Ron Howard was dedicated to his career but was always willing to make sacrifices for his children’s sake – even taking them away from Hollywood to a farm. Today, the director is a happy father and grandfather who has no regrets about how he raised his family, believing he did the right thing.
Best known for writing and producing “A Beautiful Mind,” released in 2001, Ron Howard is an acclaimed American director. The movie earned him the Academy Award for Best Director and also won Best Picture in 2002. He was also nominated for “Frost/Nixon” in the same categories in 2009.
Ron’s Love Story
Director Ron Howard, now in his 70s, cherishes his role as a father and family man. His journey began when he met his wife, Cheryl, during their junior year at John Burroughs High School in California. From their first meeting, they knew they were meant for each other. Ron once stated, “I met her, and there was never anybody else.”
Marrying in 1975, Ron and Cheryl have celebrated their enduring relationship. Their love story unfolds through countless shared pictures on social media, capturing moments of enduring affection. In Ron’s words, their lasting bond can be attributed to “communication.”
He elaborated further on social media, sharing a nostalgic moment, “We went to see a re-release of Stanley Kramer’s It’s a Mad Mad Mad World and then grabbed some pizza at the now-defunct Barnone’s in Toluca Lake. Quite a memorable start!”
Reflecting on their relationship, Ron added humorously, “Today, we’re celebrating with matching socks and a trip to our local take-out pizza place. We’re driving in the same ’70 VW Bug I picked Cheryl up in five decades ago. It runs great. So do we!”
Throughout their journey, Ron and Cheryl have created cherished memories, like a prom date photo from ’72, where Cheryl proudly wore a dress she made. Despite initial concerns from his parents about getting distracted by love, Ron was undeterred in his commitment to Cheryl.
The young Ron found his parents’ dating rules frustrating, as they strictly limited his outings with Cheryl to once or twice a week. However, being resourceful, Ron and Cheryl found ways to spend more time together, even attending church as an excuse.
Ron once recounted how he secretly jogged to Cheryl’s house under the guise of cross-country training. Reflecting on these youthful escapades, Ron noted that even “awkward teenage 16-year-old stuff can sometimes lead to four kids and six grandkids and a 47-year marriage.”
Years later, in an interview, Ron was playfully called out for having “one of the worst proposal stories in history.” Despite his romantic nature, Cheryl initially declined his proposals, insisting on completing her degree before marriage.
Ultimately, Ron and Cheryl married in 1975, after five years of dating. Their marriage grew from a love based on “focus, confidence, and excitement” beyond the world of show business.
The couple welcomed four children: actress and director Bryce Dallas, twins Jocelyn Carlyle and Paige, and son Reed Cross. Ron considers their long-lasting marriage a stroke of luck, marveling, “It’s crazy – we were teenagers. It shouldn’t have worked… but it has.”
In the biography “Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Moon…and Beyond” by Beverly Gray, Ron and Cheryl are described as shy and awkward kids who formed a strong bond. Cheryl, unfamiliar with Ron’s fame from “The Andy Griffith Show,” was captivated by his company, sparking a lifelong romance.
Cheryl, hailing from a modest background, supported Ron’s dreams, even appearing in his short film, “A Deed of Daring-Do.” Her involvement cemented her presence in Ron’s work, appearing in all his movies since.
When they became parents, Ron and Cheryl imparted values from their own upbringings, striving to provide their children with a grounded childhood, away from Hollywood’s glamour.
Changing Their Scenery for the Family
Cheryl was determined to give their children a different upbringing, leading them to leave Los Angeles. Despite Ron’s concerns about his growing career, Cheryl’s desire for a less scrutinized environment prevailed, and they relocated.
They moved to the East Coast and settled on a farm, significantly shaping their children’s understanding of life. The Howard kids grew up away from Hollywood’s spotlight, learning practical skills like cleaning barns, fixing roofs, and handling finances.
Bryce, recalling their farm life, noted, “My mom was very strict for good reason… My parents weren’t gonna give us their money. They knew that when we were 18, we were going to need to take care of ourselves.”
In this serene environment, Bryce learned valuable lessons. Her parents provided a safe space to confront fears, as seen when Cheryl encouraged Bryce to overcome her fear of snakes by getting a pet snake.
The Beautiful Relationship Continues
Ron and Cheryl’s enduring relationship is a testament to effective communication and shared values. Despite the years, their connection remains strong, witnessing their family expand with six grandchildren.
Ron proudly acknowledged his children’s principled nature, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. These attributes have helped them thrive in their unique paths.
Bryce, deeply appreciative of her parents, once said she was “obsessed” with them. The couple, passionate travelers, often share their adventures, like those in London or on the Greek Islands, reveled in through Ron’s enthusiastic social media posts.
As grandparents, they cherish every moment with their grandchildren. Bryce’s children frequently have sleepovers at Ron and Cheryl’s, building precious bonds. She joyfully recalls the similarity between her own childhood memories and her children’s experiences with their “amazing” granddad.
Ron is incredibly fond of his grandkids and considers being a grandparent a profound experience. He often finds himself capturing sweet moments with them, reflecting on family milestones and cherishing time spent within their growing family.
Through their journey, Ron and Cheryl have built not just a family but a legacy. Their children, now thriving with careers and families of their own, mirror the principles instilled by unaided love and guidance. With each new generation, the Howard legacy carries forward, infused with the values of simplicity, hard work, and genuine connection deeply ingrained by Ron and Cheryl’s journey together.
