When you think of Hollywood royalty, the name Ron Howard is bound to pop up. This legendary director has given us unforgettable films like The Da Vinci Code and Apollo 13, earning praise for over six decades. But what about his little brother, Clint Howard? Believe it or not, Clint’s not just a footnote in Ron's story—he's carved out his own impressive career in the entertainment world. Let's dive into their incredible journey together.
A Family of Performers
The Howard brothers grew up surrounded by the magic of showbiz. Their parents, Jean Speegle Howard and Rance Howard, weren’t just fans—they were actors themselves. Ron was born in 1954, and Clint followed five years later in 1959. The family traded their Oklahoma farm life for the bright lights of Los Angeles in the '50s, chasing dreams that would change their lives forever.
Child Stars in the Making
It wasn’t long before the Howard brothers were making waves on the screen. Ron landed his breakout role as Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show in 1960, while his mom, Jean, brought Clint along to watch rehearsals. One day, director Bob Jones noticed Clint and decided to create a role just for him. At just two years old, Clint played the adorable Little Leon on the show. Despite both being child actors, there was never any rivalry between them—just admiration and respect.
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As Clint wrote in their joint memoir, The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family, “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.”
A Partnership in Acting
Clint’s career took off when he starred in the series Gentle Ben from 1967 to 1969. Working with a live black bear, Clint earned praise for his maturity despite his young age. Meanwhile, Ron would fly down to Florida on his days off from The Andy Griffith Show to visit Clint on set. Producer Ivan Tors even wrote parts for Ron in Gentle Ben so the brothers could act together.
Ron has fond memories of watching Clint perform. “I loved watching Clint act,” he recalled in the memoir. “While I was always worried about hitting my mark and making mistakes, Clint didn’t care! He had a fearless quality that worked because he was so well-prepared and naturally talented.”
A Lifetime of Collaboration
Growing up in the spotlight wasn’t always easy for Ron and Clint. In his early teens, Clint even considered pursuing a career in journalism. But today, as co-authors of The Boys, the pair share a bond stronger than ever. Clint has appeared in 16 films directed by Ron, including Parenthood and Night Shift. He also became a regular on Star Trek in the late '60s and worked with Disney on several Winnie the Pooh projects before voicing Hathi Jr. in The Jungle Book. With over 250 acting credits spanning comedies, dramas, and sci-fi films, Clint’s legacy is undeniable.
Clint’s most recent big-screen appearance was in Solo: A Star Wars Story, a Disney film directed by none other than his brother Ron. Off-screen, Clint is happily married to Kat C. Howard, with whom he tied the knot in a Las Vegas ceremony in 2020. Previously married to Melanie Howard for over 22 years, Clint remains a proud uncle to Ron’s children: Bryce, Paige, Reed, and Jocelyn.
The Howard brothers may have started as child stars, but they’ve grown into legends whose stories continue to inspire fans around the world.
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