Ron and Clint Howard, two well-known child actors, had a unique childhood. Despite their fame, their parents made sure they had a normal upbringing without compromising their Hollywood careers. In their book “The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family,” Ron and Clint shared the story of their parents’ dedication and hard work.

Both of their parents, Rance Howard and Jean Speegle, were entertainers themselves. Unfortunately, Jean Speegle’s dreams of becoming an actress were almost shattered when she had an accident that prevented her from walking. But she didn’t give up. Jean recovered and pursued her passion for acting at the University of Oklahoma where she met Rance Howard, her future husband.

The Howard boys described their parents lovingly in their book. They painted a picture of their handsome and slender father and their beautiful red-haired mother. Rance and Speegle were madly in love and shared a common love for acting. They both landed jobs with a children’s theater touring company. Speegle would often transform into various princesses while Rance portrayed characters like huntsmen and princes.

During their time together in the touring theater company, Rance and Speegle decided to tie the knot in Kentucky. After a year and a half, they left the company to focus on starting a family. Soon, their sons Ron Howard and Clint Howard were born.

Speegle continued her acting career for a short while longer before she made the decision to prioritize raising her boys. Rance, on the other hand, continued acting and even managed his sons’ careers. When Ron landed a role on “The Andy Griffith Show” at just six years old, his father was there to guide and support him. And when Ron starred in “The Music Man,” his father was right by his side.

Clint also had his fair share of success, appearing in shows like “Bonanza,” “Star Trek,” and “Gentle Ben.” Their parents wisely managed their sons’ earnings and placed the money in trust accounts, ensuring the boys would have a secure future.

In their book, Ron and Clint reflect on their Hollywood lifestyle as child actors. Surprisingly, they didn’t lead extravagant lives. Their parents kept them grounded and taught them not to overspend. The family primarily relied on their father’s income rather than the money the boys earned. Ron even revealed that the family once had the opportunity to start a clothing line, but their father declined. He wanted to protect his children from the negative aspects of celebrity life and ensure they had a normal childhood.

The Howard family’s story is a testament to the love and dedication of parents who strived to balance Hollywood fame with a normal life for their children. Ron and Clint Howard are grateful for their parents’ hard work and the opportunities they gave them. Their memoir is a touching tribute to a family’s resilience and to the power of parental love and support.