Ron Howard calls wife ‘good luck charm,’ shares secret to 49-year marriage

Ron Howard has been a fixture in Hollywood for nearly his entire life, with a career spanning an incredible 70 years. Starting as a toddler, Howard has evolved into one of the industry’s most respected figures, carving out a legacy in both film and television.

Beyond his notable professional achievements, Howard has maintained a strong personal life. He and his wife, Cheryl, have been together for almost 50 years—a true rarity in the entertainment world.

Born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma, Ronald William Howard’s journey into stardom began early. He made his film debut at just 18 months old in *Frontier Woman*, and by age two, he was already on stage in *The Seven Year Itch*.

Howard’s rise to fame began when he was cast as Opie Taylor on *The Andy Griffith Show* (1960-1968), a role that introduced him to audiences everywhere. His parents, both involved in the entertainment industry, supported his early career, though they were careful not to pressure him. “They always said I didn’t have to do it, but if I committed, I couldn’t just walk away,” Howard recalled.

It soon became clear that Howard not only enjoyed acting but also had a natural gift for it. His talent shone through in the 1962 hit *The Music Man*, and he further solidified his star power with a role in the 1973 classic *American Graffiti*, sharing the screen with Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss.

In 1974, Howard took on the role of Richie Cunningham in *Happy Days*, a sitcom created by Garry Marshall that became a television sensation. Running from 1974 to 1984, the show was a cultural landmark, and its success led to spin-offs like *Laverne & Shirley* and *Mork & Mindy*, which launched Robin Williams’ career.

While his professional life was soaring, Howard’s personal life was also blossoming. In 1970, he met Cheryl Alley, his high school sweetheart. They married in 1975, and their bond has only grown stronger over the years. Howard has spoken fondly about their relationship, telling *People* magazine, “From the moment I met Cheryl, I knew she was the one. She’s been my biggest supporter from day one.”

To celebrate their 50th anniversary, Howard shared a nostalgic post on Instagram, looking back on their first date on November 1, 1970. They watched *It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World* and grabbed pizza afterward. To mark the milestone, the couple took a sentimental drive in the same 1970 Volkswagen Bug Howard had used on that first date.

Cheryl, who earned a master’s degree in screenwriting, has appeared in several of Howard’s films. She also had a cameo in the comedy series *Arrested Development*, which Howard produced and narrated. Howard affectionately refers to Cheryl as his “good luck charm” and makes sure she appears, however briefly, in every film he directs.

The couple has four children: Bryce, twins Paige and Jocelyn, and their son Reed. Bryce Dallas Howard has followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a renowned actress with roles in *Jurassic World* and *The Help*. Paige has appeared in films like *Adventureland*, while Reed pursued a career as a professional golfer. Jocelyn, on the other hand, prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

Now grandparents to six, Howard and Cheryl credit communication as the key to their enduring marriage. In a candid interview with *People*, Howard explained, “There’s no magic formula. It’s all about communication. You have to be willing to have those difficult conversations and work through challenges together. And sometimes, there’s an element of luck—people either grow together or they grow apart.”

Ron Howard’s life story is a testament to more than just professional success. It highlights the importance of meaningful relationships and the balance between career achievements and personal fulfillment. Through decades of acting, directing, and building a family, Howard has proven that true success is defined not only by accolades but by the strong connections we make with the people who matter most.