Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ron Howard

Discover the career path of Ron Howard, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Ron Howard is a celebrated American filmmaker and actor whose career spans six decades. Beginning as a child actor, he transitioned into directing, achieving significant critical and commercial success. His accomplishments include two Academy Awards, seven Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. Howard's contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with a National Medal of Arts, induction into the Television Hall of Fame, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Appeared in Milk Ad

In 1997, Ron Howard appeared in a print ad for the "Milk - Where's your mustache?" campaign, representing Imagine Entertainment.

2005: Directed Cinderella Man

In 2005, Ron Howard directed Cinderella Man, a biographical sports drama about heavyweight boxing champion James J. Braddock. The film received generally positive reviews.

2006: Directed The Da Vinci Code

In 2006, Ron Howard directed The Da Vinci Code, the first film in the Robert Langdon series, starring Tom Hanks. The film received mixed reviews but was popular with audiences.

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October 2008: World Premiere of Frost/Nixon at London Film Festival

In October 2008, Ron Howard showcased the world premiere of his historical drama film Frost/Nixon at the London Film Festival. The film received critical acclaim.

2009: Appeared in Jamie Foxx Music Video

In 2009, Ron Howard appeared in the Jamie Foxx music video "Blame It".

2009: Directed Angels & Demons

In 2009, Ron Howard directed Angels & Demons, the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, with Tom Hanks reprising his role. The film received mixed reviews but was popular with audiences.

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July 2012: Imagine Developing Conquest for Showtime

In July 2012, it was announced that Imagine had put into development Conquest for Showtime, a period drama to be directed by Ron Howard about the conquest of the Aztecs. The series was originally planned as a feature film before being adapted for television.

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2013: Directed Rush

In 2013, Ron Howard directed Rush, a sports drama based on the Hunt–Lauda rivalry in Formula One racing. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received positive reviews.

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2015: Directed In the Heart of the Sea

In 2015, Ron Howard directed In the Heart of the Sea, a film about the sinking of the whaling ship Essex, which inspired Moby-Dick. The film received mixed reviews and was a financial failure.

Moby Dick

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2016: Directed Inferno

In 2016, Ron Howard directed Inferno, the third film in the Robert Langdon series, starring Tom Hanks. The film received mixed reviews but was popular with audiences.

June 22, 2017: Took Over Directing Duties on Solo: A Star Wars Story

On June 22, 2017, Ron Howard officially replaced Phil Lord and Christopher Miller as the director of Solo: A Star Wars Story. The original directors were reportedly let go due to creative differences with Lucasfilm.

November 2017: Announced First Directing Class

In November 2017, Ron Howard announced that he would be teaching his first directing class.

May 23, 2018: Release of Solo: A Star Wars Story

On May 23, 2018, Solo: A Star Wars Story, directed by Ron Howard, was released. The film features a younger Han Solo.

November 24, 2020: Release of Hillbilly Elegy on Netflix

On November 24, 2020, Ron Howard's drama film Hillbilly Elegy was released on Netflix. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by JD Vance and received negative reviews.

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March 2021: Began Filming Thirteen Lives

In March 2021, Ron Howard began filming the survival drama Thirteen Lives, based on the Tham Luang cave rescue.

July 29, 2022: Release of Thirteen Lives in select theaters

On July 29, 2022, Thirteen Lives was released in select theaters by United Artists Releasing. The film received generally positive reviews from critics.