Biography
Who is Ron Howard?
Early life and upbringing
Ronald William Howard was born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma. He is the older of two sons born to Rance Howard and Jean Speegle. His father worked as an actor, writer, and director, while his mother was an actress. Ron Howard grew up with a brother named Clint Howard, who also pursued a career in acting.
During his youth, he received tutoring at Desilu Studios. For his formal schooling, he attended Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary and David Starr Jordan Junior High in Burbank, California. He later graduated from John Burroughs High School. He also attended the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, though he did not complete his degree there.
Rise to television fame
Ron began his career as a child performer. He had his first credited film role in The path in 1959. He appeared in various television anthology series and episodes, including The Twilight Zone and Dennis the Menace. His major breakout occurred when he was cast as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show. He played this role from 1960 through 1968.
In 1974, he became widely known playing Richie Cunningham on the sitcom Happy Days. He stayed with the show until 1980 when he decided to focus on other areas of the industry. He later returned to the series for guest appearances during its eleventh season between 1983 and 1984. This period established him as a major television personality.
Directing and film career
After leaving regular acting roles, Ron Howard transitioned into directing and producing. He made his directorial debut with the film Grand Theft Auto in 1977. His subsequent work included directing various comedies and thrillers such as Night Shift, Splash, Cocoon, and Backdraft. He also directed the fantasy film Willow in 1988.
He achieved significant critical success with films like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind. For the latter, he won the Academy Award for Best Director. His filmography also includes historical dramas like Cinderella Man, Rush, and Thirteen Lives. He has also directed several documentaries, including Pavarotti and The Beatles: Eight Days a Week. His diverse work spans feature films, television series, and documentary projects.
Family and personal life
Ron Howard is married to Cheryl Howard. Together, they have four children named Bryce Dallas, Paige, Reed, and Jocelyn Howard. His family has a strong connection to the entertainment industry, with his father Rance and brother Clint both working as actors. This background influenced his early exposure to professional sets.
He has received numerous honors for his professional contributions. These include the National Medal of Arts and a Primetime Emmy Award. He also holds two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His career has spanned over six decades across multiple mediums including film, television, and voice acting.
Birthday and age
Ron Howard was born on March 1, 1954, which makes Ron 72 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Ron shares the date with 67 other famous people.
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