“Remember how we always said, ‘You can do it if you want, but you don’t have to?’ Well if you start this, you can’t quit’,” said Howard, recalling a conversation he had with his parents decades before. “You don’t have to do other parts on other shows, if you don’t want, but you’d have to keep doing this one.”
Explaining that he understood the message his parents were delivering, Howard adds, “I think it was pretty clear at that point that I was enjoying it, and I was good at it.”
Actually, he was great at it, and he was about to reach a level of stratospheric stardom.
Howard’s ‘Happy Days’
While starring in The Andy Griffith Show, Howard also appeared on the big screen in 1962’s The Music Man, a musical film that was a huge commercial success.
A natural talent, he then starred in 1973’s American Graffiti, which also starred Harrison Ford, Richard Dreyfuss and Cindy Williams, whom he would work alongside in the future.
It was in 1974 when he was cast as Richie Cunningham in a new series created by Garry Marshall called Happy Days, which appeared on TV screens in homes across the world from 1974 to 1984.
The TV show spawned a few popular spin-offs like Laverne & Shirley, starring Williams and Marshall’s sister Penny, and Mork & Mindy with Robin Williams as Mork, the favorite Orkan.
High school sweetheart
It was in 1970 – before he won a Golden Globe for his performance as the innocent teenager on Happy Days – that Howard met the high school sweetheart, Cheryl Alley, whom he would marry in 1975.
“I met her, and there was never anybody else,” Speaking with People, the director of the Da Vinci Code continued, “She’s unbelievably supportive and always has been. Our compatibility has endured through all kinds of experiences.”
After 50 years of shared experiences, Howard, who earned an Oscar for directing A Beautiful Mind, commemorated the 50th anniversary of his first date with Cheryl on Instagram.
“Nov 1 1970 Cheryl & I went on our 1st date,” he wrote alongside a photo of himself wearing socks with images of Cheryl’s face. “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?”
He also shared their plans that day, “We’ll be driving in the same ‘70 VW Bug I picked Cheryl up in 5 decades ago. It runs great. So do we.”
His ‘good luck charm’
Cheryl made several cameos in Howard’s projects and even played herself on the TV comedy series Arrested Development, produced and narrated by Howard.
Speaking with the Television Academy, Ron called Cheryl his “good luck charm,” and explained that is why she appears in every film he makes.
“At a certain point, I became very superstitious about making sure that she appears, that she’s at least identifiable in one frame,” he said. “They don’t have to be big cameos, but she’s gotta be in there.”
In addition to bringing her husband some luck, Cheryl is also a published author who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in screenwriting.
The power couple are grandparents to six children and the parents of four, daughter Bryce, twins Paige and Jocelyn and son Reed.
Bryce – a recognizable actor – is known for roles in movies like Jurassic World and The Help, while Paige made her feature film debut in the 2009 movie Adventureland. Since she’s appeared in films The Employer and Collection.
Reed is a professional golfer and Paige’s twin sister Jocelyn is very private.
The secret to longevity
Nearing their 49th anniversary on June 7, the Emmy Award-winning producer shares that “communication” is the secret to their enduring love.
“People say, ‘How’d you do it?’ There’s no technique,” Howard tells People. “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.”
Bus Seat Choices: What They Reveal About Your Personality
The “Bus Seat Dilemma” is a fascinating psychological exercise that examines how our choices reflect distinct personality traits. Curious about what your decision might reveal? Let’s delve into this scenario.
Imagine you’re on a crowded bus with only one seat available. Four people clearly need it, each with unique circumstances. Whom you choose to offer the seat to can provide insight into your personality and values. Let’s break down the options:
1. The Mother Holding Her Baby
If your first instinct is to give the seat to the mother and her baby, it highlights a nurturing and empathetic personality.
What This Says About You:
You are compassionate and approachable, radiating warmth and kindness. Your actions prioritize harmony and create a sense of community. Others are naturally drawn to your caring nature, which fosters positivity and connection.
2. The Elderly Woman
Choosing to offer your seat to the elderly woman demonstrates a profound respect for tradition and social etiquette.
What This Says About You:
You value courtesy, structure, and thoughtful decision-making. You likely admire history and the wisdom of others, often weighing all factors before taking action. This choice reflects your preference for order and a measured approach to life.
3. The Man on Crutches
Offering your seat to the man on crutches reveals an adventurous spirit and a readiness to act on instinct.
What This Says About You:
You are resilient, adaptable, and quick to help without hesitation. Your go-getter attitude and trust in your instincts make you a natural leader. When faced with challenges, you step up courageously and embrace new situations with confidence.
4. The Sick Man
Opting to assist the sick man underscores a strong sense of justice and careful discernment.
What This Says About You:
You are driven by fairness and responsibility, often prioritizing urgent needs. Your cautious approach shows that you value trust and genuine intentions in others. While you aim to help, you carefully consider where your efforts will have the greatest impact.
The “Bus Seat Dilemma” goes beyond a simple act of kindness. It’s a thought-provoking exercise that sheds light on how we prioritize values like empathy, tradition, resilience, and justice. These seemingly small decisions offer valuable insights into our deeper instincts and perspectives, providing a window into the core of who we are.
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