Ron Howard
Ronald William Howard, known professionally as Ron Howard, is an iconic figure in the world of cinema. Born on March 1, 1954, in Oklahoma, U.S., Howard grew up in a family deeply rooted in the film and television industry. His father, Rance Howard, was an actor, and his mother, Jean Speegle Howard, was an actress. With such a background, it was almost inevitable that Howard would venture into the entertainment industry.
Howard's career in the entertainment industry began at an early age when he starred in the film The Journey, and later gained prominence as Opie Taylor in the television series The Andy Griffith Show. However, his breakthrough came with his role as Richie Cunningham in the beloved sitcom Happy Days. Despite his success as an actor, Howard felt a pull towards the other side of the camera. This led him to study film at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, although he did not graduate.
Transitioning from acting to directing proved to be a successful move for Howard. He directed his first feature film, Grand Theft Auto, in 1977 and went on to establish himself as a highly respected director. His directorial prowess has been recognized with numerous accolities, including Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for the film A Beautiful Mind. Other notable films include Apollo 13, The Da Vinci Code, and Solo: A Star Wars Story.