Rance Howard, an esteemed actor with years' worth of experience appearing in acclaimed film and television roles, has passed away. He was 89 years old. Howard's acting career began in the 1950s where he created a dynasty of actors and directors that is currently in its third generation. His eldest son is actor-director Ron Howard, who appeared onscreen with his father on a number of different projects. Ron Howard shared the news of his fathers passing on social media, writing a touching tribute to Rance Howard. You can read the full statement below.
Ron Howard, who is currently directing the Han Solo Star Wars spin-off, took to Twitter to share the news that his father, actor Rance Howard had passed away. The Beautiful Mind director wrote that his father stood especially tall for his "ability to balance ambition with great integrity." Ron Howard further celebrated his father's passion for acting, which shaped the lives of his family for years to come.
Rance Howard's enthusiasm for acting influenced three generations of this family, often making acting a family affair. His sons are actor-director Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard; his grandchildren are actresses Bryce Dallas Howard and Paige Howard. Originally born Harold Rance Beckenholdt in Duncan, Oklahoma, he changed his name to Rance Howard when he became an actor. Rance and Ron Howard (who was two at the time) made their film debuts together in the 1956 Western, Frontier Woman. Ron would go on to star in The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days, both of which Rance appeared as a guest star in a number of episodes. Rance Howard also appeared in several episodes of the 1960s series Gentle Ben, which starred his youngest son, Clint Howard.
The patriarch of the Howard family had a number of television and film roles under his belt. He guest starred on television shows such as Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Kung Fu, The Waltons, 7th Heaven, and Seinfeld. He appeared in over 100 film roles, many of them from director Joe Dante. Some of his roles include Cool Hand Luke, Chinatown, A League of Their Own, and 2013's Nebraska. It should come as no surprise that Rance also appeared in many of his son Ron Howard's films, which includes Splash, Cocoon, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Frost/Nixon.
Rance Howard is survived by his two sons, two granddaughters, and one great-grandchild. Our deepest condolences go out to the Howard family during this time.
