Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Moon...and Beyond

I found Ms. Gray's study of Ron Howard to be a highly creative and attention-grabbing presentation of a man with a constantly developing and fascinating career and personality, ranging from his child-actor beginnings through his current reputation as a successful director in many genres. The book brought to life his early years in the Andy Griffith television series and "The Music Man." The author's treatment of his recent film, "A Beautiful Mind," is especially moving and insightful and tied together Howard's consistency and creative exploration in all of his work. His ever-present optimism, human decency, energetic habit of taking on new challenges, and loyal respect for others in his life and his work is presented in a very appreciative and in-depth way.

Did you ever want to be Opie when you were a kid? I did. The thing about Opie was that even when he got into trouble, and he did get into trouble, everybody still liked him. Beverly Gray, in Ron Howard From Mayberry to the Moon, presents a good case that the same is true of Mr. Howard. Everybody in the motion picture business likes him, that is if you exclude a few pretentious critics (and even they probably like him, just not always his happy endings). Nice guys do NOT always finish last.Howard did not cooperate with this biography because "he felt himself to be in midcareer and not ready to participate in a long range assessment of his accomplishment." OK, fair enough. Keep that in mind while you are reading, but do read it. From Opie to Richie to director, this is a detailed portrait of a man whom everyone agrees is a real mensch and who is wildly successful. It is also fascinating, and adds to Howard's charm, to realize who loyal he is to his family and friends, yet how honestly he treats them when casting projects. Simply put, if he feels they are right for a part, they get it; if not, they don't. That takes quite a bit of respect and love - from the actor and the director.Gray's extensive interviews bring out some interesting bits of trivia about Howard. Her prose flows nicely and her organization is excellent. Maybe in another forty years or so, she can write an update - next time with Ron Howard's input.

I read Beverly Gray's book on "Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Moon... and Beyond". I found it to be very easy to read, very entertaining and full of interesting stories about Ron. Ms. Gray was objective, diplomatic and kind, never to offend any party involved. I thoroughly enjoyed the book so much so that I finished reading it in one and a half day while sun bathing in Del Mar, California recently.

Ron Howard: From Mayberry To The Moon ...and Beyond is a full-length biography by Beverly Gray of a Hollywood child actor star who grew up to become a successful and respected movie director. From his days as Opie Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show" to his seasons as Richie Cunningham of "Happy Days", to his recent directorial achievements (including the winning of an Academy Award for Best Director of "A Beautiful Mind"), Ron Howard's professional and family life are recounted in exuberant detail in this engaging and informative presentation which is strongly recommended reading for his legions of fans.

I love this book. Ms. Gray as a biographer had a challenge here. What is interesting about the guy the whole country has known and loved as being 'wholesome'? Ms. Gray presents us with a portrait of an amazing talent, devoid of spectacle and scandal. What we find in this book is a story of a talented little boy who believed enough in himself, his abilities and his love of acting to capture the imagination of a generation. Ms. Gray is an excellent writer with a distinguishable voice. Her other book on Roger Corman shows that she is positioned to be THE writer of Director's Biographies. Buy this book. Take the journey from 'Mayberry to the Moon'. You won't regret it.