A love story spanning over half a century
Fifty-three years ago, on a quiet afternoon in Burbank, California, Ron Howard — then just a high school student at John Burroughs High — finally mustered up the courage to ask his classmate, Cheryl Alley, out on a date. They chose a little theater in Toluca Lake that was showing a rerelease of the 1963 classic comedy It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. It wasn’t exactly the most romantic film choice, but the lighthearted laughter set the perfect tone for something truly lasting.
At the time, Ron was already a familiar face on television thanks to his role as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show, while Cheryl was a bright, gentle soul who loved books and dreamed of writing. Neither of them knew where life would take them, but sitting side by side in the dark theater that night, giggling until they cried, then shyly holding hands for the very first time — it was enough to spark a connection that would shape the rest of their lives.
From that day on, Ron and Cheryl were almost inseparable. They graduated high school together and stepped into their twenties full of hopes and ambitions. Ron continued acting and soon began exploring directing, while Cheryl pursued her passion for literature and became an accomplished writer.
They married in 1975 when they were just 21. The early years weren’t always easy — Ron’s schedule was packed with film sets and travel, while Cheryl often held down the fort alone. But love and deep respect carried them through. Cheryl was his unwavering supporter, and Ron always made sure to come home after long shoots so they could sit on the porch together, sip tea, and talk about the little things.
They went on to have four children — Bryce, Jocelyn, Paige, and Reed. Bryce Dallas Howard would later follow in her father’s footsteps, carving out her own success in acting and directing. As the kids grew up and started families of their own, Ron and Cheryl embraced a new chapter of joy with six lively grandchildren who once again filled their house with laughter and playful chaos.
Now, more than half a century since that first movie date, Ron’s hair is almost completely silver, Cheryl’s eyes crinkle with countless happy memories, yet each morning they still walk the dog together, chat about new scripts, or plan little trips they might take come fall. Every so often, Ron suggests they watch an old movie — just like they did at the very start — so they can laugh all over again and remember how young love once felt.
When people ask them the secret to staying so happily together, Ron simply smiles, takes Cheryl’s hand, and says:
“We’ve never stopped being best friends. That’s really all there is to it.”
Congratulations to Ron and Cheryl — for over five decades of love, and many more beautiful days still ahead.
