Ron Howard Attributed Directing Career’s Successful Start To ‘Happy Days’ Co-Star Henry Winkler

Aug 20, 2025 by apost team

Ron Howard, 71, has expressed deep appreciation for his “Happy Days” co-star Henry Winkler, whom he credited for significantly helping to launch his career as a director. Ron, an actor and filmmaker, famously portrayed Richie Cunningham in the iconic sitcom from 1974 to 1984. Meanwhile, Winkler, 79, became a beloved character on the show thanks to his role as Fonzie.

Ron was a leading cast member during the first seven seasons before leaving in 1980, later returning as a guest for the show’s 11th and final season. Between the third and fourth seasons of “Happy Days,” Howard began to build his directing career. 

On April 2, 2025, Ron made a cameo in the third episode of “The Studio,” a comedy series co-created by Seth Rogen. At an FYC event on May 21, 2025, the “Happy Days” alumnus was asked if he might return for a second season of the comedy series. 

He expressed his willingness, saying:

“If I could make room in my schedule, and I were asked, I’d be there in a heartbeat for these guys. They were hilarious and fun to be with. Awesome.”

Ron also shared his enjoyment of playing a less-than-heroic and exaggerated version of himself, explaining:

“It was a blast because every actor wants to play a jerk. It’s just more fun. Even if the jerk is inspired by you, it’s still a character, and it’s very cathartic. Very cathartic. Because I would never say or do those things. But I wouldn’t say that the notions haven’t occasionally rumbled through the back of my brain.” 

Ron also reflected on his journey into directing and acknowledged Winkler’s crucial role in supporting him as he progressed on this new path.

Speaking with PEOPLE magazine, Ron reflected on how he first ventured into directing.

“I was working on my dream of directing throughout the ‘Happy Days’ run. On the weekends, I was renting 16-millimeter sound equipment, and making short films. I directed my first movie for Roger Corman, ‘Grand Theft Auto,’ on hiatus from ‘Happy Days’ in season 3, I think,” he recounted.  

He explained that during breaks between seasons, he continued pursuing filmmaking.

“By the time I left the show, I actually left with a contract in hand to go produce and direct television movies. Then soon Brian Grazer and I connected on ‘Night Shift.’ Four years after that, Imagine (Entertainment, his production company that he opened with Grazer in 1985) was born.”

“Night Shift” was a breakthrough for Ron. The comedy, starring Winkler, Michael Keaton, and Shelley Long, received critical acclaim. Ron attributed much of the film’s success and what followed to Winkler’s support.

“Henry was always so supportive of that. When Henry said yes to ‘Night Shift,’ that’s what got that movie greenlit. He played a hand in helping my dream ultimately come true, which was to be a studio, Hollywood, feature director,” he said.

Ron admitted the journey wasn’t without challenges, recalling that “it was nerve-wracking at times” and he felt pressure “to prove to the community that I could function at a professional level.”  

Also notable is that Winkler is the godfather of Ron’s daughter, actress Bryce Dallas Howard. In a May 2025 PEOPLE interview, Bryce described Winkler as “very, very, very magical. He is just the most loving human being and he is so present and he cares so deeply.”

She added:

“He’s also really funny and charming and charismatic and wonderful. He’s like a father to me. He really, really is.”

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Ron Howard and Henry Winkler share a bond far beyond being co-stars. How nice is it to see a friendship in Hollywood that inspires and uplifts like theirs? Let us know, and then pass this along to fellow “Happy Days” fans and admirers of these iconic actors!