Recipient of a (USA) National Medal of Arts, 2003.

Ranked #7 in Vh1's of the "100 Greatest Kid Stars".

Was interested in directing D-Tox (2002) at one point, but decided to direct How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).

Played Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man (1962), and the title role in Huckleberry Finn (1975) (TV). Both roles were previously played by Eddie Hodges.

Cast both of his parents in Apollo 13 (1995). Daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, also had a cameo appearance.

Father-in-law of Seth Gabel.

Ranked #22 on Premiere's 2006 "Power 50" list. Had ranked #27 in 2005.

Born on the same day as Catherine Bach, who is best known as "Daisy Duke" from "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979).

Stepson of L.A. Times columnist and playwright Judy Howard.

Has directed two films on the American Film Institute's 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time. They are A Beautiful Mind (2001) at #93 and Apollo 13 (1995) at #12.

Brother of Clint Howard.

All of Howard's four children are named after the places they were conceived: Bryce Dallas in Dallas, Texas, Paige Carlyle and Jocelyn Carlyle at the Hotel Carlyle in New York City, and Reed Cross after a specific road, according to Bryce Dallas Howard.

Daughters: Bryce Dallas Howard (b. 1981), Jocelyn Carlyle (twin, b. 1985), Paige Carlyle (twin, b. 1985). Son: Reed Cross (b. 1987).

Ranked #27 on Premiere's 2005 Power 50 List. Had ranked #30 in 2004.

As a director, he's known for being versatile and exploring different sorts of movies (e.g. comedy, drama, fantasy, etc.).

Ranked #26 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. Had ranked #29 in 2002.

He was awarded the National Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts in 2003.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his 2006 earnings to be approximately $35 million.

Became a grandfather when his daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, had a baby boy on February 16, 2007.

He has Dutch, Scottish, English, Irish, German and Cherokee ancestry.

When he was a child actor, his father was very involved in his career, protecting him from unfair treatment, and being strict with him (when necessary).

Is apparently a big fan of cricket. Attended the final Ashes test match between England vs. Australia on 12th September 2005 whilst filming The Da Vinci Code (2006), and was spotted mingling with players in the Australian dressing room.

Directed 7 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Don Ameche, Dianne Wiest, Ed Harris, Kathleen Quinlan, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, and Paul Giamatti. Ameche and Connelly won Oscars for their performances in one of Howard`s movies.

Went to high school with actress Rene Russo.

Son of actor/director Rance Howard and actress Jean Speegle Howard.

In 1971, was a contestant on "The Dating Game" (1965) and ended up choosing Bachelorette #2, Nola Green.

Frequently casts Tom Hanks, Gary Sinise, Russell Crowe,and Michael Keaton.

Frequently uses music by James Horner and songs by `Randy Newman`.

Frequently casts father Rance Howard and brother Clint Howard in supporting roles.

Spouse: Cheryl Howard (7 June 1975 - present) 4 children