The Oscar-winning director recalls tying the knot with Cheryl in 1975 — on a surprisingly small budget.

A Simple Beginning to a Lifelong Love

August 29, 2025: Ron Howard may be known today as an Oscar-winning filmmaker behind hits like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13, but when he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Alley, back in 1975, their celebration was anything but extravagant.

In a recent interview, the Happy Days star revealed that their wedding cost just $800 — a fraction of what Hollywood nuptials usually command. Despite the modest budget, Howard insists it was “a great day” and the perfect start to a marriage that has now lasted nearly five decades.

Married at the Height of Happy Days Fame

At the time of the wedding, Howard was starring as Richie Cunningham on the hit TV show Happy Days. Even with fame and financial success growing, the couple decided to keep things simple and personal. “We didn’t need all the glitz,” Howard shared. “What mattered most was celebrating our love with the people closest to us.”

Nearly 50 Years of Marriage

Ron and Cheryl’s enduring love story has become a rarity in Hollywood. Married for almost 50 years, they’ve raised four children together and weathered the ups and downs of fame. Howard credits the strength of their relationship to “shared values, respect, and a lot of laughter.”

Fans Applaud His Humble Approach

After the story resurfaced, fans praised Howard for staying grounded during his rise to stardom. Many commented on social media about how refreshing it is to see a Hollywood couple who chose love over luxury.