Ron Howard’s Secret Porn Film Plans

Ron Howard was determined to be a serious Hollywood player in the 1970s — and was ready to shake up his wholesome image by filming an X-rated epic!

The star explained how he dreamed of becoming a director while starring in "Happy Days" — while older audiences knew him best as Opie from "The Andy Griffith Show." "I didn't think anybody was ever going to give me a chance," Ron said, "From the time I was 18, directing was pretty much all I talked about." But then he noticed how the 1972 film "Deep Throat" had become a huge success!

The star explained how he dreamed of becoming a director while starring in "Happy Days" — while older audiences knew him best as Opie from "The Andy Griffith Show." "I didn't think anybody was ever going to give me a chance," Ron said, "From the time I was 18, directing was pretty much all I talked about." But then he noticed how the 1972 film "Deep Throat" had become a huge success!

"I created this scenario of how to build an empire based on one porno movie," said Ron. "'Deep Throat' had come out and I read how it was made for $8,000, or something, and it made millions. I thought, 'Hmmmm, that would buy a lot of autonomy.' Then I began to imagine the marquee: 'Opie Gets Laid!'"

"I'd be kicked out of the business," Ron added, "but I'd have all this money to make independent films. I actually had a one-shot opportunity to do the movie, put it out in the theaters, take all the money and become a film maker." But instead, Ron took another gamble — working cheap for drive-in mogul Roger Corman on the low-budget hot-rod film "Eat My Dust."

In return, Corman signed Ron to make his directorial debut at 22 with 1977's "Grand Theft Auto." The future Oscar winner still took on one more racier role. Audiences were shocked to see the "Happy Days" star's cameo as an auditioning actor in 1976's "The First Nudie Musical." The comedy also starred Cindy Williams — after she'd already guested with Ron on "Happy Days" as Shirley Feeney!