Ronald William Howard, born March 1, 1954, is the son of actress Jean Speegle Howard and director, writer, and actor Rance Howard. Ron Howard attended John Burroughs High School and then the University of Southern California School of Cinematography, but did not finish the course. Howard began his acting career playing the character Winthrop Paroo in the film version of “The Music Man” with Robert Preston and Shirley Jones. After that project, he participated in the television series “The Andy Griffith Show” and appeared in the film “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” with Glenn Ford. His most notable participation is in the series “M*A*S*H”, playing a soldier in the Korean War. But he is also known for acting in the series “Happy Days” when he played Richie Cunningham. As a director, his most important film is “A Brilliant Mind,” for which he won the Oscar for best director in 2001. This work also received the Oscar for best movie. Afterward, Ron adapted the books “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons” for the cinema. We’ll help you celebrate his special day right here!
Fast Facts
Birth date:
March 01, 1954
Age:
70 years, 1 month
Zodiac Sign:
Pisces
Background
Award-winning director Ronald William Howard is a revered American television and film actor. He is known worldwide for his performances in American comedies, “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Happy Days.” At just 18 months old he made his first film appearance and has never failed to impress his audience since. Coming from a theatrical family, he didn’t need much training to hone his acting skills as his parents were actors. At the age of two, he was cast in his first stage play called “The Seven Year Itch.” He was cast to play Billy Rhinelander in the 1959 film “The Journey.” With his serious performance, he managed to secure the role of Stewart in the first season of the sitcom “Dennis the Menace.” Around the same time, he was cast in “Playhouse 90.” His performance caught the attention of Sheldon Leonard, producer of “The Andy Griffith Show.” He was later hired for the role of the main character’s son, Ronny Griffith. He has made several appearances in popular films such as “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father,” “American Graffiti” and “The Shootist.” Following in his father’s footsteps, Ron decided to play an important role behind the camera as a director and producer.Some of his more astute skills as a director have been seen in Hollywood films such as “Apollo 13,” “Cocoon,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Da Vinci’s Code,” “Angels and Demons,” and “Inferno,” among other acclaimed films. In 2013, he was inducted into the prestigious Television Hall of Fame, and he also has a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.He made his directorial debut with a low-budget film entitled “Grand Theft Auto,” and became popular as a director when he directed the play “Night Shift” in 1982. In 1984, he directed the romantic comedy “Splash.” The film was a box-office success, grossing millions of dollars. It was also named the best film of the year. With the huge success of the film, Ron Howard became an overnight successful director. His most proficient work was featured in the film “A Beautiful Mind,” which he co-produced. The film grossed over $313 million at the box office. He directed the famous movie “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” which was released in May 2018. Based on the famous “Star Wars” character Han Solo, the film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, and Emilia Clarke in the leading roles.
Career timeline
Ron Howard makes his first television appearance in the series “Frontier Woman.”
Ron Howard does “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father,” and it’s one of the most wonderful performances for a kid of that age.
He wins the Golden Globe Award for best actor for the series “Happy Days.”
He is nominated for the Saturn Award for best director for the film “Splash.”
He wins the Saturn Award for best director with the film "Cocoon.
He becomes a People’s Choice Awards honoree.
He wins a Grammy Award for his work on “The Beatles: Eight Days a Week — The Touring Years.”
Ron Howard FAQs
What car does Ron Howard drive?
He still owns and drives the car he drove his wife in on their first date about 50 years ago — a 1970 VW Beetle.
What kind of house does Ron Howard live in?
He lives in a neo-Victorian mansion.
Is Clint Howard Ron’s brother?
Yes, he’s his younger brother.
5 Surprising Facts
-
The Fonz
His daughter’s godfather is Henry Winkler, the actor who played The Fonz in the series “Happy Days.”
-
A star in its rightful place
Ron Howard was born in Oklahoma, but at age four he moved with his family to Hollywood.
-
Success amid oppositions
Although the film “The Da Vinci Code” was the target of much criticism, it was a success in cinemas.
-
“Apollo 13”
The movie directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks grossed over $355 million.
-
Cricket fan
He is a huge fan of cricket and participated in a test match between Australia and England during the filming of “The Da Vinci Code.”
Why We Love Ron Howard
-
He’s a nice guy
Ron Howard’s life is an endless series of successes. However, he never let that stop him from being one of the nicest men in show business.
-
He’s creative
Not just when it comes to acting or directing! All of his children have names of places he has been to.
-
His sets are relaxed
That’s because he learned what he didn’t like and what he liked in the work environment when he was a child. So he does everything he can to make the actors he directs feel comfortable.
Ron Howard’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | March 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
