Ron Howard might have risen to fame on The Andy Griffith Show\u00a0as a smiling, red-headed child star but nowadays, you’re more likely to recognise him for his work behind the camera. The Hollywood icon has starred in several sitcom hits, directed the likes of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, and raised an equally-talented daughter whose fame has surpassed his own.<\/p>\n
Read on to see Ron through the years, from his early start on screen to Walk of Fame stardom.<\/p>\n
Ron Howard, US actor and director, wearing a grey hat and checked jacket, with a blue shirt and a red tie, in a studio portrait.<\/p>\n
Ron Howard starred as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show<\/p>\n
The Andy Griffith Show<\/h2>\n
Sheriff Andy Taylor and son Opie, played by Ron Howard, live with his Aunt Bee and spend very little time solving crime.<\/p>\n
Ron brought the loveable star of the fictional town of Mayberry to life and set himself up for a life of success in showbiz.<\/p>\n
Ron Howard as Jody Culer in a scene from Gentle Ben. <\/p>\n
Ron Howard guest starred on his brother Clint’s show ‘Gentle Ben’<\/p>\n
Gentle Ben<\/h2>\n
Ron Howard’s brother Clint\u00a0<\/a>also worked as an actor, and starred on two seasons of Gentle Ben, with brother Ron appearing as a guest star.<\/p>\n Gentle Ben himself was played by Bruno the Bear, who also worked with Hollywood star Paul Newman. Born in 1962, he brought the cuddly giant to life between 1967 and 1969 alongside Clint Howard.<\/p>\n Ron Howard in a scene from The Smith Family.<\/p>\n Ron Howard starred with Henry Fonda on ‘The Smith Family’<\/p>\n The Smith Family\u00a0ran for two seasons, first airing in 1971, and starred Ron and Henry Fonda. Henry’s Detective Chad Smith worked as an LA policeman, as well as a father of three.<\/p>\n Ron Howard and his on-screen siblings explored more grounded family issues, with Ron playing the eldest child, Bob Smith.<\/p>\n Ron Howard in a scene from Happy Days, dated 1972.<\/p>\n Ron Howard brought the beloved Richie Cunningham to life on ‘Happy Days’<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
The Smith Family<\/h2>\n
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Happy Days<\/h2>\n