Ron Howard’s Touching Father-Daughter Dance At Paige Howard's Wedding Was A ‘Great Moment’ That Was So ‘Precious’

Jun 09, 2023 by apost team

Ron Howard might have swapped being in front of the camera for a legendary career behind it, but the Hollywood icon is still very well known thanks to his early start on "The Andy Griffith Show" at the age of 5, where he played Opie. Later on, he starred as Richie Cunningham on TV’s "Happy Days" from 1974 to 1980, as well as a leading role in the coming-of-age movie "American Graffiti."

But Ron says he always knew his true calling was to work behind the camera as a director. He once told People, “I was an actor who dreamed of being a director.” So that's exactly what Ron did — turned his attention to behind the camera. Now, he's a world-famous director and producer of movies such as “Splash,” "Apollo 13," "The Da Vinci Code" and "A Beautiful Mind," for which he won an Oscar for Best Director in 2002.

One aspect of Howard's life that isn't talked about much is his 48-year marriage to his wife Cheryl Howard (née Alley). The couple first met while attending John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California, and have been together ever since. The director told People in the same interview, "I met her, and there was never anybody else." 

He described the "instant connection" that existed between them, and clearly, that's never faded, as the couple is only a few years off from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. One of Hollywood's most understated long-term couples, Ron and Cheryl have raised four kids together and are the proud grandparents to six young children as well.

Family is extremely important to Ron, as proven by a touching clip of him and Paige Howard sharing a father-daughter dance during her wedding in May 2022.

Today we know the Howard family as a multigenerational Hollywood dynasty, but did you know their success in Hollywood started before Ron? This talented family has Rance Howard — Ron's father — to thank for their introduction to Hollywood. Rance was the first Howard to work in the industry and comes from humble beginnings. He was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma and Ron once described his father as a "depression-era farm boy." 

Rance attended the University of Oklahoma and moved to New York to pursue acting in 1948. As a well-known character actor, Rance performed in a variety of roles. "I've played doctors, judges, sheriffs — as a character actor, I've run the gamut," he said. "But someone checked and told me I've played more men of the cloth than any other actor."

With his success, it was only natural that Rance brought his sons Ron and Clint into the industry from a young age. In fact, Rance often appeared on screen with his two boys. Rance passed away in 2017 at the age of 89 and is still celebrated by his family. He inspired his loved ones to follow in his footsteps, and just like him, they have seen wonderful success in the industry too.

Back in 2019, Ron shared a heartwarming post in honor of his late father on Instagram: "My dad passed 2 years ago, but today would've been his 91st birthday. He was a terrific character actor but an even better family man. Here we all are including @brycedhoward @paigecarlylehoward @reedchoward on the set of #FarandAway Happy Birthday, Dad"  

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Since Ron made his name in the entertainment industry from he was a young boy, it's no surprise his passion for making movies — be it in front of the camera or behind — started back then too. He told The Guardian in 2020: 

“I grew up as a child actor, been working all my life, and I love it. But it does create a kind of bubble. So I look for projects that lead me to life experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise had – and on my own I’m an introverted, risk-averse individual. But, when there’s a story to be told, it gets me out of the house, talking to people, learning things. And then I just go,” he shared. 

Although they rub shoulders with A-list stars, Ron and his family have remained humble. Despite living a life of luxury and fame, the actor and director shared that life doesn't come without struggle. 

"The regrets I have are strong enough that I wouldn’t share ’em. I think that you can’t live without suffering some. You can’t expect perfection. It is important to sort of acknowledge some of our imperfections. I write them down," the star shared. 

He added: "There’s something about acknowledging mistakes and being able to put them down on paper; they become facts of your life that you must live with. And then hopefully you can navigate the road a little bit better."

The icon in film and television is lucky to have an amazing partner like his wife, with whom he has shared so many years of life, even through suffering. Ron's love for his wife Cheryl goes way back, as the couple's solid relationship began when the pair were still in high school. 

In 2020, Ron enlightened his fans about their first date with a post on his Instagram. The date took place on Nov. 1, 1970, and Ron explained it went like this:

"We went to see a re-release of Stanley Kramer’s It’s a Mad Mad Mad World and then got some pizza at now defunct Barnone’s in Toluca Lake. Quite a start, Right?" 

In an interview with HuffPost, Ron added that he "felt really lucky" when they first met.

"It's crazy — we were teenagers, it shouldn't have worked. We got married young, that shouldn't have worked either, and yet it really and truly has," Howard said.

Even after nearly 50 years, the loved-up couple makes sure the other one knows just how much they mean to them. Besides gushing about Cheryl in interviews, Ron proudly dotes on his wife via social media, particularly on their anniversaries.

Back in June 2021, the couple celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary, and Ron made sure to honor the occasion, just as he does every other year. The award-winning director shared a sweet photo of him and Cheryl embracing with big smiles on their faces while two balloons spelled out "46" behind them. Ron stated they were celebrating "quietly but beautifully" in Gold Coast, Australia, where he had a day off from filming the movie "Thirteen Lives." He ended his touching post with, "I'm a lucky fella."  

For their anniversary in 2020, Ron shared a longer heartfelt caption, which he used to send a positive message amid a challenging year. Alongside a photo of the couple with red roses beside them, Ron wrote:

"45yrs ago today Cheryl & I wed. Our journey has been one of many blessings & lessons experienced both together & as individuals. In these often heartbreaking times we will continue to listen & learn & hope our country will grow, unify, flourish & set a positive example for the world. #BlackLivesMatter"  

Hitting relationship milestones that number close to half a century is no small feat, but Ron and Cheryl simply make it look easy. Ron often praises his wife for her constant and unconditional love. 

“She’s unbelievably supportive and always has been,” he told People, and added, “our compatibility has endured through all kinds of experiences.” Ron also revealed one of the secrets behind their long-lasting love.

“People say, ‘How’d you do it?’ There’s no technique. There’s no tactic other than communication is really important. You have to learn to communicate and have difficult conversations in constructive ways, beyond that, there’s an element of luck because people either grow together or they don’t and I don’t think you can force that,” he divulged.  

Cheryl has been by Ron’s side through it all. They clearly work hard at maintaining their relationship, and it seems they're just as dedicated to their children as they are to one another. The couple has raised their four children — actress Bryce Dallas Howard, 42, twins Paige and Jocelyn Howard, 38, and son Reed Howard, 36, outside of Hollywood in Greenwich, Connecticut. 

Ron’s appeared to have such a positive influence on his kids that both Bryce and Paige have followed in his footsteps and become actresses. Bryce is known for her roles in films such as the "Jurassic World" franchise and "The Help." Meanwhile, Paige made her film debut in 2009 with "Adventureland" and has been in a few other projects since then, including starring in the TV series "stalkTALK." 

Bryce has previously said she looks at her dad as her mentor. In June 2018, she told People she and her husband, Seth Gabel, have modeled their parenting style after her parents. 

She said:

“What I try to consciously replicate from you… is that you're you're an excellent teacher and you're really, really, really patient and – you got this from granddad I'm sure – you were never one of those parents that like, if I had a question, you would just sort of like rush through it… you would stop and take the time to explain things.” 

Considering how well Ron and Cheryl's marriage has lasted and how happy and close their entire family appears to be, theirs is a great influence to have. 

In fact, Bryce was so inspired by her father she released a documentary titled "Dads" in 2019, which even featured Ron in it! The doc was released on Apple TV+ and is a look at modern-day fatherhood. Alongside Bryce's reflections on her own dad, the film includes snippets of celebrity fathers and everyday men from all over the world. Some famous faces who appear in the film include Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Will Smith, Judd Apatow, Ken Jeong, Hasan Minhaj and Kenan Thompson. While she promoted the documentary, Bryce posted a lovely photo of her and Ron to her Instagram account and captioned it:

"Some of you might recall I shared a while back that I was directing a documentary called Dads. Well oh my goodness, it has turned out to be such a magical and meaningful adventure!"

Bryce's close relationship with Ron is no secret, so we can only imagine how meaningful it was to work with her father on the project, and for her long-form directorial debut no less!

In a speech she gave in 2015, the actress-turned-director spoke very highly of her father. As reported by Vulture, she said:

"My dad is the most sensitive, patient, and inclusive father on planet Earth. I literally have no ammunition for a tell-all. Nothing. He included me in everything."     

Ron is also close to his other children, including his younger daughter, Paige. When Paige’s big day came to walk down the aisle, her father was there every step of the way.

Paige and her now-husband, actor Tim Abou-Nasr, had gotten engaged and planned to marry in 2020. That is until the pandemic thwarted their plans. However, they were back on track soon enough and on May 1, 2022, the pair headed out to wed in New York’s Central Park.

Paige posted a carousel of photos from the big day that included one of Ron officiating their nuptials! The other photos showed the beautiful bride in a gorgeous pink tulle dress and the newlyweds and their guests tucking into a meal at a cozy venue. She captioned the post:

“Hubby @timmyabou and I are still walking on air… however, all the decadent, buttery French food and wine we’re consuming will no doubt land us on our feet again soon 😋🤤 HUGE thank you to all our loved ones and everyone who brought their magic touch to the occasion.” 

She relived some memories on Father’s Day that same year and posted a video of herself dancing with Ron to “our song,” which was Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.” The pair held each other in a tight embrace as the sight of the father-and-daughter bond brought tears to the eyes of many watching.

“Precious moments captured in time – thanks for sharing the beautiful love between you and your Daddio!!❤️” one user wrote as another commented, “How do I get a life filled with love like this??”

Ron also took to the comment section and wrote:

“That was such a great moment. I’m a lost dancer but used it as a chance for (a) hug I’ll always remember. Love you Daughter!” 

How sweet is Ron Howard’s bond with his children? What do you think about his special moment with daughter Paige Howard at her wedding? If you enjoyed the video, be sure to pass this along to family and friends who’d love to watch it too.