Cheryl Howard is an American author, occasional screen performer, and the high-school sweetheart and longtime wife of filmmaker Ron Howard. She writes under the name Cheryl Howard Crew and published the novel In the Face of Jinn in 2005. Additionally, she has made brief appearances in many projects directed by her husband.
Cheryl and Ron met while attending John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. They later married in 1975, raised four children, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2025. Therefore, they completed 51 years of marriage in June 2026.
However, Cheryl has an identity beyond being Ron Howard’s wife. She studied psychology and screenwriting, traveled internationally while researching her fiction, and spent years developing her first novel. Meanwhile, her husband has regularly described her as an important creative influence and his filmmaking “good-luck charm.”
The name Cheryl Howard also belongs to several unrelated professionals. Consequently, this article focuses specifically on Cheryl Alley Howard, the novelist who publishes as Cheryl Howard Crew—not the business consultant or financial executive who shares her name.
Who Is Cheryl Howard?
Cheryl Howard is an American novelist and the longtime wife of actor and director Ron Howard. Born on December 23, 1953, she is 72 years old as of July 2026. She writes as Cheryl Howard Crew and published In the Face of Jinn in 2005. Cheryl and Ron married in 1975 and have four children.
Although she is often introduced through her famous husband, Cheryl developed her own interest in storytelling. More specifically, she earned degrees in psychology and screenwriting before publishing a novel inspired by travel and research in South and Central Asia.
In addition, Cheryl has appeared briefly in many projects connected with Ron Howard. These appearances generally function as cameos rather than conventional leading acting roles. Therefore, author remains the clearest description of her main public profession.
Quick Facts About Cheryl Howard
| Topic | Verified detail |
|---|---|
| Public name | Cheryl Howard |
| Pre-marriage name | Cheryl Alley |
| Author name | Cheryl Howard Crew |
| Birth date | December 23, 1953 |
| Age | 72 as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Glendale, California |
| Main profession | Author |
| Other public role | Occasional cameo performer |
| Spouse | Ron Howard |
| Marriage year | 1975 |
| Marriage length | 51 years as of July 2026 |
| Children | Bryce Dallas, Jocelyn Carlyle, Paige Carlyle, and Reed Cross Howard |
| Published novel | In the Face of Jinn |
| Publication year | 2005 |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in screenwriting |
People confirms Cheryl’s birthplace, parents, education, writing career, marriage, and four children. Additionally, The New Yorker documents her author name and the publication of In the Face of Jinn.
The table does not include a personal net worth, current home address, height, or individual social-media profile. Reliable public sources do not establish those details clearly enough for a factual summary.
Which Cheryl Howard Is This Article About?
This article concerns Cheryl Howard Crew, née Cheryl Alley, the author married to filmmaker Ron Howard.
The clarification matters because the supplied competitor sources include profiles of unrelated women with the same name. For example, the International Institute for Learning page describes a Cheryl Howard who founded Howard Consulting LLC and previously worked in IT strategy at Gilead Sciences. Therefore, that professional biography does not belong to Ron Howard’s wife.
Similarly, the Financial Mail interview features a Cheryl Howard who worked as a managing director at Maitland Family Office. The article discusses accounting, investments, South African companies, and financial-services work. Consequently, it refers to a different person.
By contrast, the Cheryl Howard covered here is connected with:
- Ron Howard
- The author name Cheryl Howard Crew
- In the Face of Jinn
- John Burroughs High School
- Four children, including Bryce Dallas Howard
- Brief cameos in Ron Howard’s projects
This identity distinction prevents unrelated career details from being added to her biography. For example, Cheryl Howard Crew should not be described as a change-management consultant or financial-office executive based on another person’s profile.
What Is Cheryl Howard’s Real Name?
Cheryl has appeared publicly under three closely connected names:
- Cheryl Alley
- Cheryl Howard
- Cheryl Howard Crew
Each version relates to a different part of her personal or professional life.
Cheryl Alley
Cheryl Alley was her name before she married Ron Howard. Established biographies and family coverage identify her as Ron’s high-school sweetheart Cheryl Alley. The pair met at John Burroughs High School and began dating several years before their wedding.
After approximately five years of dating, Cheryl Alley and Ron Howard married in Burbank, California, in 1975. Therefore, Alley should be described as her pre-marriage or maiden name rather than a middle name.
Cheryl Howard
After the marriage, she became widely known as Cheryl Howard. This is the name most frequently used in entertainment reporting, public appearances, anniversary coverage, and family profiles.
Moreover, it is the primary search phrase used by readers who want information about Ron Howard’s wife. For this reason, Cheryl Howard remains the article’s focus keyphrase.
Cheryl Howard Crew
Cheryl publishes fiction as Cheryl Howard Crew. The New Yorker used this name in its 2005 profile of her novel and explained that “Crew” honored an adventurous grandmother.
Therefore, Crew is best understood as part of her author or pen name. It should not be described as her maiden surname.
Her official author site also prominently displays the name Cheryl Howard Crew. However, the site does not suggest that readers are dealing with a different author. Instead, Cheryl Howard and Cheryl Howard Crew refer to the same person.
How Old Is Cheryl Howard?
Cheryl Howard is 72 years old as of July 2026.
Ron Howard publicly celebrated Cheryl’s 72nd birthday on December 23, 2025. Therefore, that birthday information places her birth date on December 23, 1953.
She will turn 73 on December 23, 2026. Meanwhile, older articles may describe her as 69, 70, or 71 because they were written before her latest birthday.
For this reason, the full date is more useful than an age alone:
Cheryl Howard was born on December 23, 1953.
People’s broader profile also identifies Glendale, California, as her birthplace and December 1953 as her birth period. Together, the profile and Ron’s birthday tribute support the complete date used in this article.
Where Was Cheryl Howard Born and Raised?
Cheryl Howard was born in Glendale, California, and grew up with two sisters. Her parents were Charles and Vivian Alley.
Although she later became connected with Hollywood through Ron Howard, Cheryl’s childhood also exposed her to science, aviation, travel, and outdoor adventure. According to the family information reproduced by People from her author biography, her father’s interests strongly influenced her curiosity about other places and cultures.
Cheryl has described a particularly unusual upbringing. For example, she said she learned to fly and completed a solo flight on her 16th birthday. Additionally, she recalled growing up around several unconventional animals, including monkeys, skunks, and an anteater.
These experiences later connected naturally with her interest in travel-based storytelling. Nevertheless, the article should not claim that every event in her childhood directly inspired a particular scene in her novel.
Who Were Cheryl Howard’s Parents?
Cheryl Howard’s parents were Charles Alley and Vivian Alley. They raised Cheryl and her two sisters in California.
Charles Alley
People, drawing from Cheryl’s author biography, describes Charles Alley as a chemical and aerospace engineer. Additionally, he had interests in astronomy, marksmanship, climbing, and competitive flying.
Cheryl has credited her father’s adventurous outlook with encouraging her own interest in travel and unfamiliar cultures. Consequently, his influence provides useful context for her later research journeys and fiction writing.
However, some of the more colorful claims about his climbing and aviation achievements come through Cheryl’s personal biography rather than independent historical records. Therefore, those details should remain clearly attributed instead of being presented as universally verified accomplishments.
Vivian Alley
Vivian Alley was Cheryl’s mother. Established recent profiles identify her by name but do not provide a detailed professional biography.
For this reason, the article should not assign Vivian an occupation, educational history, or artistic career without stronger evidence. A concise identification is more responsible than filling the section with assumptions copied from generic biography websites.
What Did Cheryl Howard Study?
Cheryl Howard earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in screenwriting.
Her psychology studies may have supported her interest in characters and human behavior. Meanwhile, her graduate work in screenwriting connected directly with her long-term interest in storytelling.
However, the established profile reviewed for this article does not clearly name the institutions that granted the degrees. Therefore, the article should not assign her to a specific college or university without additional documentation.
Likewise, a psychology degree does not establish that Cheryl worked as a psychologist, therapist, or counselor. Instead, her documented professional identity centers on writing.
According to People, Cheryl began writing at approximately age 22. Moreover, she has said that Ron’s passion for storytelling was one of the interests that connected them.
Her screenwriting education did not lead only to film scripts. Instead, Cheryl eventually applied her research and storytelling interests to long-form fiction, culminating in the 2005 publication of In the Face of Jinn under the name Cheryl Howard Crew.
What Does Cheryl Howard Do for a Living?
Cheryl Howard is best known professionally as an author. She writes under the name Cheryl Howard Crew and published her debut novel, In the Face of Jinn, through St. Martin’s Press in 2005. Additionally, her official author website continues to present information about the book, her biography, and the research behind her writing.
Cheryl has also made brief appearances in projects directed by Ron Howard. However, these appearances have generally been cameos, small speaking parts, or background roles. Therefore, describing her as an author and occasional cameo performer is more accurate than presenting her as a full-time actress.
Reliable coverage does not identify a recent conventional employer or another current professional position. Nevertheless, the absence of an employer listing does not mean Cheryl stopped writing or pursuing personal projects. It simply means that her best-documented professional achievement remains her published novel.
Cheryl Howard’s Writing Career
Cheryl began writing as a young adult and eventually applied her interest in psychology, screenwriting, travel, and unfamiliar cultures to fiction. According to People, she has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in screenwriting. Moreover, she has said that Ron Howard’s passion for storytelling helped connect them as a couple.
Her path to publication was not quick. The New Yorker reported that Cheryl spent approximately nine years developing In the Face of Jinn. During that period, she researched its settings, studied the region, and traveled through India, Pakistan, and areas near Afghanistan.
That lengthy process distinguishes her work from the common assumption that she published a book simply because she was married to a famous director. Instead, the documented record shows that she invested years in research and writing before the novel reached readers.
Cheryl published the book under the name Cheryl Howard Crew. The use of “Crew” also gave her writing identity some distinction from the name Cheryl Howard, which is shared by several unrelated professionals.
Although she had access to people in the entertainment industry, Cheryl’s novel was not primarily a Hollywood story. Instead, she chose a geopolitical adventure involving travel, conflict, cultural differences, and a dangerous search across South and Central Asia.
What Is In the Face of Jinn About?
In the Face of Jinn follows two American sisters whose business journey takes them to India. After one sister disappears following a violent incident, the other begins a dangerous search that leads through India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
The central character, Christine Shepherd, works as an importer of goods from distant regions. When her sister and business partner, Elizabeth, vanishes, Christine enters an increasingly dangerous environment involving armed groups, tribal conflict, and the emerging Taliban.
Publishers Weekly described the book as Cheryl Howard Crew’s debut and recorded the following publication details:
| Publication detail | Verified information |
|---|---|
| Title | In the Face of Jinn |
| Author name | Cheryl Howard Crew |
| Publisher | St. Martin’s Press |
| Publication year | 2005 |
| Length | 320 pages |
| ISBN | 978-0-312-32648-7 |
| Broad genre | Adventure and geopolitical thriller |
These details come from the book’s Publishers Weekly record. Therefore, they provide a stronger basis than generic biography pages that offer unclear or conflicting descriptions.
The novel can reasonably be described as an adventure or geopolitical thriller. However, it should not be called a bestseller unless a recognized bestseller list or publisher record confirms that status.
Research Behind In the Face of Jinn
Cheryl’s research extended beyond reading books and studying maps. Her official author materials describe a 1997 journey toward the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, accompanied by people familiar with the region and its security risks. People also reports that her travel and conversations helped shape the novel.
The New Yorker reported that she made research trips to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan while developing the story. Additionally, a retired CIA operative reportedly helped connect her with useful contacts for the journey.
Nevertheless, the novel should not be described as an autobiography. Cheryl drew inspiration and practical detail from her travels, but the characters, disappearance, rescue effort, and wider plot belong to a work of fiction.
Her research demonstrates that she wanted the settings to feel informed rather than generic. At the same time, modern readers should understand that the novel reflects the period in which Cheryl researched and wrote it.
Did Cheryl Howard Write Other Books?
In the Face of Jinn is Cheryl Howard Crew’s clearly documented published novel.
Her official author website, Publishers Weekly author page, and established profiles prominently connect her with that title. Publishers Weekly’s author record also lists In the Face of Jinn as the book associated with Cheryl Howard Crew.
Some secondary websites attribute additional books or writing projects to Cheryl. However, similarly named authors can easily become confused in online databases. Therefore, another title should not be added to her bibliography unless a publisher, library record, ISBN listing, or official author source connects it directly to Cheryl Howard Crew.
The safest conclusion is:
In the Face of Jinn is Cheryl Howard Crew’s verified published novel, while additional commercially published books have not been clearly established through the strongest sources reviewed.
Is Cheryl Howard an Actress?
Cheryl Howard has appeared on screen, but she is not best known for a conventional acting career.
Ron Howard has included Cheryl in his productions since they were teenagers making early films together. Some appearances involve a small speaking part, while others place her briefly in the background. Consequently, viewers may not recognize her unless they know where to look.
People reported that she has appeared in nearly all of Ron’s scripted films. However, that description reflects a long-running personal tradition rather than a series of starring roles.
Therefore, the most accurate wording is:
Cheryl Howard is an author who has also made recurring cameo appearances in projects directed by her husband.
This description recognizes her screen work without inflating it into a major acting profession.
Why Does Cheryl Appear in Ron Howard’s Movies?
Ron Howard considers Cheryl his good-luck charm. As a result, he tries to make sure she appears recognizably in the scripted projects he directs.
The tradition began long before Ron became an established Hollywood director. He has said Cheryl participated in the small films he created while they were still in high school. Later, he became superstitious about continuing the practice in his professional productions.
Cheryl’s appearances are sometimes similar to a “Where’s Waldo?” game. For example, viewers may see her briefly as a worker, nurse, nun, customer, or another background character.
People identified several documented examples:
- A bartender in The Paper
- A nun in Apollo 13
- A nurse in Hillbilly Elegy
- A disguised male food server in Eden
For her appearance in Eden, Cheryl wore a wig and mustache because the historical scene involved an all-male yacht crew. Ron explained that the disguise allowed him to preserve both the historical context and their cameo tradition.
These examples also show why a complete filmography can be difficult to create. Some appearances are uncredited, extremely brief, or visible for only a moment.
Did Cheryl Appear in Every Ron Howard Film?
Ron has broadly said that Cheryl has appeared in everything he has directed since their high-school years. However, that statement represents his description of the tradition rather than a publicly indexed list of individually verified credits.
Therefore, the article should not publish an exhaustive film list unless every appearance can be checked. It is better to explain the tradition and provide a few clearly documented examples.
How Did Cheryl Howard Meet Ron Howard?
Cheryl Alley met Ron Howard while both attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. Ron has recalled noticing her in an English class and being attracted to her curiosity, enthusiasm, and adventurous personality.
At that time, Ron was already known for playing Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show. Nevertheless, their relationship developed within an ordinary high-school environment rather than at a Hollywood premiere or film studio.
Ron has said that Cheryl stood out because she had a strong interest in life and learning. For example, she was taking additional classes and had already developed an interest in flying aircraft.
Their relationship began as teenagers and continued while Ron moved from child acting into young-adult roles and, eventually, directing. Cheryl, meanwhile, continued her education and developed her own interests in psychology, screenwriting, travel, and fiction.
What Happened on Ron and Cheryl Howard’s First Date?
Ron and Cheryl had their first date on November 1, 1970.
They watched a rerelease of Stanley Kramer’s It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Afterward, they ate pizza at Barnone’s, a restaurant in Toluca Lake that later closed. Ron picked Cheryl up in a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.
In 2020, Ron marked the 50th anniversary of that first date through his official Instagram account. Moreover, he said they planned to celebrate by driving the same Volkswagen used on the original date and getting takeout pizza.
The story provides a specific and well-documented beginning to their relationship. However, the article does not need to romanticize every detail or describe the pair as having a flawless connection from the first evening.
When Did Ron Howard Marry Cheryl?
Ron Howard and Cheryl Alley married on June 7, 1975, in Burbank, California. They had dated for approximately five years before the wedding.
Their daughter Bryce Dallas Howard later said that Ron proposed three times. According to Bryce, Cheryl declined his first two proposals because she wanted to continue her education before committing to marriage. She eventually accepted the third proposal.
This detail helps explain Cheryl’s independence during the early relationship. Although she cared about Ron, she also wanted time to pursue her own education before becoming part of his rapidly developing career.
The wedding included people associated with Ron’s television life. People reports that Andy Griffith and Tom Bosley—his television father figures on The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days—attended the ceremony.
Soon afterward, Cheryl and Ron began building a family while his career continued to develop. They welcomed Bryce Dallas Howard in 1981, twins Jocelyn and Paige in 1985, and Reed in 1987.
How Long Have Ron and Cheryl Howard Been Married?
Ron and Cheryl Howard celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 7, 2025. Therefore, they completed 51 years of marriage on June 7, 2026.
Their relationship extends even further because their first date occurred in November 1970. Consequently, they have shared more than five decades as a couple.
The golden-anniversary celebration included a photograph posted by Ron showing the couple together at sunset. In his message, he reflected on their long journey and the experiences they had shared.
However, Ron does not describe the marriage as effortless or perfect. Instead, he has openly discussed communication, problem-solving, compatibility, mutual trust, and good fortune.
What Is the Secret to Ron and Cheryl Howard’s Marriage?
Ron Howard has repeatedly identified communication as one of the most important parts of his marriage.
He has explained that couples need to believe they can discuss difficult subjects and solve problems together. Moreover, he says that avoiding communication when a disagreement feels uncomfortable usually leads in the wrong direction.
Ron has also emphasized that a long marriage requires compatibility and the ability to grow together. Interests and circumstances may change; however, the relationship must remain something both people value and want to continue building.
According to Ron, the main elements include:
- Communicating even when discussions feel difficult
- Trusting each other’s problem-solving ability
- Recognizing which issues matter most to each person
- Giving and taking with reasonable balance
- Continuing to value the relationship
- Growing without losing the bond
- Accepting that some disagreements remain
- Recognizing the role of compatibility and good fortune
He has also rejected the idea that their marriage has always been perfect. Instead, he describes communication as a continuing practice and acknowledges that every long relationship experiences difficult periods.
Therefore, the Howards’ marriage should not be presented as a magical Hollywood relationship without problems. A more accurate interpretation is that they have remained committed to communication, adaptation, and mutual respect while also acknowledging that lasting compatibility includes an element of luck.
Who Are Cheryl and Ron Howard’s Children?
Cheryl Howard and Ron Howard have four adult children: Bryce Dallas Howard, Jocelyn Carlyle Howard, Paige Carlyle Howard, and Reed Cross Howard. Their eldest daughter arrived in 1981, their twin daughters followed in 1985, and their son was born in 1987.
Although the children grew up around the entertainment industry, they did not all pursue the same career. Bryce and Paige entered creative fields, while Jocelyn maintained a smaller public profile. Meanwhile, Reed developed a professional interest in golf.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard is Cheryl and Ron’s eldest child. She was born on March 2, 1981, and later established herself as an actress, writer, and director. Her acting credits include major film franchises, while her directing work includes television episodes and documentary projects.
Bryce did not begin professional acting as a young child. In fact, she has explained that her parents created a firm boundary against child acting, even though Ron himself became famous at a young age.
That parenting decision demonstrates how Cheryl and Ron approached their children’s careers. Although they supported creative interests, they did not automatically place their children into entertainment work.
Jocelyn Carlyle Howard
Jocelyn Carlyle Howard was born on February 5, 1985. She is Paige Howard’s fraternal twin sister.
Unlike several members of the Howard family, Jocelyn has generally remained outside entertainment coverage. She does not maintain the same visible professional profile as Bryce or Paige.
However, a limited public profile should not be interpreted as evidence that she is estranged from the family or deliberately avoids every public event. It simply means that dependable sources reveal fewer details about her work and personal life.
Paige Carlyle Howard
Paige Carlyle Howard is Jocelyn’s twin sister. She has worked as an actress and appeared in film and television projects, including Adventureland and television guest roles. Additionally, she published a children’s book in 2023.
Paige married actor and artist Tim Abou-Nasr in 2022. Ron officiated the ceremony, while Bryce participated in the wedding.
Nevertheless, an article focused on Cheryl should not become a complete biography of Paige. Her career is relevant mainly because it shows the range of interests Cheryl and Ron encouraged among their children.
Reed Cross Howard
Reed Cross Howard is Cheryl and Ron’s youngest child and only son. He was born on April 12, 1987, and pursued golf rather than acting or filmmaking.
Reed has shared golf lessons, practice drills, and related content through online platforms. He has also discussed how his mother kept the family together while Ron traveled for filmmaking work.
According to Reed, Cheryl regularly arranged temporary homes and new schools near Ron’s production locations. As a result, the children could remain close to their father instead of living separately from him for long periods.
How Many Grandchildren Does Cheryl Howard Have?
Cheryl Howard and Ron Howard have six grandchildren. Updated People coverage continued to identify them as grandparents of six in 2026.
Their eldest daughter, Bryce, has two children with her husband, Seth Gabel. Reed and other members of the Howard family have also welcomed children. However, a profile about Cheryl does not need to publish extensive information about grandchildren who are not public figures.
Ron has discussed how Cheryl’s approach changed after becoming a grandmother. Although she reportedly maintained firm household rules while raising her children, he said she became much more relaxed and indulgent with the grandchildren.
That comment offers a light family detail without exposing private information about the younger generation.
What Role Did Cheryl Howard Play in the Howard Family?
Cheryl played a substantial role in maintaining stability while Ron Howard’s directing career required frequent travel.
Rather than remaining in one location while Ron worked elsewhere, Cheryl often arranged housing and schooling near film-production sites. Consequently, the family could travel together and maintain regular contact with Ron. Reed later praised his mother’s ability to organize those moves.
At the same time, Cheryl pursued interests of her own. She studied psychology and screenwriting, traveled for research, worked on her novel for years, and eventually published In the Face of Jinn. Therefore, describing her only as a supportive Hollywood wife would overlook an important part of her life.
Her family role appears to have combined:
- Organizing education and housing during film productions
- Helping the children maintain contact with both parents
- Supporting Ron’s work
- Pursuing independent education and writing
- Participating in selected filmmaking projects
- Building relationships with their children and grandchildren
However, the article should avoid claiming that Cheryl alone raised the children or sacrificed every ambition for Ron’s career. Available family accounts instead describe a cooperative arrangement shaped by the demands of filmmaking.
Does Cheryl Howard Have Instagram?
No clearly verified personal Instagram account has been established for Cheryl Howard.
However, Ron frequently shares birthday tributes, anniversary photographs, travel pictures, and family moments through @realronhoward, his authentic public Instagram account. His posts have documented Cheryl’s birthday and their marriage milestones.
Cheryl also maintains an official author website under the name Cheryl Howard Crew. That site provides a stronger direct source for her writing than an unverified social-media profile.
Therefore, do not link to Instagram accounts based only on:
- The name Cheryl Howard
- Reposted photographs of Ron and Cheryl
- Fan-page biographies
- Similar usernames
- Claims that the account is private
Several public accounts belong to unrelated celebrities or professionals named Cheryl.
What Is Cheryl Howard’s Net Worth?
Cheryl Howard’s individual net worth has not been verified through dependable financial records.
Celebrity websites sometimes combine her finances with Ron Howard’s estimated wealth. However, a spouse’s career earnings and assets do not automatically establish the other spouse’s individual net worth.
A trustworthy financial estimate would require information such as:
- Verified property ownership
- Publishing royalties
- Business interests
- Investment records
- Financial disclosures
- Contract earnings
- Audited assets and liabilities
Those records are not publicly available in a form that supports a precise figure. Therefore, the article should state that her individual net worth remains unconfirmed rather than publishing an unsupported estimate.
What Is Not Publicly Confirmed About Cheryl Howard?
Although many details about Cheryl’s family, writing, and marriage are well documented, some personal information remains outside reliable public reporting.
The article should not confidently state her:
- Individual net worth
- Current street address
- Personal Instagram account
- Exact book sales
- Publishing royalties
- Complete cameo filmography
- Political affiliation
- Medical history
- Private family disagreements
- Detailed information about her grandchildren
Similarly, a brief screen appearance should not automatically be described as a formal acting credit. Some of Cheryl’s appearances were uncredited or visible for only a few seconds.
Ultimately, the strongest profile focuses on her established identity as an author, her marriage and family, her published novel, and her documented cameo tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Howard
Who is Cheryl Howard?
Cheryl Howard is an American author and the longtime wife of actor and filmmaker Ron Howard. Born Cheryl Alley, she publishes under the name Cheryl Howard Crew. She wrote In the Face of Jinn and has also made brief appearances in many projects directed by her husband.
How old is Cheryl Howard?
Cheryl Howard is 72 years old as of July 2026. Ron Howard celebrated her 72nd birthday on December 23, 2025. Therefore, she was born on December 23, 1953, and will turn 73 in December 2026.
What was Cheryl Howard’s maiden name?
Cheryl Howard’s pre-marriage name was Cheryl Alley. She became widely known as Cheryl Howard after marrying Ron Howard in 1975. Meanwhile, she uses Cheryl Howard Crew as her published author name.
Why is she called Cheryl Howard Crew?
Cheryl uses Cheryl Howard Crew as her author name. The addition of “Crew” reportedly honored an adventurous grandmother. However, Crew should not be described as Cheryl’s birth surname because established family records identify her pre-marriage name as Cheryl Alley.
Is Cheryl Howard still married to Ron Howard?
Yes. Cheryl and Ron Howard completed 51 years of marriage on June 7, 2026. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2025 and continued appearing together publicly afterward.
When did Ron and Cheryl Howard get married?
Ron Howard and Cheryl Alley married on June 7, 1975, in Burbank, California. They had dated for approximately five years before the wedding.
How did Cheryl Howard meet Ron Howard?
Cheryl met Ron while they attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank. Ron noticed her while they were students, and the pair began dating as teenagers. Their relationship continued as Ron moved from child acting toward directing.
What happened on Ron and Cheryl Howard’s first date?
Their first date took place on November 1, 1970. They watched a rerelease of It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and later ate pizza at a Toluca Lake restaurant. Ron picked Cheryl up in a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle.
What does Cheryl Howard do?
Cheryl Howard is best known as an author. She studied psychology and screenwriting and published In the Face of Jinn under the name Cheryl Howard Crew. Additionally, she has made recurring cameos in Ron Howard’s films.
What book did Cheryl Howard write?
Cheryl Howard Crew wrote In the Face of Jinn. Published in 2005, the novel follows two American sisters whose journey leads through India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan after one of them disappears.
When was In the Face of Jinn published?
St. Martin’s Press published In the Face of Jinn in 2005. Cheryl spent years researching and developing the novel, including traveling in regions connected with its setting.
Did Cheryl Howard write other books?
In the Face of Jinn is her clearly documented published novel. Additional titles should not be attributed to her unless an official publisher, library record, ISBN listing, or her author website confirms that Cheryl Howard Crew wrote them.
Is Cheryl Howard an actress?
Cheryl has appeared in numerous Ron Howard projects, but she is more accurately described as an author and occasional cameo performer. Her screen appearances are usually brief, and some are uncredited. Therefore, she should not be presented as a conventional leading actress.
Why does Cheryl appear in Ron Howard’s movies?
Ron Howard considers Cheryl his good-luck charm. Consequently, he tries to include her recognizably in the scripted productions he directs. Some appearances involve small roles, while others place her briefly in the background.
Was Cheryl Howard in A Beautiful Mind?
Cheryl has been associated with brief appearances in many Ron Howard films, including projects commonly listed in entertainment databases. However, cameo credits should be checked individually because some appearances are uncredited or extremely short.
How many children do Ron and Cheryl Howard have?
Ron and Cheryl Howard have four children: Bryce Dallas, twins Jocelyn Carlyle and Paige Carlyle, and Reed Cross Howard.
Is Bryce Dallas Howard Cheryl Howard’s daughter?
Yes. Bryce Dallas Howard is Cheryl and Ron Howard’s eldest child. She became an actress, writer, and director, while her parents prevented her from becoming a professional child actor.
Are Paige and Jocelyn Howard twins?
Yes. Paige Carlyle Howard and Jocelyn Carlyle Howard are fraternal twins born on February 5, 1985. Paige pursued acting and writing, while Jocelyn has maintained a more private public profile.
What does Reed Howard do?
Reed Cross Howard pursued professional golf and has produced instructional golf content. He is Cheryl and Ron’s youngest child and only son.
How many grandchildren does Cheryl Howard have?
Cheryl and Ron Howard have six grandchildren. However, the article should avoid publishing unnecessary private information about grandchildren who do not maintain public careers.
Does Cheryl Howard have Instagram?
No clearly authenticated personal Instagram profile has been identified for Cheryl. However, Ron Howard regularly features her on his verified account, @realronhoward, and Cheryl maintains an official author website.
What is Cheryl Howard’s net worth?
Cheryl Howard’s individual net worth is not publicly verified. Estimates on celebrity-finance websites generally lack audited financial records and may combine her assets with Ron Howard’s estimated wealth.
Is Cheryl Howard related to Clint Howard?
Cheryl is Clint Howard’s sister-in-law. Clint is Ron Howard’s younger brother, so Cheryl became related to him through her marriage to Ron.
Final Thoughts on Cheryl Howard
Cheryl Howard is much more than Ron Howard’s longtime wife. Born Cheryl Alley, she studied psychology and screenwriting, traveled internationally, and published In the Face of Jinn under the author name Cheryl Howard Crew.
At the same time, her relationship with Ron remains central to her public story. The high-school sweethearts married in 1975, raised four children, welcomed six grandchildren, and completed 51 years of marriage in 2026.
Additionally, Cheryl became part of Ron’s filmmaking tradition through her recurring cameo appearances. Ultimately, an accurate biography should recognize her writing, education, adventurous background, family role, and creative identity without relying on speculative net-worth claims or unrelated profiles of other women named Cheryl Howard.
