Ron Howard: From Mayberry to the Movies — Untold Stories of a Hollywood Icon
Backstage With Gentry ThomasShow Notes
Oscar-winning director, actor, and storyteller Ron Howard joins Gentry Thomas to discuss his latest film Eden, a gripping survival thriller based on true events in the Galápagos Islands. Ron opens up about the incredible real-life tale that inspired the movie—a story of utopian dreams unraveling into betrayal and chaos in the 1920s.
In this wide-ranging interview, Ron shares behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Eden, the stellar cast that brought it to life, and how he approached the challenge of telling a layered, morally complex story. He reflects on his legendary career—from the days of The Andy Griffith Show to directing classics like Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Cinderella Man.
The conversation also dives into Ron’s deep love for basketball and his long-standing fandom for the Lakers, as well as his thoughts on what has changed—and stayed the same—about Hollywood over the decades.
This episode blends nostalgia, filmmaking wisdom, and a powerful exploration of human nature. Whether you're a movie buff, a basketball fan, or just someone who loves great stories, this one’s a must-listen.
Go See Eden Here --> Eden Movie Tickets
More from Backstage With Gentry Thomas
In this exciting episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, Gentry sits down with Darryl Bell and Cornell Young IV to talk about the return of one of television’s most beloved shows, A Different World. The new Netflix continuation brings fans back to Hillman College, the iconic fictional HBCU that helped define style, culture, friendship, and social conversation for a generation.
In this nostalgic and wildly fun episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, legendary TV host Marc Summers joins Gentry to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Double Dare, the messy, groundbreaking game show that helped put Nickelodeon on the map and became a defining piece of childhood for an entire generation.
In this fascinating episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, legendary actor Kelsey Grammer joins Gentry to talk about his new sci-fi mystery film, Lars Shrike Walks the Night. In the film, Grammer plays Lars Shrike, a mysterious character who may have escaped from a writer’s imagination and must navigate the real world with only fragments of understanding. The film arrives on digital platforms July 24.
In this nostalgic and fun-filled episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, actor and legendary voice performer John Ratzenberger joins Gentry to talk about his return to the world of Pixar in Toy Story 5. The new film brings the beloved toys back for a fresh adventure where classic, old-fashioned playthings face off against modern technology. Disney describes the story as “Toy meets Tech,” with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the gang navigating a world where screens and gadgets are changing the way kids play.
In this heartfelt and powerful episode of Backstage Pass with Gentry Thomas, country music icon Wynonna Judd joins Gentry to talk about her Raised on Radio Tour with Melissa Etheridge. The tour brings together two legendary voices for a night built around the songs, stories, and radio memories that shaped their lives and careers. Fans can find tour dates and buy tickets here: Wynonna Tour