Renowned film director Ron Howard and his wife Cheryl are celebrating an incredible 49 years of marriage. Reflecting on their journey, Ron shared how their high school romance blossomed into a lifelong partnership, exceeding all his expectations.
Ron and Cheryl, high school sweethearts, tied the knot on June 7, 1975. In a recent interview on “The View,” Ron fondly recalled their first meeting at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California, when they were juniors. He noted that they felt an instant connection.
When asked if his high school charm helped him win over Cheryl, Ron admitted he wasn’t one of the “cool kids.” Despite being well-liked, he was shy and introverted, often facing teasing from his peers. “And then I met this girl, full of life,” he recounted. Cheryl was an aircraft pilot, attending night classes, and pursuing various interests with genuine enthusiasm. “She still has so much energy for life and happiness,” Ron said, visibly moved.
Over the years, Ron has often spoken warmly about Cheryl and their marriage. In October 2013, during a visit to HuffPost Live, he discussed their enduring relationship. He acknowledged that their marriage defied the odds. “I felt lucky when we met,” he said, marveling at how far they’ve come. “It’s absurd. We were teenagers when we got married; it shouldn’t have worked, but it has.”
In June 2019, while discussing the keys to a successful marriage, Ron emphasized the importance of communication. “There’s no secret method,” he explained. “You just need to keep improving your communication, especially during challenging times.” Beyond that, Ron credited luck for their ability to grow together rather than apart, expressing gratitude for having Cheryl by his side.
Ron highlighted Cheryl’s unwavering support throughout his career. Despite the ups and downs, their bond has remained strong. “She has always been incredibly supportive,” he said, noting their compatibility under various circumstances.
The couple, both now 70, loves celebrating their milestones together, often sharing moments on social media. In 2020, Ron marked the 50th anniversary of their first date with an Instagram post featuring a throwback photo and a heartfelt caption. They celebrated by visiting a local pizzeria, driving the same 1970 VW Bug Ron used to pick Cheryl up for their first date.
Their enduring love is evident not only in their relationship but also in their family life. They raised four children—Bryce, Reed, Paige, and Jocelyn—away from Hollywood’s spotlight in Greenwich, Connecticut. Their eldest daughter Bryce, born March 2, 1981, has followed in Ron’s footsteps as an actress and filmmaker. Twin daughters Jocelyn and Paige arrived on February 5, 1985, followed by their son Reed on April 12, 1987. The couple also cherishes their six grandchildren.
Cheryl, born December 23, 1953, in California, pursued her own creative passions. A talented writer, she has authored several books, including “Tell Me a Story,” “In the Face of Jinn,” and “Grandma.” Her love for storytelling began in childhood, inspired by fairy tales and adventure stories. Despite not excelling in English during school, Cheryl began writing at twenty-two.
Cheryl also dabbled in acting, appearing in films like “Angels and Demons” and “Splash,” and more recently in “Hillbilly Elegy” (2020). Ron, meanwhile, started his career as a child actor, famously playing Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” and Richie Cunningham on “Happy Days.” Eventually, he transitioned to directing, fulfilling a long-held dream. His latest documentary, “Pavarotti,” explores the life of the legendary opera singer.
Ron and Cheryl Howard’s journey is a testament to the power of love, communication, and mutual support. Despite the challenges, their marriage has flourished, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected unions can turn out to be the strongest.