Ron Howard and Wife Cheryl Mark 50 Years Together: “She’s My High School Sweetheart & Still My Wife”

They met as teenagers. Nearly 50 years later, they’re still each other’s biggest fans.

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Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard smiling on their 50th wedding anniversary

Hollywood rarely makes space for quiet marriages. The industry thrives on drama, spectacle, and headlines. But Ron Howard and Cheryl Alley have written a different kind of story—one that doesn’t need a twist ending or a red carpet to prove its worth.

This week, the Oscar-winning filmmaker and his high school sweetheart just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, proving that true love can—and does—exist in Tinseltown.

Young Love: How Ron and Cheryl Met

From Classmates to Soulmates
Long before Ron Howard became a popular name—first as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, then as Richie Cunningham in Happy Days, and later as the director of films like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13—he was just a teenager at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California.

That’s where he met Cheryl Alley, a fellow student who quickly captured his heart. Unlike many young Hollywood romances, theirs wasn’t a fleeting fling. They dated through their teenage years and married on June 7, 1975, when Ron was 21 and Cheryl was 22—two kids in their early 20s, choosing each other in a world that constantly pulls people apart.

“She’s been my one and only,” Ron once said. “We got married young, and it’s been the best decision of my life.”

At the time, Howard was already a rising star, but Cheryl kept him grounded. In interviews, he has often credited her with being his "steadying force" during the chaotic early years of his career.

A Family First Mentality in Hollywood

Holding Tight While the World Watched
In the decades that followed, Ron became one of Hollywood’s most successful directors, with films like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and The Da Vinci Code. But behind the scenes, the rhythm of home mattered more than the awards.

While many celebrity couples struggle under the spotlight, the Howards made a conscious decision to prioritize family—no matter what. They raised four children together:

Bryce Dallas Howard (actress, Jurassic World; director, The Mandalorian)
Twins Jocelyn and Paige Howard (who have stayed out of the limelight)
Reed Howard (a filmmaker and producer)

Bryce, their eldest, has often spoken about how her parents created a normal, loving home despite their fame.

"My dad would come home from directing these huge movies and just be… Dad," she once told People. "He and my mom made sure we knew what really mattered."

More Than Marriage: A Professional Partnership

Cheryl: The Partner Who’s Always Been There
Ron and Cheryl’s bond extends beyond their personal lives—they’re also business partners. Together with Brian Grazer, they co-founded Imagine Entertainment, the production company behind hits like Arrested Development, Friday Night Lights, and 8 Mile.

Cheryl has been a silent but essential force behind the scenes, helping shape the company’s creative direction while managing their family life. Ron has often said that he trusts her instincts more than anyone else’s—both at home and at work.

“She has the best radar of anyone I know,” he once shared. “She reads people better than I ever could.”

The Secret to Their 50-Year Marriage

The Quiet Choices That Kept Them Strong
So, how have they made it nearly five decades in an industry where marriages often crumble under scrutiny?

1. They Keep Private Life Private

Unlike many celebrity couples, the Howards rarely overshare. They’ve avoided reality TV, tabloid drama, and public feuds, choosing instead to focus on their family and work.

2. They Laugh Together

Ron has often said that Cheryl’s sense of humor is one of the things he loves most about her. Even during stressful times, they find ways to keep things light.

3. They’re Equal Partners

From parenting to producing, the Howards operate as a team. Ron has frequently praised Cheryl’s intelligence and instincts, both in raising their kids and in business decisions.

What’s Next for the Howards?

With their 51th (golden) anniversary just one year away, the couple shows no signs of slowing down. Ron continues to direct (his latest project is the highly anticipated Thirteen Lives), while Cheryl remains his closest advisor and confidante.

Their love story is a rare Hollywood fairytale—one built on loyalty, mutual respect, and a whole lot of laughter.

As Ron once put it: "Cheryl’s my best friend. I can’t imagine doing any of this without her."

And after 50 years, it’s clear he’ll never have to.