Ron and Cheryl Howard's love story is the stuff of Hollywood legend, from a high school meeting to Oscar-winning success and a happy family made up of the couple and their four children. But who is Cheryl beyond her movie star marriage and how did Ron win the heart of the woman who put her career first before deciding to tie the knot?
Read on to find out about Cheryl's success as an author, Hollywood mother and ongoing love for the man she met more than 50 years ago...
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyCheryl Howard is a successful author and regularly cameos in Ron's projects
Who is Cheryl Howard?
Born on 23 December 1953, Cheryl Howard, née Alley, is a successful author recognised for her 2005 adventure In the Face of Jinn.
She has been married to director Ron Howard for more than 50 years and is a mother of four. Cheryl is regularly spotted on the red carpet with her famous family, and on screen in most of her husband's projects.
© Getty ImagesCheryl and Ron went on their first date in 1970
Young love
It was love at first sight for the Apollo 13 director when he laid eyes on wife Cheryl during an English class at Burbank's John Burroughs High School.
He summed it up simply to People, saying: "I met her, and there was never anybody else.” They had their first date on 1 November 1970 and have been in love ever since.
© Getty ImagesRon got down on one knee three times before he heard a 'yes'
Happily ever after
While the pair met early in their lives and had their first date in 1970, it wasn't until 1975 that they tied the knot. Ron proposed three times before Cheryl said yes and the decision has certainly been a good one, supported with several key secrets to success.
Their daughter Bryce explained: "While they had an incredible relationship in high school and everything, he proposed three times and she said no two of them. Because she was like, 'I wanna go to school first. I'm not ready to be on your train yet.' She's really strong."
© WireImage for Harrison & Shriftman via Getty ImagesCheryl has written a novel incorporating her love of travel
Celebrated career
Cheryl published her novel In the Face of Jinn in 2005. She explained on her website that she began pursuing writing at age 22, noting that her inspiration came from her youth.
She wrote, 'As a child I was consumed with adventure stories, fairy tales, and real-life accounts of people who had traveled around the globe.' Cheryl has also been credited with small cameo roles throughout Ron's filmography as a fitting testament to the director's love.
© WireImage for Sony Pictures via Getty ImagesCheryl has welcomed four children with husband Ron
Famous children
Cheryl is a mother of four, welcoming her oldest, daughter Bryce Dallas Howard, on 2 March 1981. Bryce was followed by twins Jocelyn and Paige, and finally son Reed.
Bryce and Paige have both pursued acting, while Jocelyn keeps out of the spotlight and Reed has forged a successful career as a pro golfer.
© Getty ImagesCheryl is still a regular on the red carpet today
Where is she now?
Nowadays, Cheryl can be spotted as ever present support for her director husband on the red carpet. The couple aren't shy about sharing a quick kiss for the cameras and seem to share a laugh together at every premiere.
Ron marked their 50th anniversary with a photo of the couple on the beach at sunset, captioned: "#GoldenAnniversary Grateful for 50 amazing years and the family and experiences it has yielded. What an adventure down river through calm soothing waters and some tricky rapids as well. Our key….love and respect each other enough to just keep paddling. Thank God for you, Cheryl."
