1989 - Ron Howard (This is one of my favorite clips)

Late Night with David Letterman

[@TroyDraws]

Famous child actor, famous adult actor, famous director, still an extremely down to earth nice guy. It can happen!

[@robertacolarette1594]

That’s a good interview. Ron Howard is so genuine and likable just the way he comes across on screen. He’s just a real guy. Very nice job, David.

[@joeybonin7691]

The older I get the more I appreciate how good a child actor he really was.

[@suziewhattley3917]

And how his parents nurtured him instead of exploiting his. If only Brittany and Lindsay had parents like Ron's.

[@marijoelse9310]

He was a great actor and now he's a wonderful producer .

[@deborahdodson9367]

@@suziewhattley3917 he also plays Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock & Bobby Brown among many others.

[@guynorth3277]

For sure! What a wonderful guy.

[@rolandofgilead43]

i'm not a David Letterman fan i'm on here cause i love Ron Howard and yes i do think this is a good interview i do give Dave credit on this one not every interview i've seen him give i've been impressed with but this one he was good at. i cannot stand the Andy Griffith Show i never have i love 60's tv however. i can respect it gave Ron Howard a name a Career even though, even though he did other stuff back than such as The Music Man (1962) which is my favorite film of his i think he did as an actor. you can tell how young he is here cause he's still got a lot of hair compared to now and he was only in his 30's at this point. a young guy. i never knew that about how he named his kids, honestly though i do find it funny that's really messed up for his kids though they are all adults now i'm sure since they know the meaning by now i'm sure they were really grossed out by it. though Bryce Dallas Howard uses her middle name so maybe she's fine with it i suppose

[@shanekilpatrick3378]

Always loved Ron. Genuine guy. Gives his brother Clint, a part in every movie he’s directed. His father been in a few as well.

[@rolandofgilead43]

i think he even gave his mom a part as well before she passed

[@ryanbarker5217]

i love in any griffith how there was a huge continuity break where two guys walk into the police station and wait for andy to show up. at first it's two guys, the next shot his father is one of them, then back to the original two actors.

[@deanevangelista6359]

“We’ll wait.”

[@anarchistatheist1917]

Ron Howard's mother, Jean Speegle Howard portrayed Blanche Lovell, Jim Lovell's Mother in the 1995 movie Apollo 13.

[@LV2UXO77]

Ron Howard still has that "Opie innocence about him. Not all child actors continue in the filming industry after the show is over. What a nice guy Ron is, and I'm happy for him.

[@Kim-pb8dv]

I agree

[@nancyhowell4505]

He must have had great parents to be so well grounded! Such a pleasure to listen to him here. I grew up watching the Andy Griffith show. I'm a year and a half older than Ron. Watched the reruns endlessly and all the reunion shows. The best of times for kids TV!

[@deborahdodson9367]

He's evil. He plays Eddie Murphy, Bobby Brown & Chris Rock in blackface

[@stephengrant8295]

@@deborahdodson9367 Hunh? Do you have a source for this? I can't find anything that references that at all.

[@deborahdodson9367]

@@stephengrant8295 deborah.dodson.752

[@amybugg001]

Been married to his childhood sweetheart since very young. Great hubby and father.

[@chiefpontiac1800]

I loved him as Opie, and still to this day, I think that Ron Howard is one hellva of an actor, director, and all around nice guy.

[@RocketMyDog1]

I wish I had a friend as nice and sweet as Ron Howard. Seems like he would do anything for anyone.

[@tomseadon9965]

He’s one of the only Hollywood stars with CLASS! Never sold out!

[@davem145mxr]

Yes he did

[@reaality3860]

I heard Tom Hanks is now a citizen of Greece.

[@robertacolarette1594]

He and his brother were brought up very grounded by their parents.

[@keiarahjohnston9887]

Hahaha ....thats funny !!

[@barbarapeterson4000]

@@reaality3860 No he didnt. He and his wife were made *honorary* citizens of Greece. They still have their American citizenship.

[@jrobbin24]

The greatest child actor of all time especially when you consider all of his achievements I can't think of any other child actors that were so prominent that went on to do such great things good for him

[@coryburns9161]

He earned more than Sandy Koufax as a child actor

[@pandaigdig]

jason bateman sort of i think is following in his footsteps

[@yikes7963]

@@pandaigdig Jason is AMAZING!!

[@droboogie8465]

This clip was delightful. I've been catching up on the early seasons of the Andy Griffith Show and am constantly impressed by little Ronnie Howard and the acting chops he easily shows at such a youthful. With all his collective success he's always just like was in this clip to this very day- just a very pleasant, likable, and of course- talented man

[@SmooveBee1]

"They broke the mold with this guy" - so true! So awesome; fast forward thirty-years and it is still true - his children turned out so wonderful!

[@m.e.d.7997]

Such an important part of that show. Up there with Barney Fife. Deserved every dollar he made!!

[@katherineumberhind6033]

You make me smile. Ron. This old lady loves you.

[@williammoseley17]

He was raised by two wonderful parents who instilled the importance of family.

[@musicfanhawk4523]

Ron is a treasure!! I will always love watching Andy Griffith to see him as Opie, the most adorable little boy actor I have ever seen. His talent is out of this world!

[@cynthiaesquibel3191]

Ron Howard is incredible...so natural, so nice. It's funny, but watching this, it struck me that I think the reason he was such a good actor and we all loved him was because he was being himself. Watching him throughout the entire interview was like watching Richie Cunningham...he took his characters and made them into himself. I'm not explaining this very well, I hope someone understands what I'm trying to say... I wish more actors were like him, good, natural, nice, just like the boy/girl next door. Fame and fortune did not ruin this man.

[@stoxmama]

You are absolutely right! He is

[@revmiguel2000]

Spencer Tracy

[@toddlevine9377]

I think the foundation of what makes him so special is the fact that he’s incredibly modest, sincere, and just a downright genuine person. These elements are incredibly rare in most people, but in Hollywood they’re almost nonexistent. Ron Howard is truly an American treasure. An outstanding role model as well! Cheers!

[@trinarichardson6682]

His parents did their job..🙂

[@gispel7058]

Easy to rank him #1 as a Hollywood icon. He can do it all and with a seeming ease and confidence.

[@tjwash5118]

His smile when he says he was 11 is like the exuberant smile of an 11 year old, love it.

[@albazamora1767]

Love Ronnie Howard! What a joy to see him!

[@YOGI-yl4ff]

The joy and laughs this young man has given us is absolutely priceless. I have adored him since the Andy Griffin days back in the 1960's. His birthdate is March 1, 1954. He worked with Shirley Jones twice, once in "The Music Man" with Robert Preston and again in "The Courtship of Eddie's Father". So glad he grew into a wonderful man. Happy viewing from Las Vegas, NV January 14, 2019

[@stephenryder7680]

Thanks from liverpool england

[@unacat09]

I was born 9/30/54 and when The Andy Griffith show came on I sort of bonded with Ron Howard and in a sense we grew up together. I lived on Long Island and Opie lived in Mayberry in (presumably) North Carolina. Ron seems like such a great guy who lives quietly in Connecticut and seems to have loved his wife and raised his kids properly. I love the 'Opie Gets Laid' conversation and in another interview he said that he danced naked on a table for his wife. That's pretty cool.

[@dawnheistand912]

I though Opie was adorable when he said to aunt Be - you need me - ! thanks

[@sharonyyoung-rt7tk]

It was Shirley McClain in Eddie's Father, not Jones.

[@frankdalla]

When you realize how fast a lifetime goes by....

[@davidpiercy2898]

A relative once told me "Someone Hit The Fast Forward Button."

[@JaneDoe-ze5xe]

David Piercy I’d like to press the rewind button, often.

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Frank, that's why it's so important to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. This life is not the end.

[@bobwickman658]

I remember when Ron Howard had a singing part in the movie “The Music Man” with Shirley Jones and Robert Preston. Great old movie. Ron Howard has grown up to be an amazing and outstanding man.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

He did. Not many people remember that one. What a genuinely nice guy. Cutest little boy in Hollywood...

[@jomac2046]

30 years ago, time flies when you're having fun.

[@marstondavis]

Ron Howard has more talent in his toenail clippings than most people in Hollywood.

[@cynthusinfinite]

And a man worthy of it ($ ) in my humble opinion 😀 not the toenail hehe

[@brettbrignac7591]

Why, then, did not Clint Howard make more money than his brother?

[@Anaxiphile]

I have seen those clippings get up and dance!

[@scottevans748]

@@brettbrignac7591 Hard to fathom, but Clint has approximately two hundred more acting credits than Ron. Take another look at the younger Howard's painstakingly bizarre creation of 'Bolok' in the 1966 Star Trek episode entitled "The Corbomite Maneuver," and I think you'll clearly see that America picked the wrong thespian. Ron's a better director, though.

[@scotnick59]

Such a natural little actor as Opie Taylor - just phenomenal

[@A2D4]

When I lived in Studio City, at the height of Happy Days, I saw Ron Howard driving in an old red panel truck in the next lane. Regular guy and one of few Hollywood kid actors who has his head on straight, thanks to great parents.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

Rance Howard and Andy Griffith did a good job raising that boy...

[@angeliakelly3192]

Absolutely ❤️❤️

[@Rickshaw881]

Ron is hilarious. great interview.

[@gerrydooley951]

Sandy was my baseball idol and I remember the holdout very well. Great story by a good guy.

[@btuesday]

He's a great film maker! One of a kind!

[@jorgemg4014]

Favorite shows for the whole family of all time Andy Griffith Show and Leave it to Beaver. I can watch them two shows 24/7. Good tv good morals values respect.

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Same here. Too bad Jerry and Tony didn't do more with their adult lives in TV or movies. Ron hit the jackpot. I hope he is enjoying the fruits of his labor. No one deserves it more.

[@pauletoon2524]

When my nephew met and drove Ron Howard when he was taking his son to summer camp in Virginia, my nephew said Ron was really a nice guy. Very down to earth.

[@hotdog7988]

I can only see Richie Cunningham. Nice fella, you can see why he and Tom Hanks get along so well. Both have highly likeable personalities.

[@guynorth3136]

"Opie gets laid, almost fell out of my chair" always loved Ron Howard.

[@madkittyjoey70]

LOL

[@edkretchmer2167]

A real gusher

[@aaronking7326]

Lol...epic

[@scottg391]

Ron Howard is truly one in a million. He was one of the best child actors of all time and he made Happy Day's what it was (before it became ridiculous) and for Icing on the cake, he became one of the best directors of all time.....

[@pstacey3942]

I was on 5th ave sometime around 1985 and I saw Ron Howard. I had a dark room and always had my pentax camera with me. I asked him if I could take a photo of him. He said, ' Sure, just let me get a cab.' He did and I did. I couldn 't wait to get home to develop and print it. He was very nice especially because he seemed to be in a hurry.

[@lalcott]

Ron is brilliant and at the same time down to earth.

[@mjp8845]

This is a man who seems to be a thoroughly decent talented man ...... I remember Happy Days well I also remember meeting Mr Fonzie on my lunchtime in Liverpool about 8-10 years ago I guess . He was doing something in the the Theatre somewhere in Liverpool , possibly the Empire Theatre . It might have been Pantomine .... I could not get out of my mind just how tiny he was but how great in stature . My wife and I were just walking through a Continental Market in Lord Street Liverpool England ( home of the Beatles ) when I saw him . He was just browsing . I wandered up to him , offered my hand in friendship , as we do here in the North , and thanked him for his many years of entertaining us He was such a nice man . He quite naturally was probably quite cautious , but nevertheless a very decent bloke . I left it at that as he had other things to do . Once again many many thanks Henry. We were happy with that . Hope you were All the best for ever . Mike and Rita Peberdy Liverpool ,Merseyside , England

[@rkgrant]

Ron's a very authentic person

[@brentingram423]

@Despiser Despised Says the guy who believes trump.

[@michaeldschmeltz]

@@brentingram423 How do you know he believes Trump?

[@debbiestarr3696]

Ron Howard is a cut above. They broke the mold with this guy. Loved him as Opie Taylor, and Richie Cunningham. I wonder how his upbringing was influenced by his role as Opie.

[@godgunsandgoldens]

His parents never indulged him. Raised him to have gratitude and empathy.

[@mikewoodson6930]

I believe his role as Opie did influence him. Great kid.

[@melvindockery815]

How did his upbringing influence us?

[@kennethbrady]

I knew his Dad a little bit, years ago. Helluva guy.

[@DanKoning777]

Howard didn't learn a thing regarding the moral theme of the Andy Griffith show. Look at him politically, his faith [lack of], morally. The Da Vinci Code? Fake information [from satan] that could rock the very foundations of Christianity that ppl believe today...pathetic, and all for $$. How can he grow up w/the moral theme of the Andy Griffith show then as an adult support a political party [dnc] that has literally adopted the "sins of Romans 1" as the platform of their party? Its "all that God hates"...lgbt, abortion, legalized drugs, gay lifestyle, teach the "theory" of evolution as truth, pornography, rampant divorce, on/on...how?

[@john-paulnagel2732]

Ron Howard Such a Beautiful Soul Most Actors are Stuck Up! But Howard Always a Perfect Gentleman! Could teach others! Respect!

[@ehopdavila]

We saw Opie (before a few roles as baby and a 2 year old) then Richie and then BOOM! he became the director of great movies. So glad he didn't lose his way as many child actors have.

[@markp.7165]

Is it me or does Ron seem like a hell of a nice guy? Who wouldn't want to be friends with him? Oh and another thing about this clip is it was done way back when Letterman was actually funny. Enjoyed it very much!!

[@freedeagle1]

I was thinking the same thing about Ron.

[@earformusic]

vulgar, not for children

[@MightyGreedo]

"Is it me or does Ron seem like a hell of a nice guy?" Nice observation, Sherlock.

[@rkgrant]

he is...good guy

[@photo161]

Yes, you're right, Ron here with Letterman before Letterman found his true calling, to be the unchallenged, biggest A-hole of all-time!

[@anarchistatheist1917]

Ron howard was born a few months after my dad, and a few years before my mom. I was born a few years after hus daughter Bryce Dallas Howard Was Born. He was one of the greatest child actors ever and a great adult actor as well. And currently a great director. As well as being a normal, well rounded decent person.

[@somrotdensmith3935]

It is amazing how much he looks like his father.

[@scottyh8494]

Ron is a natural.

[@dennislaux]

I think Ron deserved far more money that Sandy Koufax did because he did far more to make this a better world and will be remembered for that for years to come. Ron continues to make this a better world by doing so many great films that actually have class and contribute good to society rather than wall to wall violence like so many others do. It's a far better world with Ron in it for so many of us. I thank you Mr Howard.

[@mikeyposs7790]

Denny Law they are both good guys but I don’t think there is a more decent, humble, classy example of “right”than Sandy Koufax! I can assure few people’s mere “presence” draws more attention!

[@1left2theright4jc9]

This kid on andy Griffith show ..In fact the entire show is a true gift from God to encourage and just entertain making folk laugh. It's sad that the millineals have no idea no respect no gratitude no understanding-the gift is still being given repeatedly..daily

[@josephjakubec3171]

Like Ron but Sandy Koufax was special. What a talent.

[@davanmani556]

Koufax shutting out Mantle, priceless. He destroyed more myths than you can imagine. The 1965 World Series was a movie itself especially game 7. Sandy didn’t somebody else’s society. He made his own that day due to the fact that his teammates wanted him to pitch that game on 2 days rest.

[@feather031]

So I did the math. Koufax got $125,000 for the 1966 season after holding out. Ron says he got $5K more which equals $130K. The Andy Griffith Show did 30 episodes in 65-66, which equals $4,333 per show. To give it some perspective, that $130K in 1966 translates to $981,114.81 in 2017 dollars....Not bad for an 11 year-old. Sure beats a paper route.

[@hotdog7988]

Yeh, but with a paper route you get tips.

[@52iomega]

He deserved it. He gave me and a whole lot of people millions of laughs.

[@jasonk8793]

Plus, he wasn't in every episode, so he got more per episode.

[@saiyongdawn7756]

His broth Clint was an actor too. I don't know if he still is but he was a series too as a young boy. He even played in a Star Trek episode.

[@jamesakin]

Clint gets a cameo in almost every one of Ron's films.

[@2008alde]

Ron made a great movie about the touring years of the Beatles .. If he did nothing but that, I'd have the utmost respect for him but he's done a ton of stuff and I have the UTMOST respect for him!

[@CordellPotts]

It's 2024 and I'm 45, The Andy Griffith show is still one of the best shows to ever grace a television set.

[@FgFg-jj2eo]

He looked so cute in the reruns, still was in this interview despite his baldness, then changed completely.

[@gispel7058]

The movie Appollo 13 was a very very great film. Ron's work and how he always fit his family into his films is what sets him apart from others. I believe this man is as good a director as even Spielberg.

[@dexterm1285]

Yea Apollo 13 is great also Cinderella Man and Beautiful Mind are amazing also.

[@jeffalvich9434]

Such a great interview....shows what gentlemen each are and the real humor each has!!!!.........

[@califcamper]

Love how he kept himself alll his life....

[@cyndiaraujo1687]

This is what it is to be a successful human-being and stay humble and be rewarded with life's best gifts, family, friends, love, humor, and love. Thank you Ron Howard for giving us laughter, great movies and yourself.....

[@ginsure]

He has been absolutely top notch in his career. Great actor, director and most of all husband and father. Others in Hollywood should set the example he has.

[@markw3598]

They are too busy trying to be Kim K.!!

[@dq7143]

I was also a student the same time Ron Howard attended USC's cinema program. I was shocked the first time I saw him on campus. I never knew Opie had bright red hair back then!

[@amcasanave]

You had always seen him in black & white.

[@AndrewsOpinion15]

happy 62th birthday ronald william ron howard !!!!

[@jola9769]

Andrew Flood

[@vinnycarrocia7511]

That's so awesome that you know his full name AND birthday! You two must be very close friends. Make sure to put this information on wikipedia so that others can appear to know something. Do you park out in front of his house too?

[@ericf5027]

Vinny Carrocia Your butt hurts?

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

I hope Ron is enjoying the fruits of his labor. No one deserves it more than he does. Such a wholesome guy and what a great personality.

[@robingagan6288]

When my son was a little kid in elementary school he came home for lunch . He watched Andy Griffith and Lucy every day

[@dennisarlan3564]

Truly a success story..Thanks for all the laughs...through the years.

[@TheTriplelman]

met him when he directed one of his 1st films, Gung Ho - with Mike Keaton. I was at the premier when I was in Radio, we had a nice chat, nice down to earth guy.

[@vivianward4095]

One of the very few child actors who grew up to be more successful as an adult than a washed up child actor.

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

and he remains a decent family man, no scandals or celebrity hype.

[@vb8428]

@@PetroicaRodinogaster264 And groomed his children well, what an inspiration

[@deborahchesser7375]

If not the only one

[@vb8428]

@@deborahchesser7375 Jason Bateman

[@dheascot2268]

Yup, stand out normal guy

[@walterkoziol3822]

Ya know this guy has been in the business for almost 70 years and i rounded it up to six months making him 2yo when actually he started at 1½yo. That's just mind blowing and what makes it even more is he's still very much loves doing it.

[@nongthip]

He made the movie "Parenthood", as mentioned in the interview, back in '89 with an impressive lineup of acting talent (Steve Martin, Mary Steenburgen, Dianne Wiest, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton, Keanu Reeves, Joaquin Phoenix). I probably watched it 100 times on HBO or the VCR. It still plays very well and although mostly a comedy it includes some valuable life lessons. Well done Opie! ;-)

[@tracylf5409]

Ron, "Mr. Class", Howard. You can't fake the "real-deal". Ron is authentic & honest. Puts everyone else of his time to shame, really.

[@ROGER2095]

I saw American Graffiti in the theater when it came out - 1973 - and there was a scene where Ron Howard was putting the moves on Cindy Williams in the back seat of his car. She was putting up a fight and when Ron said, "Oh, you know you want it." somebody in the theater yelled out, "RIGHT ON, OPIE!"

[@MaynardGKrebs-gv4vy]

Now THAT is funny. I remember the scene well.

[@brendaseay5556]

With a difference of maybe one year I our age, I have always loved Ron Howard from Opie Taylor to all the movies he's been in or made. What a guy!

[@brianmelody8930]

Who doesn't love Ron Howard?

[@dakotahstr]

Just finished watching the Music Man with him in it.He will never age. love him.

[@OttoByOgraffey]

One of my favorite movies!

[@BASHEM72]

Loved his character in the Andy Griffith show.

[@withergaming1186]

Me too.

[@thewatcher5271]

He Sure Doesn't Seem Full Of Himself Like Most Celebrities.

[@williamgardenhire1053]

"Opie Gets Laid" - It just doesn't get any better than this.

[@thomasking9221]

One of the rare super success stories of child actors.

[@olenamcquagge7777]

If this is 1989...Ron is about 35 years old here. He still has a very youthful attitude and probably will for his entire life.

[@stevenhuang1142]

This man is an American treasure.

[@jimipack62]

Great interview. Ron Howard has had an awesome career. Opie Get's Laid cracks me up.

[@Jamie-lw5sy]

I completely lost it when he said Opie gets laid! 😂

[@tommyodonovan3883]

What a great GUY.

[@MJLeger-yj1ww]

It seems like ALL actors "think" they can direct, because they're been directed and they think they can do it as well or better, but most cannot. There are a few exceptions, Ron is one and so is Clint Eastwood, probably one of the best, understated directors ever. It takes a lot, directing, to bring out the best in an actor and many just do not do that. Also, there are actors out there who have great talent, and others who have NO acting talent at all. So many think they do, but do not. Not everyone can pull off what is necessary for the job. AND, there are many actors out there who have very elevated opinions of themselves, undeserved! There are a LOT of egoists in Hollywood, but then, they act in a pretend world and some of them never leave it in real life!

[@ikebubins36]

Now it's one of my favorites

[@SuperGrimfandango]

Bryce Dallas Howard......Well done done sir. Well done!

[@sassyquatchmtb4337]

Such a great interview.

[@richardmckrell4899]

The day after this interview Ron started wearing hats 24/7 for the rest of his life.

[@jimg691]

Ron is the man. Great clip.

[@Renegade_2023]

This is the beauty of KZbin

[@tomtke7351]

The man has led a charmed life. And remained pretty darn folksy (= unpretentious.) "It's pretty hard to forget a thing like that!" Thx Ron!

[@LargestClassifieds]

The older generations would remember Ron Howard in the Andy Griffith show.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

The show is on cable everyday. I am not a part of that generation, but I have seen reruns of that show and others too. You can see all kinds of things on cable.

[@patriciamcgarr3183]

He did an interview before one of his movies came out and talked about how one of his kids were not in his grinch movie because they did not keep up their grades like they promised. They had to do chores too. Great father.

[@j.d.jdthinktankersorg.asa.4237]

Amazing...brilliant individuals...

[@flenif2247]

I think it would have put you in the mainstream, Ron!

[@v4v819]

Parenthood is a seriously underrated movie... It's the kind of wholesome family drama-com of a by-gone hollywood era about an old school american nucleus family that use to be the norm... Everyone i showed that movie yucked at it in the start and gushed and cried at the end... They truly don't make movies like this anymore! A real people movie for real people! NO stunts no effects just everyday life relatable problems and everyday people struggling to make good for their loved ones despite all life throw at them...

[@danapeake6768]

What a great interview!

[@stuwest3653]

In 1965 Ron Howard made approx. $100k. In today's dollar it would be approx. $800k. He was a millionaire before the age of twelve.

[@m.e.d.7997]

I am sure the family got some of it. Many kid actors said they never reaped the benefits of the money they made but I am sure Ron's family was fair. That was a huge amount for a child but Ron deserved it. He was the BEST as Opie!.

[@r4b32t11]

What a sweetheart ❤

[@bigwille11]

I really love him so smart Andy show many many more he's the best🌹💋

[@Tanker1106]

One of the classiest from the show biz industry.

[@lgrrobert7325]

Duncan , Okla is proud to be the birthplace of Ron Howard. He's awesome

[@michelebartlett3921]

He is such a genuine soul

[@greg55666]

Oh this is so cool! Elton John's mom in Rocket Man was 8 years old in this clip!

[@pamelamays4186]

Ron Howard. The poster child for former child actor success.

[@TheCleaner76]

Love him