Rance Howard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rance Howard
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Howard in 2007
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Harold Engle Beckenholdt
November 17, 1928 Newkirk, Oklahoma, U.S.
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| Died | November 25, 2017 (aged 89) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Oklahoma |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1948–2017 |
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Rance Howard (born Harold Engle Beckenholdt; November 17, 1928 – November 25, 2017) was an American actor. He starred in many films and TV shows. He was the father of famous actor and filmmaker Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard. He was also the grandfather of actresses Bryce Dallas Howard and Paige Howard.
Rance Howard appeared in over 100 films. Some well-known movies include Cool Hand Luke (1967), Chinatown (1974), Splash (1984), and Apollo 13 (1995). He also worked on A Beautiful Mind (2001) and Nebraska (2013). He even won an award for co-producing a TV film called The Time Crystal (1981).
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Rance Howard was born Harold Engle Beckenholdt on November 17, 1928. His birthplace was Newkirk, Oklahoma. His father, Engel Beckenholdt, was a farmer. Rance later changed his name to "Rance Howard" when he became an actor.
He finished high school in 1946. After that, he studied at the University of Oklahoma. While serving in the Air Force, he directed plays. These plays were part of a group that entertained service members.
Acting Career Highlights
Rance Howard started his acting career in 1948. He moved to New York City and got a job in a children's touring company. He became well-known for his role as Lindstrom in the play Mister Roberts. He toured with the play for about a year and a half.
In 1956, Rance and his son Ron, who was two years old, acted in their first movie together. It was a Western called Frontier Woman. Rance also made his TV debut in the series Kraft Theatre in the late 1950s.
Working with Family
Rance Howard often worked with his sons. After Ron became famous as Opie in The Andy Griffith Show, Rance appeared in five episodes of that show. Rance was also well-known for his role in the 1960s TV series Gentle Ben. He played Henry Boomhauer, a friendly backwoodsman. His younger son, Clint, also starred in Gentle Ben.
Rance acted in many films directed by his son Ron Howard. These include popular movies like Splash, Cocoon, Apollo 13, and A Beautiful Mind. He also appeared in Cinderella Man and Frost/Nixon. His final film role was in Apple Seed, where he played the father of his real-life son Clint.
Other Notable Roles
Besides working with his family, Rance Howard had many other roles. He was in over 100 films. He often played characters like a priest, sheriff, or marshal. He also made many appearances in films by director Joe Dante.
On TV, he had a recurring role as David Sheridan in Babylon 5. He also guest-starred in shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Waltons, and Seinfeld. On The Waltons, he played Dr. McIver in five episodes.
Personal Life
Rance Howard married actress Jean Speegle Howard in 1949. They had two sons, Ron and Clint. They were married until Jean's death in 2000. Rance later married Judy Howard in 2001. Judy passed away in January 2017.
Death
Rance Howard passed away on November 25, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. He was 89 years old.
Images for kids
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Rance Howard in 2007
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Rance Howard's signature
See also
In Spanish: Rance Howard para niños
