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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 Duncan, 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. His son Ron was born while he served three years in the United States Air Force. Howard was known for his... MORE

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 Duncan, 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. His son Ron was born while he served three years in the United States Air Force. 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, CBS Schoolbreak Special 1986 episode The Drug Knot, Babylon 5, Angel, 7th Heaven, Cold Case, That's So Raven, and two appearances on Seinfeld, both as different characters. Howard has acted in over 100 films, including his LESS