It's time to pay tribute to a true Hollywood icon. Rance Howard, the cherished patriarch of the Howard acting dynasty, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. The legendary actor left us on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the age of 89. His son, the acclaimed actor and director Ron Howard, shared the heartbreaking news with his fans on Twitter.
In a heartfelt message, Ron, now 63, expressed his gratitude for having Rance as his father. "Clint [and] I have been blessed to be Rance Howard’s sons. Today he passed at 89," Ron wrote. "He stood especially tall for his ability to balance ambition with great personal integrity. A depression-era farm boy, his passion for acting changed the course of our family history. We love and miss you, Dad." Ron's words painted a vivid picture of a man who was not only a remarkable actor but also a person of immense character and integrity.
Clint & I have been blessed to be Rance Howard’s sons. Today he passed at 89. He stood especially tall 4 his ability to balance ambition w/great personal integrity. A depression-era farm boy, his passion for acting changed the course of our family history. We love & miss U Dad.
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A Journey Through Rance Howard's Extraordinary Career
Rance Howard was born on Nov. 17, 1928, in Duncan, OK, and his journey into acting began at the young age of 20 when he joined a traveling theater company. This marked the beginning of a nearly seven-decade-long career that saw him earn over 100 roles across television and film. From his early days on the hit 1950s western drama series Gunsmoke and Bonanza, Rance quickly established himself as a versatile and talented actor.
His big-screen performances were equally impressive, with standout roles in the 1967 film Cool Hand Luke and the 1974 classic Chinatown. Rance's talent did not go unnoticed within his own family, and he went on to collaborate with his son Ron in films like 2001's A Beautiful Mind and 2005's Cinderella Man. These collaborations showcased not only their professional chemistry but also the deep bond they shared as father and son.
Rance with his sons Ron and Clint in 1974.
Rance Howard: A Legacy of Dedication and Inspiration
Rance was not only a father to Ron and his brother Clint but also a grandfather to Ron’s daughters, actresses Bryce Dallas Howard and Paige Howard. Earlier this month, Bryce spoke passionately about her grandfather’s work ethic at a red carpet premiere for his latest film, Broken Memories. She praised his incredible resilience and the unique career he carved out for himself.
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“He’s had a 65-year career where he has never broken out as a movie star,” Bryce shared with People. “He’s never made the money that people dream of, and yet he’s carved out this incredibly unique and remarkable and beautiful career of a character actor. He’s an example of that stick-to-it-ness and what that adds up to in a life.” Bryce’s words echoed the admiration and respect that Rance inspired in everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
