Reed Cross Howard: Meet Ron Howard’s Only Son Who Chose Golf Over Hollywood

When you hear the name “Howard,” you probably think of Hollywood movies, TV shows, red carpets, and cameras flashing. Ron Howard has been a famous actor, director, and producer for decades. But his only son, Reed Cross Howard, chose a very different life. Instead of acting, he picked a path on the golf course.

Reed grew up surrounded by creativity and talent, but his heart was set on sports, not scripts. In this article, we’ll explore his early life, his famous family, how he started golfing, and what makes his story so interesting.

Reed Cross Howard Quick Bio

Reed Cross Howard’s Early Life

Reed Cross Howard was born on April 12, 1987, in Banksville, New York. He is the youngest child of Ron Howard and Cheryl Howard, and the only boy in the family. This meant he grew up with three older sisters, who loved and sometimes teased him just like any siblings would.

Even though his father was working in Hollywood, Reed’s childhood was surprisingly normal. His parents made sure he had a safe and private upbringing. While many celebrity kids grow up in the spotlight, Reed’s family kept things calm and simple.

Reed Cross Howard’s Family Members

Reed’s father, Ron Howard, is one of the most respected names in Hollywood. From starring in Happy Days to directing movies like A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13, Ron has done it all. His mother, Cheryl Howard, is also an actress and an author.

Reed’s sisters are just as talented. His oldest sister, Bryce Dallas Howard, is a well-known actress and director, famous for movies like Jurassic World. The twin sisters, Paige and Jocelyn Howard, each chose different paths. Paige is an actress and a children’s book author, while Jocelyn prefers to live a private life away from fame.

The Meaning Behind His Name

The name “Reed Cross Howard” has a fun family story behind it. In the Howard family, each child’s middle name is inspired by where they were conceived. It’s a unique and personal tradition that Ron and Cheryl started with their first child.

For Reed, “Cross” came from a place they used to live. Ron once joked in an interview that he didn’t want to call his son “Back of the Volvo,” so “Cross” was a much better choice. This playful tradition shows how close and lighthearted the Howard family can be.

Many people think that children of famous parents automatically end up on TV or in movies. But that wasn’t the case for Reed. His parents moved the family to the East Coast, away from Los Angeles, so the kids could grow up in a quieter environment.

Even though Reed sometimes visited movie sets with his dad, he was never pushed into acting. Instead, he enjoyed sports, school, and spending time with his family. This “normal” upbringing helped him build a life outside the Hollywood bubble.

Reed Cross Howard’s Education

Reed went to Heritage Academy, where he balanced schoolwork with his love for sports. He later attended the University of South Carolina Beaufort from 2007 to 2008, where he played competitive golf.

After that, he transferred to Pepperdine University. By then, his passion for golf had grown even stronger. He spent a lot of time practicing and competing, which set the stage for his future career.

Golf wasn’t just a hobby for Reed — it became his focus. He began playing in college, taking part in tournaments and honing his skills. Competing against skilled players pushed him to work harder and aim higher.

One of his big early moments was playing in the US Amateur Championship at Pinehurst Course in North Carolina. From there, he also joined events like the Island Invitational, the USC Aiken Invitational, and the Webber International Tournament.

Reed Cross Howard’s Golf Career

Over the years, Reed turned his passion into a profession. He became a professional golfer, known for his dedication and strong work ethic. Instead of following in his father’s footsteps in film, Reed built his own name in the sports world.

His golf style is focused and technical. He is known for giving his best in every game, whether it’s a major tournament or a friendly match. By choosing golf, Reed proved that you can create your own path even when you come from a famous family.

His YouTube Channel and Golf Training Work

Reed doesn’t just play golf — he teaches it too. He runs a YouTube channel where he shares training videos, tips, and drills for golfers of all levels. His lessons are clear and easy to follow, making them helpful for beginners and experienced players alike.

He also promotes a training tool called the Steadhead, which helps golfers improve their focus and accuracy. On Instagram, he often shares practice videos, including fun moments when his wife or daughter joins him on the course.

Who is Reed Cross Howard Married to Now?

In 2015, Reed Cross Howard married Ashley Gioffre. Their wedding took place on August 11 at Winvian Farm in Litchfield Hills, California. It was a beautiful and private ceremony surrounded by family and close friends.

Ashley is supportive of Reed’s golf career and often joins him at events or training sessions. They share a love for travel and sometimes post photos from their trips together. Their relationship shows the same warmth and closeness that Reed grew up with in his own family.

In April 2019, Reed and Ashley welcomed their daughter, Aspen Leigh Howard. Becoming a dad was a life-changing moment for Reed. He often shares how much joy Aspen has brought into their lives.

Reed is a very hands-on father. From bottle-feeding her as a newborn to carrying her during family travels, he enjoys every part of parenthood. He even includes Aspen in fun activities, like letting her “help” during workout sessions or playing around on the golf course.

His Relationship with the Howard Family Today

Even though Reed chose a different career, he is still very close to his family. His father, Ron Howard, often posts sweet messages about him on social media. In 2019, Ron shared a touching Father’s Day photo of Reed feeding baby Aspen, calling him a “proud dad and grandad moment.”

His sister, Bryce Dallas Howard, also shows her love publicly. On Reed’s 36th birthday in 2023, she posted a throwback picture and called him “the best brother a sister could ever hope for.” She also praised his work as a father and husband, and his growth in his golf career.

Reed Cross Howard’s Net Worth

As of 2025, Reed Cross Howard has an estimated net worth of around $5 million. His main income comes from his work as a professional golfer, his training programs, and his online golf content.

Reed and his family live in New York, where they enjoy a calm and private life. Even though he could have chosen the fame of Hollywood, he has built his own success in a field he truly loves. This shows that following your passion can lead to both happiness and achievement.

Many children of celebrities feel pressure to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Reed’s choice to focus on golf instead of acting proves that you don’t have to copy someone else’s path to be successful. His story is about finding your own passion and working hard for it.

He is also a great example of how you can balance work, family, and personal happiness. Whether he’s competing in a golf tournament, making a training video, or spending time with his wife and daughter, Reed puts his heart into everything he does.

Final Thoughts

Reed Cross Howard may have been born into a famous Hollywood family, but he created his own story. From a quiet childhood away from the spotlight to a career in professional golf, Reed’s journey shows the value of passion, dedication, and family support.

Today, Reed is not just Ron Howard’s only son — he is a talented golfer, a loving husband, and a proud father. And while he may not be making movies, he’s making something just as important — a happy and meaningful life.

(FAQs)

How many kids does Ron Howard have?

Ron Howard has four children — three daughters and one son. Reed Cross Howard is his only son and youngest child.

Has Reed Cross Howard been in any movies?

Reed is a professional golfer, not an actor. However, he made a small cameo in Arrested Development in 2018.

Who is Reed Cross Howard’s wife, and does he have kids?

Reed is married to Ashley Gioffre, and they have one daughter, Aspen Leigh, born in April 2019.

What does Reed’s middle name “Cross” mean?

His middle name comes from a family tradition — Ron Howard gives each child a middle name based on where they were conceived. “Cross” is linked to a place where the family lived.

What is Reed Cross Howard’s net worth and height?

As of 2025, Reed’s net worth is around $5 million, and his height is about 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm).