What Is Ron Howard’s Net Worth?
Ron Howard, a multifaceted American personality celebrated for his work as an actor, director, and producer, has amassed a considerable net worth of $200 million. His financial success is the result of a long and diverse career, starting in his childhood and extending to directing critically acclaimed movies and building a major production company.
Early Career and Acting Success
Howard’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a very young age. In 1960, at just six years old, he was cast as Opie Taylor on “The Andy Griffith Show,” a role that would define his early career. He played the character for all eight seasons, gaining national recognition. Before this, in 1959, he had a credited role in “The Journey.” He also appeared in episodes of several popular shows, including “The DuPont Show with June Allyson,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Dennis the Menace.” These early roles established him as a promising young talent, setting the stage for future success. Later, he appeared in “The Music Man” (1962) and “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” (1963).
Howard’s transition into adulthood in acting included a pivotal role in George Lucas’s “American Graffiti” in 1973. He secured a second iconic television role in 1974 as Richie Cunningham on “Happy Days”. In 1976, he starred opposite John Wayne in “The Shootist.” His final notable acting role was in the 1986 TV film “Return to Mayberry,” reuniting the cast of “The Andy Griffith Show.” These significant roles added to his early earnings and broadened his industry experience, contributing to his future endeavors as a director and producer.
Directorial Achievements and Filmography
Ron Howard’s shift from acting to directing marked a turning point in his career. In 1977, he made his directorial debut with the low-budget comedy “Grand Theft Auto.” This venture, while modest in scale, demonstrated his ambition and capability behind the camera. He followed this with several TV movies before achieving a significant breakthrough with “Night Shift” in 1982, starring Michael Keaton, Shelley Long, and Henry Winkler.
Throughout the 1980s, Howard directed several commercially successful and critically acclaimed films, including “Splash” (1984) and “Cocoon” (1985). These films showcased his versatility and established him as a director capable of handling diverse genres. His ability to deliver both entertaining and high-quality movies enhanced his reputation in Hollywood. In 1988, he directed “Willow,” followed by “Parenthood” in 1989. “Parenthood” grossed over $100 million at the box office.
The 1990s and 2000s witnessed a series of major directorial successes for Howard. “Backdraft” (1991) was a visually stunning action film, and “Apollo 13” (1995) received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of the near-disastrous lunar mission. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) was a box office hit, grossing over $345 million worldwide. His historical drama “A Beautiful Mind” (2001) earned him the Academy Award for Best Director. In 2006, he directed “The Da Vinci Code”, which grossed over $750 million worldwide. Other notable films he directed include “Cinderella Man” (2005), “Angels & Demons” (2009), “Rush” (2013), “In the Heart of the Sea” (2015), and “Inferno” (2016). In June 2017, Howard took over directing “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018). In November 2020, his drama film “Hillbilly Elegy” was released on Netflix, and in July 2022, “Thirteen Lives” was released on Prime Video. Also, in 2022, Netflix acquired “The Shrinking of Treehorn”, which is set to be Howard’s first time directing an animated feature.
Imagine Entertainment and Business Ventures
In 1985, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer co-founded Imagine Entertainment, a film and television production company that has become a major player in the entertainment industry. The company’s diverse filmography includes “Friday Night Lights” (2004), “8 Mile” (2002), and “Inside Deep Throat” (2005). Imagine Entertainment has also produced successful television shows such as “24,” “Felicity,” and “Arrested Development.” Howard conceived the idea for “Arrested Development”, serving as producer and narrator while also playing a semi-fictionalized version of himself. His role in Imagine Entertainment has significantly contributed to his financial success and industry influence.
Real Estate Holdings
Ron Howard and his wife, Cheryl, have made several notable real estate investments over the years. In 2004, they purchased a 3,000-square-foot apartment in New York City’s Eldorado Building for $5.6 million and invested several million dollars into renovations. They listed this apartment for sale in 2017 for $12.5 million, later reducing the price to $11.5 million; however, they have yet to find a buyer and still own the apartment. Additionally, they own a second NYC apartment purchased in 2002 for $712,000. In 2014, the couple sold their 33-acre estate on a lake in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $27.5 million. They also acquired an ocean-view apartment in Santa Monica, California, for $2.75 million in 2006. These real estate transactions reflect Howard’s investment strategies and add to his overall net worth. Specific addresses of these properties are not publicly available beyond their general locations.
Personal Life
Ron Howard married Cheryl Alley on June 7, 1975. Cheryl, now known as Cheryl Howard Crew, is a writer. Together, they have four children, including Bryce Dallas Howard, who is also an actress and director. Further details about his personal life and habits are not available.