Bryce Dallas Howard has been shining in Hollywood for decades. Over the course of her career, she has collaborated with some of the industry’s top directors, starred in critically acclaimed films like The Help, and played a key role in one of the biggest movie franchises.
In addition to her film work, she’s ventured into television, appearing in a standout episode of the popular series Black Mirror. Her diverse career is truly remarkable, but it’s no surprise given her Hollywood heritage.
Following in her parents’ footsteps, Howard pursued her passion for acting by studying theater at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she graduated in 2003, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
But beyond her impressive acting career, who is Bryce Dallas Howard? Unlike many in the spotlight, she has maintained a relatively low profile, and she’s actually quite different from what you might expect. Let’s explore the untold truth of Bryce Dallas Howard—there’s so much more to discover.
#1. Bryce Dallas Howard comes from a famous family
Bryce Dallas Howard hails from a family deeply rooted in Hollywood’s history. Her father, Ron Howard, is a well-known actor and director who first gained fame as Opie on The Andy Griffith Show and later as Richie Cunningham on the classic sitcom Happy Days.
After years in front of the camera, Ron transitioned to directing, where he made a name for himself with blockbusters like The Da Vinci Code and Solo: A Star Wars Story, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards along the way.
But Bryce’s Hollywood lineage goes even further back. Her grandfather, Rance Howard, was a respected actor with notable roles in films like Nebraska and Far and Away. Her grandmother, Jean Speegle Howard, also had a successful acting career, appearing in major films like Apollo 13 and Scrooged. With such a rich family history in show business, it’s no wonder Ron Howard started acting at a young age.
The family’s connection to the screen didn’t stop there. Ron’s brother, Clint Howard, made his mark with roles in movies like The Waterboy, and even Bryce’s mother, Cheryl Howard, has had her time in the spotlight.
Despite her family’s fame, Bryce Dallas Howard managed to keep a low profile, carving out her own path in the industry while staying true to her roots.
#2. Bryce Dallas Howard stayed far away from the spotlight as a child
Though Bryce Dallas Howard was born in Los Angeles, her parents chose to move the family away from the hustle and bustle of the city when she was just 5 years old, relocating to the quiet town of Greenwich, Connecticut.
Howard credits this move, and her family’s influence, with fostering her creativity by encouraging her to embrace her imagination rather than spend time in front of the television. Growing up, she lived on a farm surrounded by horses, llamas, and chickens, creating a childhood that was a world away from Hollywood, as detailed by the Hartford Courant.
In a reflective interview with The Independent, Howard spoke about how, now as an adult and a parent herself, she fully appreciates the sacrifice her parents made to provide her with a more normal upbringing.
She shared, “Only now as an adult can I appreciate how courageous it was for my parents to move because they didn’t know anybody there [in Connecticut], and also for my dad’s career it must have been hard being away from LA.”
Even though she was raised far from the entertainment world, it was inevitable that she would eventually pursue her own passion for acting.
#3. This celebrity played jester for Bryce Dallas Howard when she was a kid
Typically, babysitters are the friendly neighbor next door or a reluctant older sibling, but if you’re Bryce Dallas Howard, your childhood caregivers were Hollywood movie stars.
Yes, you read that right—Tom Cruise himself used to look after Howard and her siblings while working on projects with her dad. Although he wasn’t exactly a full-time babysitter, he certainly kept them entertained.
During an interview on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, Howard shared some fun memories, saying, “He would do, like, cartwheels for us kids and entertain us. And parents are always so relieved when there’s a person like that, like a young, enthusiastic person in their 20s willing to watch over a bunch of kids.”
But Tom Cruise wasn’t the only star she spent time with as a child. Howard also revealed that actor Tom Hanks was “the most famous person in her living room growing up,” making her childhood truly unique.
#4. Bryce Dallas Howard was childhood friends with this famous actress
The film industry is a small, close-knit community where famous families often forge lasting friendships with others who understand the unique challenges of celebrity life. Growing up in Connecticut, Bryce Dallas Howard was no stranger to this world, and she attended the prestigious Stagedoor Manor theater camp in New York.
This camp has been a training ground for many future stars, and during her time there, Howard formed a close bond with another rising actress.
In an interview with BuzzFeed, Howard revealed that she starred in a Stagedoor Manor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream alongside none other than Natalie Portman.
Reflecting on the experience, Howard shared, “We were like 15, and she had this flourishing professional career. I was like, I hope you’re all enjoying the future Academy Award-winning performance that she’s giving you on this lawn.
Even at that young age, Howard recognized Portman’s undeniable talent and knew she was destined for greatness.
It was also during this time that Howard began to see her own potential. She recalled, “It kind of was like the first moment when I thought, Oh, I should audition for the school plays!” And from there, her journey into the world of acting truly began.
#5. Bryce Dallas Howard’s name comes from an uncomfortable tradition
Let’s be honest—celebrities often choose some pretty unique names for their kids. While some are adorable, like Apple or North, others can be a bit more unusual (Pilot Inspektor, anyone?).
Bryce Dallas Howard’s name might seem fairly traditional, but there’s an interesting family tradition behind her middle name. In an interview with ABC News, Howard explained, “The rule was it’s wherever we were conceived, it’s so disgusting!”
She went on to share more details: “For me, it was a city; for my sisters, it was a hotel [Carlyle]. My brother’s middle name is Cross after a place we used to live … that was our road where our house was.”
While it may not be the most conventional method for choosing names, it certainly adds a unique twist.
Howard also revealed that she once considered going by just “Bryce Dallas” as her stage name to distance herself from her famous parents. However, she ultimately embraced her family’s legacy, opting to use her full name—and she admits she likes the way it sounds better, too.
#6. This famous director gave Bryce Dallas Howard her big break
One might think that with her Hollywood heritage, Bryce Dallas Howard was destined for stardom from the start, but that wasn’t the case. She put in years of hard work, eventually finding her footing on the stage. For a time, Howard believed her future lay in theater, until one night, everything changed, as reported by Vulture.
Acclaimed horror director M. Night Shyamalan attended a performance of As You Like It at the Public Theater, where Howard played Rosalind. Impressed by her talent, he offered her a role in his 2004 film The Village.
The collaboration didn’t stop there—they reunited a couple of years later for his movie Lady in the Water. These films were pivotal, catapulting Howard into the film industry and setting the stage for her career in motion pictures.
Howard remains grateful to Shyamalan for giving her that first big opportunity. She even expressed her gratitude on Twitter, saying she was “forever indebted” to him.
#7. Bryce Dallas Howard’s own father confused her with Jessica Chastain
The film industry is brimming with look-alikes who often get mistaken for one another, leaving fans wondering, “Who is that again?”
Among the most striking pairs are Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain, who finally met on the set of The Help and acknowledged their striking resemblance. Their similarity even confused Bryce’s father, Ron Howard.
Chastain recounted the amusing incident in an interview with the Associated Press. She saw Ron Howard at an Apple store and waved, but he mistook her for his daughter, Bryce, and told someone, “I think I just saw Bryce.”
Bryce later confirmed the story with Entertainment Tonight, revealing that her dad was genuinely surprised.
Both actresses found the mix-up funny and expressed that it was flattering to be compared to each other, given their mutual respect. Let’s just hope the right actress shows up at the Howard family dinner table!
#8. Bryce Dallas Howard thinks it’s fun to play this type of character
Every actor has their favorite types of roles, but what sets Bryce Dallas Howard apart is her versatility. Unlike many performers, she hasn’t been pigeonholed into one type of character.
Throughout her career, she’s tackled a wide range of roles across various genres. However, she has a surprising preference when it comes to the roles she enjoys most—playing the “b***h.” Yes, you read that right.
In an interview with Collider discussing her role as Hilly Holbrook in 2011’s The Help, Howard explained why she finds playing villainous characters so much fun. “There’s a lot of freedom when you’re playing a character like that,” she shared.
“You don’t need to worry about being likable or appealing, or anything like that.” Reflecting on her role, she added, “This was the first real person I’ve played that’s despicable.”
#9. Bryce Dallas Howard has this celebrity as a godparent
They say you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. Bryce Dallas Howard’s father, Ron Howard, found both in his longtime friend and Happy Days co-star Henry Winkler.
The bond they formed on set grew into a lifelong friendship, so much so that Ron Howard named Winkler as Bryce Dallas Howard’s godfather.
Bryce also developed a close relationship with the legendary actor, who has played a significant role in her life. In an interview on The Talk, she reflected on their bond, saying, “He’s just the most wonderful man.”
She went on to explain how valuable it is for a child to have mentors outside the immediate family. “They don’t have the ability to ground you, but they do have the wisdom of being someone who loves you and who cares about you and is aware.”
When it came time to choose a godparent for her own children, Bryce Dallas Howard followed in her father’s footsteps, selecting her longtime friend and fellow actor Josh Gad for the honor.
#10. Bryce Dallas Howard often buys her award show dresses at department stores
Hollywood’s unrealistic expectations for actors’ bodies have been a harsh reality for decades, with many celebrities speaking out about the constant pressure to stay thin and the criticism they face regarding their appearance.
Bryce Dallas Howard has been refreshingly candid about these challenges. She’s even revealed that when it comes to award show dresses, she often opts to shop for her own. Rather than relying on designers, she prefers to head to a department store and pick something out herself.
In a red carpet interview with E! News in early 2016 (via Today), she explained, “I like having lots of options for a size 6, as opposed to maybe one option, so I always go to department stores.”
Her honesty during the interview resonated with fans, who appreciated her straightforwardness and her willingness to highlight the pressures faced by women in the industry. Since then, Howard has continued to advocate for body positivity, pushing for a more inclusive and accepting environment in Hollywood for all body types.
#11. Bryce Dallas Howard gained 30 pounds for this role
In 2016, Bryce Dallas Howard showcased her acting skills in the critically acclaimed series Black Mirror. In the episode “Nosedive,” she portrayed a character navigating a world obsessed with a social media app where people rate everyone they meet.
Her character endures a series of challenges, including the discomfort of trying to squeeze into an ill-fitting bridesmaid’s dress.
For this role, Howard made a bold choice by gaining 30 pounds, a decision that stirred controversy in Hollywood. In an interview with The Wrap, she explained her motivation behind the project:
“Society puts all this scrutiny on women’s bodies, which in a way serves to make us go insane and distract us from what’s really important.” She aimed to illustrate how people attempt to control others’ perceptions by manipulating their own bodies in detrimental ways.
Her performance in “Nosedive” was widely recognized, earning her a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
#12. Bryce Dallas Howard’s father once told her to keep several day jobs
Bryce Dallas Howard’s journey in Hollywood has been shaped by invaluable advice from her father, Ron Howard.
Despite their family’s deep roots in the film industry, Ron Howard offered Bryce a dose of reality about the acting profession. He advised her to keep several day jobs, emphasizing the challenging nature of a career in acting.
During an interview with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, Bryce revealed her father’s pragmatic guidance.
“It has more to do with, I think, the lifestyle around acting, and that it’s a very difficult profession,” she shared. While this advice might have seemed harsh, it became a cornerstone of her career approach.
This candid advice instilled in Bryce a strong work ethic and a realistic outlook on her profession. It helped her appreciate the opportunities she receives and motivated her to succeed on her own merit, rather than relying on her family connections.
#13. Bryce Dallas Howard fainted from fear while filming this movie
Actors often push boundaries to deliver the most realistic performances, and Bryce Dallas Howard is no exception. While filming Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, she faced a heart-pounding challenge involving a complex stunt.
To convincingly depict a gyrosphere plummeting off a cliff, the crew built a custom roller coaster. This setup was designed to capture the actors’ genuine reactions to the fall, but it required multiple takes.
In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Howard candidly described the experience.
“I was so scared,” she admitted. Despite the usual trend where actors grow more comfortable with each take, Howard’s fear intensified. She explained that her anxiety escalated with each attempt, causing her to “black out” during the stunt.
“I came to when it was over,” she recalled, highlighting the intense nature of the scene and her bravery in facing it.
#14. Bryce Dallas Howard is also a director
With a legacy of talent and a celebrated director for a father, it was only a matter of time before Bryce Dallas Howard ventured behind the camera. Her directorial debut came at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019 with the documentary Dads (reported by Collinder).
This insightful film explores the evolving role of fatherhood in today’s world and features candid interviews with notable fathers such as Neil Patrick Harris, Jimmy Kimmel, Ken Jeong, Judd Apatow, and Will Smith.
Following this success, Howard continued to expand her directorial portfolio, helming several short films and an episode of the acclaimed series The Mandalorian. Her episode, “Chapter 4: Sanctuary,” showcased her ability to blend storytelling with cinematic flair.
Looking ahead, it’s exciting to think about what projects Bryce Dallas Howard will direct next. Given her background and the groundwork she’s laid, she’s well on her way to carving out her own impressive legacy behind the camera.
