Rance Howard

Rance Howard was an American character actor, screenwriter, and director whose prolific career spanned over six decades in film and television. A steadfast presence in Hollywood, he appeared in hundreds of productions, often collaborating with his sons, acclaimed director Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard. Known for his reliable portrayals of authority figures and rural characters, his work became a familiar fixture in projects ranging from major studio films to beloved television series, cementing his status as a respected journeyman actor.

Early life and education

Born Harold Rance Beckenholdt in Duncan, Oklahoma, he was the son of Ethel Cleo and Engel Beckenholdt. He later adopted his stepfather's surname, Howard, after his mother remarried. His family moved to Burbank, California, where his interest in performing was sparked after seeing a production of the play The Drunkard. He attended North Hollywood High School and later studied drama at the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. His early theatrical training included performances with the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, a renowned resident company.

Career

Howard's professional career began in the mid-1950s with appearances on television series such as Gunsmoke and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. His early film work included a role in the frontier drama Frontier Woman. He gained significant recognition for his performance in the Roger Corman-produced film The Journey. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he became a frequent face on popular TV shows including Bonanza, The Waltons, Little House on the Prairie, and Happy Days, the latter created by Garry Marshall. He often collaborated with his son Ron, appearing in many of his directorial efforts such as Splash, Cocoon, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and Frost/Nixon. His other notable film credits include Chinatown, The Shootist, Independence Day, and Nebraska. Howard also wrote and directed the low-budget feature The Turkey Caper.

Personal life

In 1949, he married actress Jean Speegle Howard; they remained together until her death in 2000. The couple had two sons, director Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard, both of whom he worked with extensively. He was a grandfather to several grandchildren, including actress Bryce Dallas Howard and director Jared Howard. In 2001, he remarried to Judy Howard. A longtime resident of Los Angeles, he was known in the industry for his professionalism and supportive nature towards his family's endeavors. He passed away in 2017 from natural causes.

Filmography

A selected list of his extensive credits includes films such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), The Wild Angels (1966), Grand Theft Auto (1977), Far and Away (1992), The Paper (1994), EDtv (1999), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and The Dilemma (2011). His television guest roles spanned series like Murder, She Wrote, Dynasty, Coach, JAG, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Arrested Development.

Legacy and honors

Rance Howard is remembered as a quintessential character actor whose dedication to his craft provided a foundation for one of Hollywood's most notable families. His consistent work ethic and ability to bring authenticity to even the smallest roles made him a valued presence on sets for generations. While he did not receive major individual awards, his legacy is intrinsically tied to the success of his sons and his contributions to a vast array of American cinema and television. His life and career were celebrated in the documentary The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story, which highlighted his family's creative journey.

Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:People from Duncan, Oklahoma Category:1928 births Category:2017 deaths