Ron Howard, the accomplished actor and director, has four children with his wife, Cheryl Howard. Their family, marked by a shared red hair color, includes three daughters and one son. Interestingly, while all of Ron’s children carry the family’s red-haired gene, Reed, his only son, has a daughter with blonde hair, adding a unique touch to the Howard family’s generational traits.
Over the years, Ron has opened up about the pressures he felt when he first became a parent. In a 2010 interview, he discussed the challenges of balancing his demanding career with fatherhood, saying, “I felt pressure about being a father, more pressure than I would have ever imagined — trying to do it right, to be what I should be to my kids.” Despite these initial pressures, he added that he wouldn’t “trade” the experience, noting, “I think I’ve probably learned more and grown more because I’m a father than for any other reason.”
Becoming Parents and Navigating Early Challenges
Ron and Cheryl’s journey as parents began when they welcomed their first child, daughter Bryce Howard, in March 1981. Their family expanded four years later when they had twin daughters, Paige and Jocelyn, in February 1985, followed by their youngest child and only son, Reed, in April 1987.
Ron recalls that raising one child was “manageable,” but expecting twins soon after brought new difficulties. Cheryl endured a long period of bed rest during her pregnancy with the twins, which Ron described as a significant challenge. “For the first time in my life, I had to take a lot of extra responsibility at home,” he said, explaining how he had to balance his family responsibilities with filming the movie Cocoon. Reflecting on that period, Ron shared, “I suddenly realized that I could handle it. I think that was a watershed time in my life both as a parent and as a person.”
Family Life Beyond Fatherhood: Ron as a Grandfather
Beyond fatherhood, Ron has embraced his role as a grandfather with pride and enthusiasm. His eldest child, Bryce, is now a mother herself, with two children: son Theo and daughter Beatrice. Ron’s influence can be seen in Theo, who appears to have inherited some of his grandfather’s creative spirit. The proud grandparent has two other granddaughters, Elodie and Aspen, further expanding the Howard family tree.
Reed, Ron’s only son, also started his own family. In August 2015, Ron celebrated Reed’s marriage to his wife, Ashley, sharing a glimpse of the joyful event on social media. The outdoor ceremony at Winvian Farm was a memorable celebration, as shown in Ron’s photos of the happy newlyweds and a sweet picture of himself and Cheryl.
Ron’s Pride in His Son Reed’s Fatherhood Journey
In June 2019, on Father’s Day, Ron expressed his pride in Reed’s own journey as a father by posting a heartfelt tribute. He shared an image of Reed holding and feeding his daughter, Aspen, and wrote, “Happy 1st #FathersDay @reedchoward Good job, son. I’m a proud #Dad and #Grandad today and every day.” The post offered a touching look at how the Howard family’s parenting values are passed down, with Reed embracing fatherhood under Ron’s proud gaze.
A year later, Ashley celebrated Reed’s parenting with her own Father’s Day tribute, highlighting his devotion to their daughter and describing him as “the most loyal, honest, loving, kind man.” She expressed her gratitude for him as a husband and father, adding, “I have the most loyal, honest, loving, kind man that I not only get to call my husband, but also the father to the cutest, sweetest, funniest, most independent little lady around.”
Cherishing Parenthood and Family Legacy
Ashley’s social media posts frequently honor her family, particularly her daughter, Aspen. In May 2023, she shared a photo of Aspen on Mother’s Day, expressing her pride and joy in being her mother, describing it as an “honor.” Through both Ron and Ashley’s posts, it’s clear that the Howard family cherishes each moment together, valuing the connections they have built over the years.
From Ron and Cheryl’s four-decade marriage to their growing family, the Howard exemplify a close-knit family bound by love, shared experiences, and deep pride in one another. Ron’s journey as a father and grandfather has not only shaped his life but continues to be a source of inspiration and fulfilment.
