard, a future Hollywood legend, was born. His journey to stardom began almost immediately, as he appeared in his first film, Frontier Woman, at just 18 months old. By the age of two, he had already made his stage debut in The Seven Year Itch.
However, it was Howard’s role as Opie Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) that solidified his place in the entertainment industry. Playing the wholesome and lovable son of Andy Griffith’s character, Howard charmed audiences with his natural talent. His parents, both in the entertainment business, offered unwavering support, but with a clear message: “You can do it if you want, but you don’t have to. If you start this, you can’t quit.” Howard, even as a child, understood the commitment and thrived in his role.
During his time on The Andy Griffith Show, Howard also showcased his versatility on the big screen, starring in the 1962 musical hit The Music Man. His talent carried over into his teenage years when he appeared in George Lucas’s American Graffiti (1973) alongside Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss, and Cindy Williams.
In 1974, Howard reached new heights of fame as Richie Cunningham in the beloved sitcom Happy Days (1974–1984), created by Garry Marshall. The show became a cultural phenomenon, giving rise to iconic spin-offs like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy.
A Love Story That Endures
Before his meteoric rise as Richie Cunningham, Howard met Cheryl Alley, his high school sweetheart, in 1970. The two married in 1975 and have been inseparable ever since. Speaking to People, Howard described Cheryl as “unbelievably supportive” and credited their enduring compatibility to their shared experiences and mutual understanding.
On the 50th anniversary of their first date, Howard marked the occasion on Instagram with a heartfelt tribute. Sharing that their first outing included a screening of It’s a Mad Mad Mad World and pizza at a now-defunct eatery, he also revealed that the couple planned to drive the same 1970 VW Bug Howard had used to pick Cheryl up five decades earlier. “It runs great. So do we,” he wrote, encapsulating their lasting bond.
Cheryl has been more than just a supportive partner. Dubbed Howard’s “good luck charm,” she has appeared in cameos in his films and even played herself in the comedy series Arrested Development, which Howard produced and narrated.
From Acting to Award-Winning Directing
While his acting career made him a household name, Ron Howard transitioned to directing, earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award for A Beautiful Mind (2001). His directorial ventures, including Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, and Frost/Nixon, have further cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers.
Howard’s story is one of remarkable talent, enduring love, and a commitment to his craft. From a freckle-faced child actor to an Oscar-winning director, he has left an indelible mark on Hollywood, all while keeping family and authenticity at the heart of his journey.
“People say, ‘How’d you do it?’ There’s no technique,” Howard tells People. “There’s no tactic, other than communication is really important. You have to learn to communicate and have difficult conversations in constructive ways. Beyond that, there’s an element of luck because people either grow together or they don’t and I don’t think you can force that.”
