Ron Howard is not only an accomplished director but also a devoted family man. Despite his success in Hollywood, he prioritized raising his children with strong values, even moving them away from Los Angeles to provide a more grounded upbringing. Today, he and his wife, Cheryl, are proud parents and grandparents, cherishing the family they have built together.
A Lifelong Love Story
Ron Howard, best known for directing “A Beautiful Mind,” met his wife, Cheryl, when they were juniors at John Burroughs High School in California. From their very first date, they knew they were meant to be together. Reflecting on their relationship, Howard once said, “I met her, and there was never anybody else.”
The couple married in 1975 and have continued to celebrate their love over the years. Their bond is evident in their frequent social media posts, with Ron often sharing heartfelt tributes to his wife. For example, on November 1, 2020, he posted a photo of the two of them sharing pizza, reminiscing about their first date decades ago. He humorously noted that they were still driving the same 1970 VW Bug from their high school days.
Despite their strong relationship, Ron’s parents initially worried that young love might distract him. They imposed strict dating rules, limiting his time with Cheryl. Determined to see her more often, he found creative ways around these restrictions, such as jogging to her house under the guise of cross-country training. Years later, his persistence paid off when Cheryl finally agreed to marry him.
Raising Their Children with Strong Values
Ron and Cheryl have four children: actress and director Bryce Dallas, twins Jocelyn Carlyle and Paige, and son Reed Cross. Their marriage has defied expectations, with Ron acknowledging, “We got married young, that shouldn’t have worked either, and yet it really and truly has.”
Determined to provide their children with a different upbringing, the couple decided to move away from Los Angeles. Cheryl, who came from a modest background, wanted their children to be raised with humility and hard work. “We had a big house and employees, but we didn’t live lavishly,” Ron explained.
Bryce later recalled how different their childhood was compared to other Hollywood kids. She and her siblings were not given money freely and were expected to do chores, such as cleaning the house and fixing things around the farm where they lived. The move ensured they grew up without the constant influence of the entertainment industry.
A Dedicated Grandfather
Now a grandfather to six, Ron embraces his role wholeheartedly. Bryce’s children, Beatrice and Theodore, have a special bond with their grandparents, often having sleepovers at their home. Ron’s other children have also welcomed little ones, adding to the growing Howard family.
Ron has often spoken about the joy of being a grandparent, stating, “I didn’t remotely understand how profound the experience of being a grandparent is until you become one.” His grandchildren, in turn, adore him, and Bryce has mentioned how much it means to see her father develop special relationships with them.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Ron Howard’s greatest pride lies in the family he has built with Cheryl. His dedication to raising grounded, independent children has paid off, as his kids have grown into creative, principled individuals who continue to make him proud. Now, as a grandfather, he continues to cherish the next generation, ensuring that the values he and Cheryl instilled remain strong.
