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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 Through Hollywood and Family with Ron Howard's "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family"

In his captivating memoir, "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family," Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard takes readers on an intimate journey through his life, offering a candid and heartwarming account of his experiences in Hollywood, his close-knit family, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

With his trademark wit and charm, Howard recounts his early days as a child actor on the hit sitcom "Happy Days," sharing anecdotes about his rise to fame and the challenges he faced as a young star. He delves into his transition to directing, sharing insights into his creative process and the making of some of his most iconic films, including "Apollo 13," "A Beautiful Mind," and "The Da Vinci Code."

Beyond his professional life, Howard paints a vivid portrait of his family, highlighting the strong bonds he shares with his wife, Cheryl, and their four children. He reflects on the importance of family values, the joys and challenges of parenting, and the lessons he's learned from his own upbringing.

"The Boys" is not just a memoir about Hollywood; it's a deeply personal and inspiring story about the power of family, the pursuit of dreams, and the resilience of the human spirit. With his signature storytelling prowess, Howard weaves a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers with a renewed appreciation for the art of filmmaking, the importance of family, and the beauty of life's journey.

So, immerse yourself in the world of Ron Howard, where the glitz and glamour of Hollywood intertwine with the heartwarming moments of family life. Dive into "The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family" and experience a journey that is as captivating as it is inspiring.