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“This extraordinary book is not only a chronicle of Ron’s and Clint’s early careers and their wild adventures, but also a primer on so many topics—how an actor prepares, how to survive as a kid working in Hollywood, and how to be the best parents in the world! The Boys will surprise every reader with its humanity.”   — Tom Hanks

"I have read dozens of Hollywood memoirs. But The Boys stands alone. A delightful, warm and fascinating story of a good life in show business.”   — Malcolm Gladwell

Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben—these shows captivated millions of TV viewers in the ’60s and ’70s. Join award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and audience-favorite actor Clint Howard as they frankly and fondly share their unusual family story of navigating and surviving life as sibling child actors.

“What was it like to grow up on TV?” Ron Howard has been asked this question throughout his adult life. in The Boys, he and his younger brother, Clint, examine their childhoods in detail for the first time. For Ron, playing Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and Richie Cunningham on Happy Days offered fame, joy, and opportunity—but also invited stress and bullying. For Clint, a fast start on such programs as Gentle Ben and Star Trek petered out in adolescence, with some tough consequences and lessons.

With the perspective of time and success—Ron as a filmmaker, producer, and Hollywood A-lister, Clint as a busy character actor—the Howard brothers delve deep into an upbringing that seemed normal to them yet was anything but. Their Midwestern parents, Rance and Jean, moved to California to pursue their own showbiz dreams. But it was their young sons who found steady employment as actors. Rance put aside his ego and ambition to become Ron and Clint’s teacher, sage, and moral compass. Jean became their loving protector—sometimes over-protector—from the snares and traps of Hollywood.

By turns confessional, nostalgic, heartwarming, and harrowing, THE BOYS is a dual narrative that lifts the lid on the Howard brothers’ closely held lives. It’s the journey of a tight four-person family unit that held fast in an unforgiving business and of two brothers who survived “child-actor syndrome” to become fulfilled adults.

Journey into the captivating world of Hollywood and family through the eyes of renowned filmmaker, actor, and producer Ron Howard in his memoir, "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family." This heartfelt and insightful book offers a unique perspective into the life of a man who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

In "The Boys," Howard candidly recounts his experiences growing up in a family of actors, tracing his journey from child star on the iconic television series "The Andy Griffith Show" to becoming one of the most successful and versatile filmmakers of our time. With wit, honesty, and a deep love for storytelling, Howard takes readers on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of his personal and professional life.

Through intimate anecdotes, Howard paints a vivid picture of his childhood, his early days in Hollywood, and the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on his relationships with his parents, his siblings, and his mentors, exploring the profound impact they had on shaping his life and career.

As Howard delves into his filmmaking experiences, readers are treated to an insider's perspective on the creation of some of his most iconic works, including "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind," and "The Da Vinci Code." He shares his insights into the creative process, the challenges of balancing artistic integrity with commercial success, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

"The Boys" is not just a memoir of a Hollywood legend; it is a deeply personal and poignant exploration of the complexities of family, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams. Howard's writing is marked by his trademark warmth, humor, and sincerity, making this book a captivating read for fans of his work, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone interested in the human story behind the silver screen.