Ronald William Howard, born March 1, 1954, is an American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Howard started his career as a child actor before transitioning to directing films. Over his six decade career, Howard has received two Academy Awards, four Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is well known for playing Opie Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show, from 1960 - 1968 and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days, from 1974 - 1984.