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

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

Brother of Clint Howard.

Went to high school with actress Rene Russo.

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

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.

Acted with Kathleen Quinlan in American Graffiti (1973), then directed her in Apollo 13 (1995).

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

Had the following rankings on Premiere's annual Power 100 List - #22 in 2006, #27 in 2005, #30 in 2004, #26 in 2003, #29 in 2002.

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

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

Directed 8 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Don Ameche, Dianne Wiest, Ed Harris, Kathleen Quinlan, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Giamatti, and Frank Langella. Ameche and Connelly won Oscars for their performances in one of Howard's movies.

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

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.

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).

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

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.

Father-in-law of Seth Gabel.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Henry Winkler is the godfather of Howard's daughter Bryce Dallas Howard.

Best known on TV for his starring roles as Opie Taylor on "The Andy Griffith Show " (1960) and as Richard "Richie" Cunningham on "Happy Days " (1974).

Started two production companies - Major H Productions (which ran until 1985) and then, in 1985, Imagine Films Entertainment.

Has cast three fellow cast members of the American Graffiti movies in films he later directed. Kathleen Quinlan appeared in Apollo 13 (1995), Delroy Lindo appeared in Ransom (1996), and Scott Glenn appeared in Backdraft (1991).

With the death of Don Knotts on February 24, 2006, he is the youngest surviving cast member of "The Andy Griffith Show " (1960), along with adult surviving cast members, Andy Griffith and George Lindsey.