Ron Howard is a well-known name in Hollywood, but many people may not be aware of the journey that led him to his successful career. What sets Ron apart is that his parents were also entertainers, and they made sure that their children experienced the positives of being actors without sacrificing their childhood.
Ron and his brother Clint had a unique upbringing filled with fame and recognition. Despite their on-screen stardom, their parents, Rance Howard and Jean Speegle, worked hard to provide them with a normal life alongside their Hollywood fame.
Jean Speegle, Ron and Clint’s mother, initially studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, but an accident impaired her ability to walk. Nevertheless, she recovered and pursued her passion for acting at the University of Oklahoma, where she met Rance Howard, her future husband.
In their book “The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family,” Ron and Clint describe their parents in great detail. They paint a picture of their handsome and slender father and their doll-faced, red-haired mother. The couple fell in love and decided to pursue their shared love of acting together.
Both Rance and Speegle found work with a children’s theater touring company. Speegle portrayed various princesses, while Rance often played the roles of a huntsman or a prince. During a tour in Kentucky, they tied the knot, and soon after, they left the theater company to start a family.
Ron and Clint Howard came into the world, and Speegle, after acting for a while longer, gave up her career to focus on raising her boys. Rance continued acting and also managed his sons’ careers. He supervised Ron’s early roles on “The Andy Griffin Show” and stood by his side when Ron starred in “The Music Man.”
Both Ron and Clint earned money from their acting roles, but their parents ensured that they didn’t lead lavish lives. Their parents kept them grounded, teaching them the importance of managing money responsibly. The boys’ earnings were placed in trust accounts for their future benefit.
In “The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family,” Clint and Ron explain how their parents maintained a modest lifestyle. They bought clothes for the boys once a year and refrained from indulging in expensive vacations or driving fancy cars. The Howard family remained down-to-earth despite their Hollywood connections.
The boys credit their father with protecting their mental health during their upbringing in Hollywood. Rance made sure they were shielded from negative aspects of the entertainment industry. Ron recalls a specific incident on set when older child actors used profane language, and Rance reminded them to be mindful of his son’s age.
Today, Ron Howard is a highly respected actor and director in Hollywood, while Clint has also enjoyed success in various projects. Despite retiring early from acting to raise her children, Speegle made a comeback after thirty years. Ron even cast her in a role in his film “Apollo 13,” which brought him to tears during her audition.
Sadly, Jean Speegle passed away in 2000, followed by Rance Howard in 2017. The loss of their parents was difficult for the Howard brothers, but they found solace in each other. They commemorated their parents’ memories by writing “The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family,” a book that helped them come to terms with their loss.
Ron and Clint Howard are not only talented individuals but also grounded and compassionate human beings. Their story is a testament to the love, support, and protection they received from their parents. Let’s celebrate their journey and share their inspiring story with others.
