Ron Howard Says He Once Forgot His Young Son Reed in a Krispy Kreme Shop (Exclusive)

Ron Howard, the renowned director and family man, recently shared a heartwarming but amusing anecdote about a forgetful dad moment he experienced in the past. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 71-year-old opened up about the time he accidentally left his young son, Reed, behind at a Krispy Kreme shop during a family road trip to Yosemite.

The incident occurred years ago when the Howard family was embarking on a vacation to Yosemite with a convoy of cousins. As they made a stop at a gas station, which conveniently housed a Krispy Kreme shop, Reed informed his father that he was going to the bathroom. Unfortunately, in the midst of the chaos of coordinating multiple cars and children, Ron completely forgot about Reed’s whereabouts.

After driving for a couple of hours and finally reaching Yosemite, Ron received a call from his assistant, who jokingly asked about Reed’s location. It was then that he realised his mistake – he had unintentionally left his son at the Krispy Kreme shop in Fresno. Reflecting on the incident, Ron attributed the oversight to the noisy and hectic nature of the trip, where children were swapping cars, making it easy for Reed’s absence to go unnoticed.

Despite the initial shock, Reed was safe and sound in Fresno and was swiftly reunited with his family. Ron fondly recalls that Reed actually enjoyed the unexpected detour and was in good spirits upon being retrieved. The incident serves as a humorous family memory that the Howards now look back on with laughter and relief.

In addition to sharing this amusing anecdote, Ron Howard is currently basking in the success of his latest film, ‘Eden’, and celebrating the 30th anniversary of ‘Apollo 13’ with an exclusive IMAX release. Beyond his professional achievements, Howard finds joy in his role as a grandparent, relishing the opportunity to witness his children embrace parenthood and create their own parenting styles.

As Ron reflects on the joys and challenges of family life, he highlights the unique dynamics of grandparenting and the joy of bonding with his grandchildren. Despite his illustrious career in the entertainment industry, Howard cherishes the moments spent with his family, marvelling at the generational patterns and connections that shape their relationships.

Ron Howard’s candid revelation about the Krispy Kreme mishap offers a glimpse into the life of a doting father and family-oriented individual who, like many parents, has encountered moments of forgetfulness and levity amidst the busyness of family adventures. As he continues to navigate the balancing act of work and family, Howard remains grounded in his appreciation for the cherished moments and shared experiences that define his family legacy.