Rance Howard

About Rance Howard

Rance Howard (born November 17, 1928) is an American actor who has starred in film and on television.

Howard was born Harold Rance Beckenholdt in Oklahoma, the son of Ethel Cleo (née Tomlin) and Engel Beckenholdt, a farmer. He changed his name to "Rance Howard" when he became an actor. 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.

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, Cold Case, Seinfeld, Arrested Development, and That's So Raven.