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 76% 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 Holiday in Your Heart, 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 | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Second Chances | Wilbur | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Spooky Buddies | Mr. Johnson | Average | 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 → |
| 2005 | Cinderella Man | Announcer Al Fazin | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Missing | Telegraph Operator | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | A Beautiful Mind | White-Haired Patient | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Rat Race | Feed the Earth Spokesman | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Elderly Timekeeper | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Small Soldiers | Husband | Hit | Similar → |
| 1998 | Evasive Action | Train Engineer | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Holiday in Your Heart | Blind Man | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Murder, She Wrote: South by Southwest | Jarvis Bean | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Ghosts of Mississippi | Ralph Hargrove | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Mars Attacks! | Texan Investor | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Independence Day | Chaplain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Apollo 13 | Reverend | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Little Giants | Father Kelly | 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 | Universal Soldier | John Devreux | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Far and Away | Tomlin | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | Parenthood | Dean at College | Hit | Similar → |
| 1989 | The 'Burbs | Detective #2 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Innerspace | Supermarket Customer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1986 | Return to Mayberry | Preacher | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Cocoon | St. Petersburg Dectective | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Splash | McCullough | Average | Similar → |
| 1984 | The Lonely Guy | Minister | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Rita Hayworth: The Love Goddess | Still Photographer | Average | Similar → |
| 1983 | Forever and Beyond | Technician | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1982 | Airplane II: The Sequel | Person #1 (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | The Miracle of Kathy Miller | Dr. Jewell | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Skyward | Pilot #2 | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Scout's Honor | The Captain | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Chinatown | Irate Farmer | 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 → |
Rance Howard - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Rance Howard?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Rance Howard is "Holiday in Your Heart" 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 "Gentle Giant", "Forever and Beyond", and "The Miracle of Kathy Miller".