Reed Cross Howard is an American golfer, golf instructor, and content creator best known as the youngest child and only son of Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and writer Cheryl Howard. Born on April 12, 1987, Reed grew up surrounded by Hollywood history but chose a different professional direction. Instead of following his father and sisters into film and television, he developed a passion for golf. Reed attended Pepperdine University and later played competitive college golf at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. He also qualified for the 2008 U.S. Amateur Championship and later became involved in golf instruction and training products. He is married to Ashley Howard, and the couple has a daughter named Aspen Leigh. As of October 2026, Reed is 39 years old and continues to be recognized for his golfing background and connection to one of America’s best-known entertainment families.
Reed Cross Howard Quick Bio
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Reed Cross Howard |
| Professional Name | Reed Howard |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1987 |
| Age in October 2026 | 39 years |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, according to published biographies |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Golfer, golf instructor, content creator |
| Father | Ron Howard |
| Mother | Cheryl Howard |
| Older Sister | Bryce Dallas Howard |
| Twin Older Sisters | Paige Carlyle and Jocelyn Carlyle Howard |
| High School | Heritage Academy |
| Universities | Pepperdine University; University of South Carolina Beaufort |
| College Major | History at USCB |
| Major Golf Achievement | Qualified for 2008 U.S. Amateur Championship |
| Wife | Ashley Howard, formerly Ashley Gioffre |
| Marriage Year | 2015 |
| Daughter | Aspen Leigh Howard |
| Business Interest | Golf training and instructional products |
| Television Appearance | Arrested Development (2018) |
| Known For | Golf career and being Ron Howard’s son |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
| Current Life | Golf, business interests, and family |
Who Is Reed Cross Howard?
Reed Cross Howard is a golfer and sports entrepreneur who belongs to the famous Howard entertainment family.
His father, Ron Howard, became internationally recognized as both an actor and director.
His mother, Cheryl Howard, is a writer who has occasionally appeared in films.
Two of Reed’s older sisters have also pursued acting careers.
However, Reed followed a different path.
He developed an interest in golf and eventually competed at the college level.
His background includes competitive tournaments, golf instruction, and online educational content.
Although his famous surname attracts public attention, Reed has built an identity closely connected to sports.
Reed Cross Howard’s Early Life and Childhood
Reed was born on April 12, 1987.
He is the youngest of Ron and Cheryl Howard’s four children.
Growing up in a Hollywood family meant that film production was a familiar part of his childhood.
However, his parents wanted their children to experience life beyond celebrity culture.
Growing Up in the Howard Family
Ron Howard frequently traveled for filmmaking projects.
Instead of having Ron live away from the family for long periods, Cheryl sometimes arranged for everyone to accompany him.
The children traveled to different locations and experienced life near film sets.
Reed later discussed this family arrangement in connection with Bryce Dallas Howard’s documentary Dads.
He remembered how his mother helped organize housing and schooling while the family traveled.
This approach allowed the children to remain close to their father despite his demanding career.
Who Are Reed Cross Howard’s Parents?
Reed’s parents are Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard.
They married on June 7, 1975.
As of October 2026, their marriage has lasted more than 51 years.
Both have maintained creative interests, although their professional careers developed in different directions.
His Father, Ron Howard
Ron Howard was born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma.
He became famous as a child actor.
One of his earliest major roles was Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show.
He later portrayed Richie Cunningham in the sitcom Happy Days.
After establishing himself as an actor, Ron moved into directing.
Ron Howard’s Directing Career
Ron directed numerous successful films.
His credits include Splash, Willow, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, and Frost/Nixon.
He won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for A Beautiful Mind.
His career made him one of the most respected filmmakers in Hollywood.
For Reed, however, Ron was also a father who encouraged his children to develop their own interests.
His Mother, Cheryl Howard
Cheryl Howard, born Cheryl Alley, is an American writer.
She met Ron while they attended John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California.
The couple began dating as teenagers.
Cheryl later developed an interest in writing and literature.
Her published work includes the novel In the Face of Jinn.
She has also made brief appearances in several films directed by Ron.
Her involvement in family life played an important role in Reed’s upbringing.
Reed Cross Howard’s Three Older Sisters
Reed has three older sisters: Bryce Dallas Howard, Paige Carlyle Howard, and Jocelyn Carlyle Howard.
Each has followed a different personal and professional path.
Bryce Dallas Howard
Bryce Dallas Howard was born on March 2, 1981.
She became a successful actress and director.
Her film credits include The Village, The Help, Jurassic World, and Rocketman.
Bryce has also directed episodes of television series within the Star Wars universe.
She is married to actor Seth Gabel.
Paige Carlyle Howard
Paige Howard was born on February 5, 1985.
She is one of the family’s twins.
Paige pursued acting and appeared in several television and film projects.
She also became involved in children’s literature.
In 2022, she married actor and artist Tim Abou-Nasr.
Jocelyn Carlyle Howard
Jocelyn was born on the same day as Paige.
Unlike Bryce and Paige, Jocelyn has maintained a comparatively private lifestyle.
She has occasionally appeared in family photographs and celebrations.
However, she has not pursued a widely documented Hollywood career.
Reed as the Youngest Child
Reed grew up with three older sisters.
This made him the youngest member of Ron and Cheryl’s immediate family.
His professional path became notably different from that of several relatives.
Rather than pursuing acting, Reed concentrated on golf.
Why Is His Middle Name Cross?
The Howard children have an unusual family naming tradition.
Their middle names are connected to places associated with their parents’ lives.
Bryce Dallas Howard’s middle name refers to Dallas, Texas.
Paige and Jocelyn received Carlyle as their middle name because of a connection to New York City’s Carlyle Hotel.
Reed’s middle name, Cross, has a similar origin.
The Story Behind Cross
Bryce Dallas Howard explained in an interview that Reed’s middle name refers to a street in London where the family had lived.
The choice continued a naming tradition established by Ron and Cheryl.
This detail became popular among fans interested in the Howard family’s personal history.
Reed Cross Howard’s Education
Reed attended Heritage Academy before entering college.
He later attended Pepperdine University in California.
His educational journey also included the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is located in Malibu, California.
It offers undergraduate and graduate programs and has a competitive athletics department.
Reed attended the institution before transferring to another university.
His golf interests became a central part of his educational experience.
University of South Carolina Beaufort
Reed played college golf at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, commonly known as USCB.
His official athletics profile identifies him as a history major.
The same record lists him as a senior on the 2009 men’s golf roster.
He was also involved with the university’s early golf program.
Reed Cross Howard’s College Golf Career
Golf became Reed’s main competitive sport.
Unlike football or basketball, golf places particular emphasis on individual precision, consistency, and course management.
Competitive players must learn to perform under different weather and course conditions.
Reed developed these skills through training and college tournaments.
Playing for USCB
Reed was a member of USCB’s golf team during the 2007–2008 season.
The program was relatively new at the time.
His official athletics records include performances in several college tournaments.
During the fall 2008 season, he played 16 competitive rounds.
His recorded scoring average was 74.8 strokes per round.
Golf Tournament Results
His college record includes the USC Aiken Invitational, Webber International Tournament, and Charleston Southern Fall Invitational.
He also participated in the Wilmington Island Invitational and the Reed Jones Intercollegiate.
These competitions provided experience against other university golfers.
His results reflected serious participation rather than a casual interest in the sport.
Reed Howard’s 2008 U.S. Amateur Qualification
One of Reed’s clearest documented golf achievements came in 2008.
He qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship.
The tournament was held at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.
Why the U.S. Amateur Matters
The U.S. Amateur is one of the most prestigious amateur golf competitions in the world.
Players must qualify through competitive events.
The tournament attracts talented golfers from colleges, clubs, and other competitive backgrounds.
Qualifying requires strong performances against experienced opponents.
Reed’s participation demonstrated his ability to compete beyond ordinary recreational golf.
His university athletics biography specifically records this achievement.
Reed Cross Howard’s Professional Golf Career
After college, Reed continued developing his involvement in golf.
He became associated with professional playing, instruction, and golf-related educational content.
However, there is limited evidence of an extended career competing on the PGA Tour.
Is Reed Howard a Professional Golfer?
Established entertainment publications describe Reed as a professional golfer.
He has shared instructional content and information about improving golf technique.
His professional identity therefore extends beyond college competition.
However, being a professional golfer does not automatically mean participating regularly in major PGA Tour events.
Reed’s public activities appear particularly connected to golf coaching and instructional work.
Golf Instruction and Training
Reed has shared golf-related videos through social media.
His content includes swing development, drills, physical training, and practice techniques.
These subjects are useful for players who want to improve their performance.
He has also been associated with golf training products intended to help players understand balance and positioning.
Reed Howard and the Steadhead Golf Training Aid
Reed has been connected to a golf training product known as Steadhead.
The device is designed to help golfers improve balance and head positioning during their swings.
What Does Steadhead Do?
Golfers often struggle with maintaining consistent body movement.
Excessive head or upper-body movement can affect the path of the club.
Training aids provide feedback that helps players recognize these problems.
Steadhead has been promoted as a tool that helps golfers maintain better positioning.
Reed’s involvement reflects his interest in applying practical instruction to golf performance.
Does Reed Cross Howard Work in Hollywood?
Reed’s primary professional interests are outside filmmaking.
However, he has made occasional entertainment appearances.
Arrested Development Appearance
In 2018, Reed appeared briefly in Arrested Development.
The television series has a special connection to his family.
Ron Howard serves as its narrator and executive producer.
He has also appeared as a fictionalized version of himself.
Reed’s participation was a limited television appearance rather than evidence of an extensive acting career.
Choosing a Different Career
Growing up in Hollywood could have provided Reed with numerous opportunities in entertainment.
However, he chose to concentrate on sports.
His decision illustrates how members of well-known families can pursue interests different from those of their relatives.
Who Is Reed Cross Howard’s Wife?
Reed is married to Ashley Howard, whose maiden name is Ashley Gioffre.
The couple married in August 2015.
Unlike several members of the Howard family, Ashley has maintained a relatively private public identity.
Reed and Ashley Howard’s Wedding
Reed and Ashley celebrated their wedding at Winvian Farm in Connecticut, according to published accounts.
The occasion brought together relatives and friends.
Ron Howard publicly celebrated his son’s marriage.
Photographs from the wedding showed the couple enjoying the ceremony and reception with their families.
By October 2026, Reed and Ashley had been married for approximately 11 years.
Reed Cross Howard’s Daughter, Aspen Leigh
Reed and Ashley welcomed a daughter named Aspen Leigh Howard in 2019.
Her arrival marked an important new stage in their family life.
Becoming a Father
Ron Howard celebrated Reed’s first Father’s Day in June 2019.
He shared a photograph of Reed feeding his daughter and expressed pride in both his son and granddaughter.
The moment also reflected Ron’s growing role as a grandfather.
Aspen has occasionally appeared in family-related social media posts.
However, most details about her childhood remain private.
Reed Howard’s Relationship With His Father
Reed and Ron Howard have appeared together at numerous public events.
Their shared photographs include movie premieres, sports gatherings, and family celebrations.
Appearing Together in Public
In March 2013, Reed attended a basketball game in Los Angeles with Ron Howard and filmmaker J.J. Abrams.
In December 2015, he joined his family as Ron received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star recognizing his directing career.
The father and son also attended the Los Angeles premiere of Genius in April 2017.
These appearances illustrate their ongoing family connection.
Family Support
Reed has publicly discussed the importance of his parents’ involvement during his childhood.
He described how Cheryl organized family moves when Ron worked on films in different locations.
Rather than leaving the children behind, the family frequently traveled together.
This allowed Ron to remain involved in their everyday lives despite his demanding career.
Reed Cross Howard’s Age in 2026
Reed was born on April 12, 1987.
His birth date appears in his official college athletics biography.
As of October 26, 2026, he is 39 years old.
He will turn 40 on April 12, 2027.
His father, Ron Howard, is 72 years old in October 2026.
Reed Cross Howard’s Net Worth in 2026
Reed’s individual net worth has not been independently verified.
His professional activities include golf, instruction, digital content, and business interests.
However, his earnings, investments, and financial assets are not publicly documented.
Some celebrity websites publish estimates without supporting financial records.
These figures should not be treated as confirmed information.
His father’s success in Hollywood also does not establish Reed’s personal wealth.
Is Reed Cross Howard on Instagram?
Reed has maintained an online presence focused largely on golf.
He has shared practice videos, training tips, and updates about his professional interests.
His content provides followers with an opportunity to learn more about golf technique.
He has also appeared in family photographs shared by his parents and siblings.
However, his professional golf content should be distinguished from private details about his wife and daughter.
Where Is Reed Cross Howard Today in 2026?
As of October 2026, Reed remains publicly associated with golf instruction, sports-related content, and the Howard family.
His documented career includes competitive golf and participation in training-related projects.
However, his precise current employer, business income, and residence are not independently established.
He continues to be known for choosing a path outside his family’s primary entertainment industry.
Interesting Facts About Reed Cross Howard
1. He is Ron Howard’s only son. Reed is the youngest of four children.
2. He was born on April 12, 1987. He is 39 years old in October 2026.
3. His middle name has an unusual origin. Cross refers to a road in London.
4. He has three older sisters. Bryce, Paige, and Jocelyn Howard.
5. He attended Pepperdine University. He later played golf at USCB.
6. He studied history. His college golf profile lists history as his major.
7. He qualified for the U.S. Amateur. The achievement came in 2008.
8. He married Ashley Gioffre. Their wedding took place in 2015.
9. He has a daughter. Aspen Leigh Howard was born in 2019.
10. He briefly appeared on television. His credits include Arrested Development.
11. He produces golf content. His professional interests include instruction and training.
12. He attended major Hollywood events. These include his father’s Walk of Fame celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reed Cross Howard
1. Who is Reed Cross Howard?
Reed Cross Howard is an American golfer and the youngest child of director Ron Howard and writer Cheryl Howard.
2. How old is Reed Cross Howard in 2026?
He is 39 years old.
3. When was Reed Cross Howard born?
He was born on April 12, 1987.
4. Who are Reed Cross Howard’s parents?
His parents are Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard.
5. Who are Reed Cross Howard’s siblings?
His sisters are Bryce Dallas Howard, Paige Carlyle Howard, and Jocelyn Carlyle Howard.
6. What does Reed Cross Howard do for a living?
He has worked in golf, including competitive play, instruction, and golf-related content.
7. Is Reed Cross Howard a professional golfer?
Yes. He has been described as a professional golfer, although his documented career is not primarily associated with major PGA Tour competition.
8. Where did Reed Cross Howard attend college?
He attended Pepperdine University and the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
9. What did Reed Cross Howard study?
His official USCB athletics biography lists history as his college major.
10. Who is Reed Cross Howard’s wife?
His wife is Ashley Howard, formerly Ashley Gioffre.
11. When did Reed Howard get married?
He married Ashley in August 2015.
12. Does Reed Cross Howard have children?
Yes. He has a daughter named Aspen Leigh Howard.
13. When was Reed Howard’s daughter born?
Aspen was born in 2019.
14. Has Reed Cross Howard acted in movies?
Reed has made limited television appearances, including Arrested Development, but golf remains his main professional interest.
15. What is Reed Cross Howard’s net worth?
His personal net worth has not been independently verified.
16. Why is Reed’s middle name Cross?
It refers to a street in London associated with his family’s history.
17. Where is Reed Cross Howard now?
In 2026, he remains associated with golf and related business activities while maintaining a comparatively private family life.
Final Thoughts
Reed Cross Howard grew up in one of America’s most recognizable entertainment families but developed a professional identity of his own.
Born on April 12, 1987, he is the youngest child and only son of Ron and Cheryl Howard.
His older sisters pursued different creative and personal paths, while Reed concentrated on golf.
He attended Pepperdine University and the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where he participated in competitive college golf.
His qualification for the 2008 U.S. Amateur Championship remains an important documented achievement.
Later, he expanded his involvement in the sport through instruction, online content, and training products.
Reed also developed a family life with his wife, Ashley Howard, whom he married in 2015.
They welcomed their daughter Aspen in 2019.
As of October 2026, Reed is 39 years old and continues to be recognized as a golfer who pursued his own interests despite growing up surrounded by Hollywood success.
His biography demonstrates that belonging to a famous family does not require following the same professional path.
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