Cheryl Howard: 7 Surprising Facts About Ron Howard's Wife, From Published Novelist To Secret Film Star

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the name Cheryl Howard is once again making headlines, not just as the beloved wife of legendary director Ron Howard, but as one half of one of Hollywood’s most enduring and stable marriages, which is quickly approaching its monumental 50th anniversary. While many fans know Ron Howard from his iconic roles in *The Andy Griffith Show* and *Happy Days*, or his Oscar-winning directorial career, few realize the depth of his wife’s own creative life. Beyond being a high school sweetheart and a devoted mother to four successful children, Cheryl Howard is a published novelist, an actress with a surprising filmography, and an artist who has deliberately maintained a private life outside the intense Hollywood spotlight.

This article dives deep into the fascinating, multifaceted life of Cheryl Howard—the woman Ron Howard calls his "muse"—exploring her independent career, her unexpected on-screen appearances, and the real story behind the couple's half-century romance. The information presented here is the most current and comprehensive available, offering a fresh perspective on a woman whose influence on one of cinema’s greatest careers is undeniable.

Cheryl Howard: Biography and Profile

Cheryl Howard, born Cheryl Alley, has lived a life that quietly parallels the success of her famous husband, Ron Howard. While she is best known to the public as a high-profile spouse, her own professional pursuits in writing and acting reveal a creative talent that runs deep in the Howard family.

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• Full Name: Cheryl Alley (later Cheryl Howard Crew)
• Date of Birth: c. 1954
• Place of Birth: Glendale, California, United States
• Spouse: Ron Howard (m. 1975)
• Children: Four—actress Bryce Dallas Howard, twins Jocelyn Carlyle and Paige Carlyle Howard, and son Reed Cross Howard.
• Education: Attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California, where she met Ron Howard.
• Primary Careers: Novelist (writing as Cheryl Howard Crew), Actress, Artist.
• Notable Work: Novel *In the Face of Jinn* (2005), appearances in over a dozen feature films.

1. She Is a Published Novelist Under a Different Name

One of the most surprising facts about Cheryl Howard is her successful career as a novelist, which she pursues under the name Cheryl Howard Crew. Her decision to use her maiden name and married name together, Cheryl Howard Crew, highlights her desire for a distinct professional identity separate from her husband's colossal fame.

Her literary debut, the novel *In the Face of Jinn*, was published in 2005 by the prestigious St. Martin's Press. The book is described as a vibrant, adventure-filled story following an exotic goods importer who travels to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on a perilous rescue mission. This work showcases her passion for adventure, travel, and complex narrative—a stark contrast to the Hollywood dramas her family is known for. She has also been associated with other literary projects, including contributing to the widely-read book *What Makes a Marriage Last: 40 Celebrated Couples Share...* which perfectly aligns with her public image as a relationship veteran.

2. She Has a “Secret” Cameo in Almost Every Ron Howard Film

It is a little-known Hollywood tradition that Cheryl Howard has appeared in nearly every single film her husband, Ron Howard, has directed since their marriage in 1975. Ron Howard has famously stated that he has cast his wife in "everything" he has directed, often in small, uncredited, or background roles.

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This tradition began early in their marriage and has continued throughout his career, making her one of the most frequently cast actors in his filmography. She has appeared in over a dozen of his major motion pictures, including:

• *Grand Theft Auto* (1977)
• *Splash* (1984)
• *Parenthood* (1989)
• *Apollo 13* (1995)
• *A Beautiful Mind* (2001)
• *The Da Vinci Code* (2006)
• *Angels & Demons* (2009)
• *Rush* (2013)
• *In the Heart of the Sea* (2015)
• *Inferno* (2016)
• *Solo: A Star Wars Story* (2018)

These appearances are often fleeting—sometimes just a person with a single line or a non-speaking background role—but they serve as a unique, personal signature in Ron Howard's blockbusters, a testament to their enduring partnership.

3. She and Ron Howard Are High School Sweethearts

In an industry known for short-lived romances and high-profile divorces, the relationship between Cheryl and Ron Howard is a true Hollywood anomaly. They met as teenagers at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. Ron Howard, who was already a star on *Happy Days* as Richie Cunningham, began dating Cheryl in 1970. They married just five years later, in 1975, when Ron was only 21 years old.

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Their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary in 2025 is a monumental milestone, a rare achievement in the entertainment world. Ron Howard often credits Cheryl as his grounding force and the key to his stability and success. He has publicly shared that their relationship works because they prioritize shared values, communication, and mutual support, proving that a celebrity marriage can indeed last a lifetime.

4. Her Daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, Is a Major Hollywood Star

Cheryl and Ron Howard raised four children, all of whom have pursued creative careers, but their eldest daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, is arguably the most recognizable. Bryce Dallas Howard is a major actress known for her roles in films like *Jurassic World*, *The Help*, and *Rocketman*.

The success of their children—which also includes twin daughters Paige Carlyle Howard and Jocelyn Carlyle Howard, and son Reed Cross Howard—is often cited as a reflection of the stable and supportive environment Cheryl and Ron created. Cheryl’s own creative pursuits in writing and acting likely served as a quiet inspiration, showing her children that one can pursue artistic endeavors while maintaining a private, grounded family life.

5. She Maintains a Fiercely Private Life Despite Her Fame

Unlike many celebrity spouses who embrace the spotlight, Cheryl Howard has always maintained a low public profile. She rarely gives interviews and is not active on social media, choosing instead to focus on her family, writing, and art. This intentional privacy is likely a major factor in the longevity of her marriage to Ron Howard. By stepping back from the intense scrutiny of the media, she has been able to cultivate a life rich with personal pursuits.

This commitment to privacy is why, despite the general public's curiosity and searches related to her private life, there are no credible reports or verified information regarding any sensitive or "leaked" content. Her public image remains one of dignity, creativity, and unwavering support for her family, a testament to her deliberate choice to live a life of substance over sensationalism.

6. She Is an Artist and Traveler

In addition to her writing and acting, Cheryl Howard has a passion for art and travel. Her debut novel, *In the Face of Jinn*, was inspired by a trip to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, highlighting her adventurous spirit and love for different cultures. This desire for exploration and new experiences is a core part of her identity.

She has also been associated with the art world, with some sources mentioning her work as an artist and writer based in New Mexico. This diverse creative portfolio—spanning literature, film, and visual arts—cements her status as a creative force in her own right, not merely an appendage to her famous husband.

7. She Met Ron Howard During His 'Happy Days' Audition

The story of how Ron and Cheryl first met is a classic Hollywood tale. Ron Howard was auditioning for the role of Richie Cunningham in *Happy Days* when he first saw Cheryl. Their initial meeting was not a dramatic, movie-like moment, but a simple, genuine connection between two high school students. Ron has often recounted that he was immediately smitten, and their simple, grounded beginning as high school sweethearts is the foundation of their decades-long relationship. Their decision to marry young, before Ron’s career exploded, is often cited as a key factor in their success, as their bond was forged outside the pressures of massive Hollywood fame.