You’ve probably heard of Ron Howard, the mastermind behind iconic films like The Da Vinci Code and Apollo 13. But did you know his younger brother, Clint Howard, is a Hollywood heavyweight in his own right? These two have been making waves in the entertainment industry for decades. Growing up in a family of actors, they’ve built an incredible legacy together, blending talent with teamwork. From childhood on set to award-winning careers, their story is one of mutual admiration and support.
A Family of Performers
The Howard brothers weren’t exactly born into a typical family. Their parents, Jean Speegle Howard and Rance Howard, were actors who decided to trade their Oklahoma farm life for the bright lights of Los Angeles back in the 1950s. Ron, born in 1954, and Clint, born in 1959, were thrown into the world of show business from day one. It wasn’t just a career choice for this family—it was a way of life. Imagine growing up surrounded by scripts, cameras, and the magic of filmmaking every single day. That’s the world these two brothers grew up in, and it shaped everything they’d become.
From Child Stars to Hollywood Legends
Ron’s big break came when he landed the role of Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show in 1960. His mom, Jean, would bring Clint along to the set, where little Clint would watch his big brother perform. One day, director Bob Jones noticed Clint and decided to create a role for him on the show. At just two years old, Clint played the part of Little Leon. Now, here's the cool part: despite both being child actors, there was never any rivalry between them. In fact, they were each other’s biggest fans.
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In their 2021 memoir, The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family, Clint wrote, “Ron and I were never in competition, as siblings so often are. I looked up to him. Coming along second gave me a greater vantage point from which to watch and learn.” This quote captures the essence of their relationship—supportive, collaborative, and built on admiration.
Clint’s Rise in the Industry
Clint truly found his stride when he starred in the series Gentle Ben from 1967 to 1969. Working alongside a live black bear wasn’t easy, but Clint earned praise for his maturity and professionalism at such a young age. Meanwhile, Ron would often visit Clint on set during his days off from The Andy Griffith Show. Producer Ivan Tors even wrote parts for Ron in Gentle Ben so the brothers could act together. Talk about sibling bonding!
Ron later reflected on Clint’s unique approach to acting in the memoir. “I loved watching Clint act,” he said. “I was always conscious of hitting my mark, not making mistakes, pleasing the director. Clint didn’t give a damn! He had a go-for-broke quality that worked because he was so well-prepared and naturally talented.” These words highlight how different yet complementary their styles were.
A Career Full of Collaborations
Growing up under the spotlight wasn’t always easy for either brother. During his teenage years, Clint considered stepping away from acting to pursue journalism. But ultimately, he stayed true to his passion, and the brothers continued to collaborate throughout their careers. Clint has appeared in 16 films directed by Ron, including Parenthood and Night Shift. Their partnership isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal.
Clint also carved out his own niche in Hollywood, becoming a regular on Star Trek in the late ’60s and voicing roles in Disney classics like Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book. With over 250 acting credits spanning comedies, dramas, and sci-fi films, Clint remains a versatile and respected figure in the industry. His most recent appearance was in the Disney film Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2018, directed by none other than his brother Ron.
Life Beyond the Screen
Away from the cameras, Clint enjoys a fulfilling personal life. In 2020, he tied the knot with Kat C. Howard in a Las Vegas ceremony. Prior to this, he was married to Melanie Howard for over 22 years before their divorce in 2017. While they didn’t have children together, Clint cherishes his role as the proud uncle of Ron’s kids—Bryce, Paige, Reed, and Jocelyn. Family clearly plays a central role in Clint’s life, both on and off screen.
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