For nearly as long as he has lived, Ron Howard has been well-known. The Hollywood heavyweight began his career as a toddler and has been working ceaselessly in television and movies.
In addition to his remarkable profession, the multiple award winner has been married to his wife, Cheryl, for nearly 50 years. He also exhibits longevity in his personal life.
Learn more about Howard, his marriage, and his decades-long career by reading on!
Ronald Howard, a future Hollywood icon, was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, on March 1, 1954.
At the age of two, Howard had his stage debut in The Seven Year Itch, and at the age of eighteen months, he starred in his first movie, Frontier Woman.
Soon after, the redhead with freckles began his career as a celebrity by appearing on The Andy Griffith Show (1960–68).
Howard had the full support of his parents, who were both in the entertainment business, when the little child portrayed Griffith’s son Opie.
“Recall how we used to say, ‘You don’t have to, but you can do it if you want.'” Recalling a discussion he had with his parents decades prior, Howard remarked, “Well, if you start this, you can’t quit.” “You can continue doing this show, but you are not required to do other parts on other shows if you so choose.”
Howard goes on to say, “I think it was pretty clear at that point that I was enjoying it, and I was good at it,” indicating that he understood the message his parents were trying to convey.
In fact, he excelled at it, and he was on the verge of becoming a stratospheric celebrity.
The “Happy Days” of Howard
In addition to starring in The Andy Griffith Show, Howard made his big-screen debut in the highly successful musical The Music Man in 1962.
Naturally gifted, he went on to star in American Graffiti (1973), which also included Cindy Williams, Harrison Ford, and Richard Dreyfuss, with whom he would later collaborate.
In 1974, he was chosen to play Richie Cunningham in Garry Marshall’s brand-new television series Happy Days, which ran on television sets all over the world from 1974 until 1984.
Popular spin-offs from the TV series include Mork & Mindy, which starred Robin Williams as the beloved Orkan Mork, and Laverne & Shirley, which starred Williams and Marshall’s sister Penny.
Sweetheart from high school
Prior to winning a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the naive youngster in Happy Days, Howard met Cheryl Alley, his high school girlfriend, in 1970. The two would later get married in 1975.
“There was never anyone else when I met her.” The Da Vinci Code director went on to say, “She is and has always been incredibly supportive,” in an interview with People. Our compatibility has held up throughout a variety of situations.
Howard, who won an Oscar for directing A Beautiful Mind, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first date with Cheryl on Instagram after 50 years of shared adventures.
He sent a picture of himself in socks with pictures of Cheryl’s face next to the text, “Nov. 1, 1970, Cheryl & I went on our first date.” After seeing Stanley Kramer’s It’s a Mad Mad Mad World re-release, we had pizza at the now-closed Barnone’s in Toluca Lake. That’s quite a start.
“We’ll be driving in the same ’70 VW Bug I picked Cheryl up in five decades ago,” he added while discussing their plans for the day. It functions flawlessly. We also do.
His “lucky charm”
In addition to playing herself in the TV comedy series Arrested Development, which Howard produced and narrated, Cheryl made other appearances in Howard’s ventures.
Ron referred to Cheryl as his “good luck charm” in an interview with the Television Academy, explaining that’s why she’s in all of his movies.
He remarked, “I got really superstitious about making sure she shows up, that she’s at least identifiable in one frame.” “She must appear, but they don’t have to be major cameos.”
Not only does Cheryl bring luck to her spouse, but she is also a published novelist with a master’s degree in screenwriting and a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
The power couple has four children: a son named Reed, twins named Paige and Jocelyn, and a girl named Bryce. They are also grandparents to six children.
While Paige made her feature film debut in Adventureland (2009), Bryce is a well-known actor who has starred in films such as The Help and Jurassic World. due to her roles in the movies The Employer and Collection.
Reed plays golf professionally, and Jocelyn, Paige’s twin sister, is a very quiet person.
The key to long life
The Emmy Award-winning producer reveals that “communication” is the key to their enduring love as they approach their 49th anniversary on June 7.
“They ask, ‘How did you do it?'” Howard tells People, “There is no technique. “There is no strategy other than the fact that communication is crucial. You must develop your ability to speak and hold challenging discussions in a positive manner. Beyond that, there is a degree of chance since, in my opinion, you cannot compel individuals to grow together.
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