Ronald Howard, an esteemed American thespian and film producer hailing from Duncan, Oklahoma, garners his renown through his remarkable portrayals in television sitcoms and a prolific career as a visionary director.
Ron Howard’s Net Worth and Salary
Ron Howard’s net worth stands at an impressive $200 million, primarily derived from his illustrious directing career in Hollywood. A recipient of the prestigious Oscar, he gracefully transitioned from a celebrated actor to a virtuoso director. His time before the camera undoubtedly enriched his directorial acumen. With a deft touch, he helmed both blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed masterpieces, even finding financial success with television ventures.
Eight of his directorial efforts achieved the coveted $100 million milestone, a testament to decades of hard work and dedication. While his earnings as an actor contributed modestly to his wealth, the lion’s share emanated from his visionary directorial endeavors.
Early Life
Ronald William Howard was born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma, to Jean Speegle Howard, a renowned actress, and Rance Howard, an accomplished writer, director, and actor. After relocating to Hollywood, California, in 1958, the family resided in Burbank for three years before Ron graduated from John Burroughs High School. Though he attended the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, he did not complete his college education.
Personal Life
In 1975, Ron married Cheryl Alley, and together, they have four children. Cheryl, now a writer, contributes to their graceful personal life. Unlike the tumultuous affairs that often stain the reputations of other entertainment figures, Ron has remained committed to his wife, avoiding the pitfalls of costly divorce settlements and romantic blackmail. His steadfast devotion to his chosen partner has undoubtedly contributed to his contented and successful personal life.
Acting Career Highlights
Ron Howard made his entrée into the entertainment realm at the tender age of five, earning his first credited role in the 1959 film “The Journey.” Subsequently, he appeared in notable productions such as “The Twilight Zone,” “The DuPont Show,” “The Eleventh Hour,” “The Waltons,” “Dennis the Menace,” and “The Smith Family.” However, it was his portrayal of Opie Taylor in “The Andy Griffith Show” from 1960 to 1968 that garnered him widespread recognition.
His cinematic journey reached new heights when he starred alongside Richard Dreyfus in the blockbuster film “American Graffiti” (1973), followed by his final appearance in “Return to Mayberry” (1986).
Directing Career Highlights
Ron Howard commenced his directing career with the low-budget comedy film “Grand Theft Auto” in 1977. He honed his craft with several television films before achieving directorial acclaim with the 1982 movie “Night Shift,” featuring Shelley Long, Michael Keaton, and Henry Winkler. Subsequently, he helmed a string of successful films, including “Cocoon,” “Parenthood,” “Splash,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “Cinderella,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Backdraft,” “Angels & Demons,” “Inferno,” and “In the Heart of the Sea.”
In 2008, he showcased the world premiere of “Frost/Nixon” at the London Film Festival and received the prestigious 2009 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award from the Austin Film Festival.
In June 2017, he took on the directorial mantle for the Star Wars prequel “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” expertly navigating the film’s completion with just three and a half weeks of filming remaining.
Business Ventures
Together with Brian Grazer, Ron founded Imagine Entertainment, a successful film and television production company responsible for renowned productions like “Inside Deep Throat,” “Friday Night Lights,” “8 Mile,” and television shows such as “Arrested Development,” “24,” and “Felicity.”
Real Estate Investments
As a savvy investor, Ron and his wife Cheryl made notable real estate purchases. In 2004, they acquired a 3,000 square-foot apartment in New York City’s Eldorado Building for $5.6 million, undergoing extensive renovations. In 2017, they listed the apartment for $12.5 million but were unable to find a buyer, eventually lowering the price to $11.5 million. In 2002, the couple made another purchase in New York City for approximately $712,000.
In 2014, Ron invested $27.5 million in a 33-acre estate on a lake in Connecticut, and in 2006, he acquired an ocean-view apartment in California.
Awards & Achievements
Ron Howard has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, with 39 awards to his name and 79 nominations. Notably, he secured an Oscar for “A Beautiful Mind” in 2002, a Golden Globe Award for his role in “Happy Days” in 1978, and Director’s Guild Awards for “A Beautiful Mind” (2002) and “Apollo 13” (1996).
Famous Quotations
“One of the great things about being a director as a life choice is that it can never be mastered. Every story is its own kind of expedition, with its own set of challenges.” – Ron Howard
“I’ve just looked for ideas and great characters that I relate to and that I think I can offer something to the audience, and I no longer look at them as experiments or genre exercises at all.” – Ron Howard