Howard, Ron (1954-…), is a popular American motion-picture director and a former child actor. Howard first gained fame as a star in television and movies. He then turned to film directing and directed several hit movies, ranging from fantasies, dramas, and comedies to action films and thrillers. Howard won the 2001 Academy Award as best director for the psychological drama A Beautiful Mind.
Ronald William Howard was born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma. He made his stage debut at the age of 2 as Ronny Howard. He made his first appearance in the movies in Frontier Woman (1956). Howard first became nationally popular as young Opie Taylor in the popular TV series “The Andy Griffith Show” (1960-1968). From 1974 to 1980, Howard played teenager Richie Cunningham in “Happy Days,” a TV comedy series set during the 1950’s. Howard’s movie roles during this period included appearances in The Music Man (1962), The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963), and American Graffiti (1973).
Howard made his debut as a director with Grand Theft Auto (1977). He also directed Splash (1984); Cocoon (1985); Parenthood (1989); Backdraft (1991); The Paper (1994); Apollo 13 (1995); Ransom (1996); and EDtv (1999). His films from the 2000’s include Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000); The Missing (2003); Cinderella Man (2005); The Da Vinci Code (2006) and its sequels, Angels & Demons (2009) and Inferno (2016); Frost/Nixon (2008); The Dilemma (2011); Rush (2013); In the Heart of the Sea (2015), and Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).
Howard’s father, Rance Howard, his brother, Clint Howard, and his daughters Bryce Dallas Howard and Paige Howard are also actors.
