Rance Howard
ActingAbout Rance Howard
Rance Howard (born Harold Engle Beckenholdt; November 17, 1928 – November 25, 2017) was an American actor who starred in film and on television. He was the father of actor and filmmaker Ron Howard and actor Clint Howard, and grandfather of actresses Bryce Dallas Howard and Paige Howard. Howard appeared in films such as Cool Hand Luke (1967), Chinatown (1974), Splash (1984), Ed Wood (1994), Apollo 13 (1995), Independence Day (1996), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Cinderella Man (2005), Frost/Nixon (2008), Nebraska (2013), and Max Rose (2016). He received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program for co-producing the television film The Time Crystal (1981).
Rance Howard Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Rance Howard reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Rance Howard's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 100% of Rance Howard's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains The Red Pony, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Rance Howard Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Rance Howard's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Rance Howard has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dads | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2017 | Broken Memories | Jasper | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | Kalebegiak | José Mari | Hit | Similar → |
| 2016 | 40 Nights | Devil as an Old Man | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Nebraska | Uncle Ray | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | The Child Wanderers | Old Knut | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Within | Deli Owner | Hit | Similar → |
| 2009 | Angels & Demons | Cardinal Beck | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Frost/Nixon | Ollie | Hit | Similar → |
| 2008 | Keith | Old Man (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story | Preacher | Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | Sister Aimee: The Aimee Semple McPherson Story | James Kennedy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | Cinderella Man | Announcer Al Fazin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Jumping for Joy | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | A Beautiful Mind | White-Haired Patient | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Elderly Timekeeper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Abilene | Arliss | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Malevolence | Dr. Burns | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Holiday in Your Heart | Blind Man | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Murder, She Wrote: South by Southwest | Jarvis Bean | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Independence Day | Chaplain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Killing Cupid | Zeke | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Apollo 13 | Reverend | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Ed Wood | Old Man McCoy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | The Paper | Alicia's Doctor | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Fearless | Bald Cabby | Hit | Similar → |
| 1992 | Far and Away | Tomlin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Lucy & Desi: Before the Laughter | Bernie | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Trust Me | Vern | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Parenthood | Dean at College | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | The 'Burbs | Detective #2 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | Dark Before Dawn | Logan | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Innerspace | Supermarket Customer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Two Soldiers | Paw | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Cocoon | St. Petersburg Dectective | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess | Still Photographer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | Forever and Beyond | Technician | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | The Kid with the Broken Halo | Coach Ramsdell | Hit | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Miracle of Kathy Miller | Dr. Jewell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Skyward | Pilot #2 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Scout's Honor | The Captain | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | The Legend of Frank Woods | Howard Blacker | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | The New Daughters of Joshua Cabe | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Chinatown | Irate Farmer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | The Red Pony | Sheriff Bill Smith | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Cool Hand Luke | Sheriff | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Gentle Giant | Tater Coughlin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | An Eye for an Eye | Harry | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Frontier Woman | Prewitt | Hit | Similar → |
Rance Howard - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Rance Howard?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Rance Howard is "The Red Pony" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Rance Howard acted in?
Rance Howard has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Rance Howard?
Other notable films include "Sister Aimee: The Aimee Semple McPherson Story", "Abilene", and "Two Soldiers".