How Ron Howard's Journey in Hollywood Began

Hey there, let me tell you about Ron Howard. You know him, right? The guy who directed some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood history? But did you know his journey started way back when he was just a little kid? Yep, he first stepped into the world of show business at the tender age of 5. And now, after over 60 years in the industry, his net worth is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

The Early Days: A Star is Born

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ron's estimated net worth is a cool $200 million. Born into a family of actors, both his parents were in the biz, and they moved the family to Hollywood in 1958. Just a year later, in 1959, young Ron landed his first film role in The Journey. But it was in 1960 that things really took off for him when he was cast as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show. That role cemented his place as one of Hollywood's top child actors. Imagine being just a kid and hanging out with legends like Andy Griffith and Don Knotts on set every day!

Director Ron Howard’s Net Worth Is Massive! See How Much Money ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Star Makes — MandMaurizio D’Avanzo/IPA/Shutterstock

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Looking Back: Ron's Unconventional Childhood

After eight seasons on The Andy Griffith Show, Ron became a household name. But in a 2021 memoir he co-wrote with his brother Clint, they revealed just how unique their upbringing was. "Who grows up on a soundstage hanging out with Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, or with a trained bear?" the brothers asked in a publishing statement from April 2021. "And what are the ways that particular childhood forever informed the choices I would make as a husband, father, and filmmaker?" They went on to share how their parents managed to raise two kids in the world of show business while still giving them a loving and slightly quirky family environment.

Transitioning to Directing: A New Chapter

In 1974, Ron took on the role of Richie Cunningham in Happy Days, starring alongside Henry Winkler. He was just 20 years old at the time, and after seven seasons, he decided it was time to chase his dream of becoming a film director. "As an actor, I don’t think that I ever had that sort of range, like a Bryan Cranston," Ron admitted on The Dan Patrick Show in 2015. "There’s another level of talent, of creativity, and I don’t think that I ever had that. I think this is why I really wanted to be a director."

Breaking Into Directing: Ron's First Hits

From 1978 to 1982, Ron began directing TV movies. His big break came when he reunited with Henry Winkler, his Happy Days costar, to direct him in Night Shift. The film was a box office smash, grossing over $21 million. Henry even earned a Golden Globe nomination, and Ron was finally able to establish himself as a major player in the directing world.

A Career Full of Blockbusters

Ron has directed some of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Tom Hanks in Splash to young Joaquin Phoenix and Keanu Reeves in Parenthood. Parenthood was a major hit, grossing over $10 million in its opening weekend in the U.S. and Canada. But it was Apollo 13 in 1995 that really put him on the map, grossing over $25 million in its opening weekend. As a father of four, Ron has continued to churn out successful films like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Cinderella Man, The Da Vinci Code, and Rush. In 2018, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by directing Solo: A Star Wars Story, which grossed over $392 million worldwide. "I’m beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77," he gushed on Twitter.