Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard is one of this generation's most popular directors. From the critically acclaimed dramas A Beautiful Mind (2001) and Apollo 13 (1995) to the hit comedies Parenthood (1989) and Splash (1984), he has created some of Hollywood's most memorable films.

Howard made his directorial debut in 1978 with the comedy Grand Theft Auto (1977). He began his career in film as an actor. He first appeared in The Journey (1959) and The Music Man (1962), then as Opie on the long-running television series The Andy Griffith Show (1960). Howard later starred in the popular series Happy Days (1974) and drew favorable reviews for his performances in American Graffiti (1973) and The Shootist (1976).

Cheryl Howard (7 June 1975 - present) ( 4 children)

Trivia

In 1971 was a contestant on The Dating Game (1965) and ended up choosing Bachelorette #2, Nola Green.
Son of Rance Howard and Jean Speegle Howard.
Older brother of Clint Howard.
Attended Burroughs High School with Rene Russo.
All of his four children are named after the places they were conceived: Bryce Dallas Howard in Dallas, TX; Paige Carlyle and Jocelyn Carlyle at the Hotel Carlyle in New York City; and Reed Cross after a specific road, according to Bryce Dallas Howard.
Acted with Kathleen Quinlan in American Graffiti (1973), then directed her in Apollo 13 (1995).
Cast both of his parents in Apollo 13 (1995). Daughter Bryce Dallas Howard also had a cameo appearance.
Had the following rankings on Premiere magazine's annual Power 100 List - #22 in 2006, #27 in 2005, #30 in 2004, #26 in 2003, #29 in 2002.
Directed eight different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Don Ameche, Dianne Wiest, Ed Harris, Kathleen Quinlan, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Giamatti and Frank Langella. Ameche and Connelly won Oscars for their performances in one of Howard's movies.

[asked about the transition from child star to adolescent actor]: You're 14 or 15, and they can hire an 18-year-old and not have the child-labor law restrictions, and so they do. Just at the point when you're feeling confused and vulnerable, you're being rejected.
It was always my dream to be a director. A lot of it had to do with controlling my own destiny, because as a young actor you feel at everyone's disposal. But I wanted to become a leader in the business.
[asked what his future holds in 1979]: If I had to choose between a great acting job and a good directing job, I'd choose the directing job.
I've always been interested in the Depression as this very dramatic pivotal period in American history. My dad grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and remembers playing with his toy tractor under the table while the local farmers talked with his grandfather about forming a local militia to protect the crops because they were afraid unemployed people from the town would come in and grab the crops.