# Rance Howard

> American actor (1928–2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q2004409](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2004409)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rance_Howard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rance-howard

## Summary

Rance Howard was an American actor, screenwriter, and film producer who worked in the entertainment industry from 1956 until his death in 2017. Born Harold Engle Beckenholdt, he was known for his appearances in film and television productions throughout his six-decade career.

## Biography

- **Born**: November 17, 1928
- **Died**: November 25, 2017
- **Nationality**: American
- **Birth Name**: Harold Engle Beckenholdt
- **Education**: University of Oklahoma (public research university in Norman, Oklahoma, founded 1890)
- **Known for**: Acting career spanning film, television, and screenwriting
- **Employer(s)**: Not specified in source material
- **Field(s)**: Acting, screenwriting, film production
- **Work Period Start**: 1956

## Contributions

Rance Howard began his entertainment career in 1956, establishing himself as a film actor, television actor, screenwriter, and film producer. Throughout his career, he worked across multiple mediums including film, television, theatre, and radio. His work as a screenwriter contributed to various productions in the entertainment industry.

## FAQs

**Who was Rance Howard?**

Rance Howard was an American actor, screenwriter, and film producer born as Harold Engle Beckenholdt on November 17, 1928. He worked in the entertainment industry for over six decades, beginning his career in 1956.

**What was Rance Howard's educational background?**

Rance Howard was educated at the University of Oklahoma, a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma, founded in 1890.

**When did Rance Howard begin his career?**

Rance Howard began his work in the entertainment industry in 1956, working as an actor, television actor, film actor, screenwriter, and film producer.

**What were Rance Howard's occupations?**

Rance Howard worked as an actor (film and television), screenwriter, and film producer throughout his career.

## Why They Matter

Rance Howard contributed to the American entertainment industry across six decades, working in multiple capacities including acting, screenwriting, and film production. His career spanned from 1956 to 2017, representing a substantial period of American film and television history. As an actor who worked in film, television, theatre, and radio, he represented the multi-platform career path common among working actors in mid-to-late 20th century America.

## Notable For

- Six-decade career in entertainment (1956–2017)
- Work across multiple mediums: film, television, theatre, and radio
- Dual career as both actor and screenwriter
- Production work in film
- Education at University of Oklahoma (flagship institution of the University of Oklahoma System)
- Birth name Harold Engle Beckenholdt, professionally known as Rance Howard

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Rance Howard was born Harold Engle Beckenholdt on November 17, 1928. He later adopted the professional name Rance Howard, under which he became known in the entertainment industry. His American nationality placed him within the context of the United States entertainment industry during the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century.

### Education

Howard attended the University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, Oklahoma. Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university classified as a doctoral university with very high research activity. It serves as the flagship institution of the University of Oklahoma System and is a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. The university is particularly noted for its programs in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, petroleum engineering, and its successful athletics programs.

### Career

Rance Howard began his career in the entertainment industry in 1956. Over the following six decades, he worked in multiple capacities within the industry:

- **Film Acting**: Appeared in film productions as a film actor
- **Television Acting**: Performed on television as a television actor
- **Theatre and Radio**: Worked in theatre and radio productions
- **Screenwriting**: Wrote for films and television productions
- **Film Production**: Worked as a film producer, supervising the making of films

His career trajectory exemplified the multi-faceted nature of entertainment industry professionals during an era when actors commonly worked across different mediums and took on various roles in production.

### Professional Identity

Howard's professional profile aligns with several key occupation categories within the entertainment industry:

- Actor (person who acts in dramatic or comic productions)
- Television actor (performer on television)
- Film actor (actor who appears in films)
- Screenwriter (writer for films and TV)
- Film producer (person supervising film production)

### Legacy and Career Span

With a work period beginning in 1956 and continuing until his death in 2017, Rance Howard's career spanned over 60 years of American entertainment history. This extended career duration reflects the longevity possible in the acting industry for professionals who maintained consistent work across multiple decades. His dual expertise in both performance and behind-the-scenes roles (screenwriting and producing) demonstrated the versatility common among industry professionals who built sustained careers in Hollywood and related sectors.

## References

1. [Source](http://time.com/5037195/rance-howard-dies/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Find a Grave
4. BnF authorities
5. GeneaStar
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
8. The Movie Database