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

Ron Howard has been a household name for nearly his entire 70 years, beginning his prolific career in film and television as a toddler. Alongside his impressive professional accomplishments, Howard has also demonstrated longevity in his personal life, being married to his wife Cheryl for nearly 50 years.

Born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma, Howard entered the entertainment industry at just 18 months old with a role in *Frontier Woman*. By age two, he made his stage debut in *The Seven Year Itch*. Howard’s breakthrough came with his role as Opie on *The Andy Griffith Show* (1960-1968), where he had the support of his parents, both in the entertainment industry. Recalling a conversation with his parents, Howard said, “You can do it if you want, but you don’t have to… if you start this, you can’t quit.”

Howard’s talent shone early, leading to roles in *The Music Man* (1962) and *American Graffiti* (1973). However, it was his portrayal of Richie Cunningham in Garry Marshall’s *Happy Days* (1974-1984) that cemented his stardom. The show’s success led to popular spin-offs like *Laverne & Shirley* and *Mork & Mindy*.

In 1970, before his rise to fame with *Happy Days*, Howard met Cheryl Alley, whom he married in 1975. Reflecting on their relationship, Howard said, “I met her, and there was never anybody else.” The couple celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first date in 2020, sharing their memories on Instagram. Cheryl, whom Howard calls his “good luck charm,” has made cameos in his projects and is a published author with degrees in psychology and screenwriting.

Together, Ron and Cheryl have four children: Bryce, twins Paige and Jocelyn, and son Reed. Bryce is known for her roles in *Jurassic World* and *The Help*, while Paige has appeared in films like *Adventureland* and *The Employer*. Reed is a professional golfer, and Jocelyn maintains a private life.

Approaching their 49th anniversary, Howard attributes their enduring marriage to effective communication and a bit of luck. “You have to learn to communicate and have difficult conversations in constructive ways,” he shared. Howard’s illustrious career and personal life stand as a testament to his talent and dedication.