Ron Howard is no stranger to awards — he’s won Emmys for producing such projects as miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, comedy series Arrested Development and documentary Jim Henson: Idea Man, not to mention two Oscars for directing and producing 2002’s A Beautiful Mind. But this year marks his first Emmy recognition for acting, even though the 71-year-old made a name for himself as a child star.
About 65 years before his guest turn playing himself on Apple TV+ comedy The Studio, for which he’s nominated, Howard brought Opie Taylor to life on The Andy Griffith Show. As the son of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), Opie charmed audiences for eight seasons with his lovable, innocent and somewhat mischievous personality. “As Griffith’s sole moppet, Ronny Howard looms as a strong support plus, although in the first few moments we were afraid he was out to out-menace Dennis the Menace,” THR wrote in its 1960 review. Howard went on to star in 1973’s American Graffiti and play all-American teen Richie on Happy Days from 1974 to 1984, before he segued to directing and producing full-time, with an occasional cameo.
As for whether Howard would step back in front of the camera long-term, the request would have to come from someone special. “I think that if my daughter Bryce [Dallas Howard] cast me in something,” he previously told People, “that would compel me to put down the directing obligation … and show up.”
