Ron Howard, the acclaimed film director, and his wife Cheryl are celebrating an incredible milestone – their 49th wedding anniversary. Reflecting on their long-lasting relationship, Ron shared insights about how their marriage has exceeded his expectations and reminisced about falling in love with Cheryl during their high school years.
Ron and Cheryl, high school sweethearts, have been together since they were juniors at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. They tied the knot on June 7, 1975, and have been inseparable ever since. In a recent interview on “The View,” Ron opened up about what initially drew him to Cheryl and how their bond has grown stronger over the years.
Despite his fame, Ron admits he wasn’t a “cool kid” in high school. Although he was well-liked, he was shy and introverted. When he met Cheryl, her zest for life captivated him. “She was just so full of life,” he recalled. “She was an aircraft pilot, taking night classes to advance herself, and always had this genuine enthusiasm and happiness.”
Over the years, Ron has spoken fondly about Cheryl and their marriage. In an interview with HuffPost Live in October 2013, he marveled at how their relationship had flourished despite the odds. “I felt lucky when we met,” he said, expressing his amazement at how far they had come. “It’s absurd. We were teenagers when we got married. It shouldn’t have worked, but it has.”
In June 2019, Ron shared his thoughts on what makes their marriage successful. “People ask me how we do it,” he said. “There’s no secret method. It’s about communication. You have to get better at having productive discussions, especially in challenging situations.”
Ron believes that while luck plays a role, effective communication is crucial. “No one can force people to grow together,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to have Cheryl’s support throughout my life.”
Cheryl has been a constant pillar of support, especially during Ron’s career. Despite the ups and downs, their compatibility has remained strong. “She has always been incredibly supportive,” Ron noted. “Our compatibility has held up under various circumstances.”
The couple, both 70 years old, enjoy celebrating their milestones together. In 2020, Ron marked their 50th anniversary of their first date with a heartfelt Instagram post. He shared a throwback photo of them and wrote, “November 1, 1970, Cheryl & I went on our first date. We saw a reissue of ‘It’s a Mad Mad Mad World’ and had pizza at Barnone’s in Toluca Lake.”
Ron even shared a quirky detail about the day – he wore socks with Cheryl’s face on them. They celebrated their special day by visiting their local pizzeria, just like they did 50 years ago, driving the same 1970 VW Bug Ron used to pick her up back then. “It runs great,” he commented. “And so do we.”
Their children, Bryce, Reed, Paige, and Jocelyn, have witnessed their parents’ enduring love and affection. Raised away from the Hollywood spotlight in Greenwich, Connecticut, the Howard children have always admired their parents’ relationship.
Cheryl, born on December 23, 1953, in California, attended the same high school as Ron. She is a talented writer, known for her works like “Tell Me a Story,” “In the Face of Jinn,” and “Grandma.” Despite not excelling in English in school, Cheryl developed a passion for writing at the age of 22.
She has also dabbled in acting, appearing in several films, including “Angels and Demons” and “Splash.” Her most recent role was in the 2020 film “Hillbilly Elegy.”
Ron, a former child star, played Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960 to 1968 and later starred as Richie Cunningham in “Happy Days” from 1974 to 1980. Over time, he discovered his love for directing. His latest documentary, “Pavarotti,” showcases the life of the famous opera singer.
Reflecting on their nearly five decades together, Ron and Cheryl Howard’s story is a testament to enduring love, mutual respect, and the power of effective communication. Their journey, filled with shared memories and unwavering support, continues to inspire many.
