Rance Howard (born November 17, 1928) is an American actor who has starred in film and on television. He has made appearances in over 100 films.
Howard was born Harold Rance Beckenholdt in Oklahoma, the son of Ethel Cleo (née Tomlin) and Engel Beckenholdt. He married Jean Speegle Howard in Burbank, California in 1949. Their children are actor/director Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard. He is also the grandfather of actress Bryce Dallas Howard.
Rance Howard was known for his role on television in the 1960s TV series Gentle Ben as Henry Broomhauer. Another well-known TV role was on Babylon 5 in which he had a recurring role as David Sheridan, the father of Babylon 5 captain John Sheridan. He also starred in the short-lived 2000 TV series Driving Me Crazy. His television guest appearances include The Andy Griffith Show, The Monroes, Kung Fu, The Waltons, Babylon 5, Angel, 7th Heaven, Seinfeld and That's So Raven.
Howard has acted in over 100 films, including his first film in 1956 called Frontier Woman, the 1967 movie Cool Hand Luke, The Music Man (in an uncredited bit-part playing "Oscar Jackson"), and many other films. He often takes parts as a priest or reverend. He has made numerous appearances in films by Joe Dante.
Director, father of Ron Howard (I) and Clint Howard.
Grandfather of actress Bryce Dallas Howard.
Father-in-law of actress Cheryl Howard (I).
Portrayed a priest or reverend at least once a year from 1993-1998.
Son of Engel Beckenholdt and Ethel Cleo Tomlin.
Became a great-grandfather, his grand-daughter Bryce Dallas Howard had a baby boy on February 16, 2007.
