Ron Howard

Ron Howard
Ron Howard | Source: Pinterest
Birthday:
March 1, 1954
Birth Sign:
Pisces

Who is Ron Howard?

Ron Howard is an award-winning American filmmaker, director, and former child actor. Widely respected for his transition from a beloved TV star to a world-class director, he is best known for directing acclaimed films like A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, and Frost/Nixon. Howard has won numerous prestigious awards, including two Academy Awards for A Beautiful Mind (Best Director and Best Picture).

Early Life and Education

Ron was born into a creative family — his mother, Jean Speegle Howard, was an actress, and his father, Rance Howard, was an actor, writer, and director. His younger brother, Clint Howard, is also an actor. His full name is Ronald William Howard.

The family moved to Hollywood in 1958 and later settled in Burbank, California, where Ron attended John Burroughs High School. He briefly studied at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts but did not graduate.

Career Overview

Child Actor to Hollywood Icon

Ron Howard began his acting career at the age of five, appearing in The Journey (1959). He became a household name as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) and later starred as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days (1974–1980).

Transition to Directing

Howard made his directorial debut with the 1977 film Grand Theft Auto and went on to direct a wide variety of successful films:

  • Splash (1984)
  • Cocoon (1985)
  • Apollo 13 (1995)
  • A Beautiful Mind (2001) – Academy Award Winner
  • The Da Vinci Code (2006)
  • Frost/Nixon (2008)
  • Rush (2013)
  • Thirteen Lives (2022)

In addition to directing, he co-founded Imagine Entertainment with producer Brian Grazer. Together, they’ve produced iconic TV shows like 24, Felicity, and Arrested Development.

He also directed the Pavarotti documentary (2019) and took over the Star Wars spin-off Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).

Personal Life

Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Cheryl Alley (married on June 7, 1975) – Writer
Children:

  • Bryce Dallas Howard (b. 1981) – Actress and director
  • Jocelyn Carlyle Howard (b. 1985) – Twin
  • Paige Howard (b. 1985) – Actress
  • Reed Cross Howard (b. 1987)

Ron and Cheryl have been married for over four decades, and their long-lasting relationship is considered rare and admirable in Hollywood.

Awards and Recognition

  • Academy Awards:
    • A Beautiful Mind (Best Picture & Best Director)
  • Golden Globe Award:
    • Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (Happy Days, 1978)
  • Emmy Awards:
    • Multiple wins and nominations for producing and directing
  • TV Hall of Fame Inductee: 2013

He has also been nominated for BAFTA Awards, Directors Guild Awards, and Producers Guild Awards.

Fun Facts About Ron Howard

  • He was only 6 years old when he started acting on The Andy Griffith Show.
  • His daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, is a successful actress and director.
  • He often includes his brother Clint in cameo roles in his films.
  • He narrates the cult-favorite series Arrested Development.
  • He directed Thirteen Lives, a dramatization of the Thai cave rescue mission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Ron Howard still married?
Yes, Ron Howard has been married to Cheryl Alley since 1975.

2. How many kids does Ron Howard have?
He has four children, including actress Bryce Dallas Howard.

3. What is Ron Howard’s most famous movie?
A Beautiful Mind is his most critically acclaimed work, winning multiple Oscars.

4. Was Ron Howard a child actor?
Yes, he gained fame as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show.

Similar Posts