Ken Howard: The Accomplished Actor's Legacy

Who was Ken Howard?

Ken Howard was an American actor known for his work on stage, screen, and television.

Howard was born in El Centro, California, in 1944. He began his acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He gained wider recognition in the 1980s for his roles in films such as The Right Stuff, Cocoon, and Gung Ho. Howard also had a successful career on television, starring in the series The White Shadow and Crossing Jordan.

Howard was a versatile actor, capable of playing a wide range of roles. He was equally adept at comedy and drama, and he often played characters who were both complex and sympathetic. Howard was also a talented singer, and he often performed songs in his films and television shows.

Howard died in 2016 at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife, Margo Albert, and his two children, Kate and Joseph.

Ken Howard was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to American film and television. He will be remembered for his versatility, his charisma, and his ability to bring complex characters to life.

Ken Howard

Ken Howard was an American actor of stage, screen, and television.

• Versatile performer: Howard was known for his ability to play a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama.
• Prolific career: He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career.
• Award-winning actor: Howard won two Emmy Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
• Memorable roles: He is best known for his roles in The Right Stuff, Cocoon, and Crossing Jordan.
• Stage presence: Howard began his career on stage and continued to perform in theater throughout his life.
• Character actor: He often played supporting roles, but his characters were always memorable.

Ken Howard was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to American film and television. He will be remembered for his versatility, his charisma, and his ability to bring complex characters to life.

1. Versatile performer

Ken Howard was a versatile actor who was known for his ability to play a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama. This versatility was evident in his work on stage, screen, and television.

• Comedy: Howard was a gifted comedian, and he often brought his comedic talents to his dramatic roles. For example, in the film The Right Stuff, he played the role of astronaut Fred Haise, a character who was known for his sense of humor. Howard's performance was both funny and heartwarming, and it helped to make the film a critical and commercial success.
• Drama: Howard was also a talented dramatic actor, and he often played complex and challenging roles. For example, in the television series Crossing Jordan, he played the role of Dr. Cyril Horn, a brilliant but troubled medical examiner. Howard's performance was nuanced and believable, and it helped to make the show a critical and commercial success.

Howard's versatility was one of his greatest strengths as an actor. It allowed him to play a wide range of roles, and it helped him to create memorable characters that audiences loved.

2. Prolific career

Ken Howard's prolific career is a testament to his versatility and his dedication to his craft. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career, playing a wide range of roles.

• Film: Howard appeared in a wide range of films, from big-budget blockbusters to small independent films. Some of his most notable film roles include:
  • The Right Stuff (1983)
  • Cocoon (1985)
  • Gung Ho (1986)
  • Clear and Present Danger (1994)
  • Michael Collins (1996)
• Television: Howard also appeared in a wide range of television shows, from comedies to dramas. Some of his most notable television roles include:
  • The White Shadow (1978-1981)
  • Crossing Jordan (2001-2007)
  • 30 Rock (2006-2013)
  • The Good Wife (2010-2016)
  • The Mindy Project (2013-2017)

Howard's prolific career is a testament to his talent and his dedication to his craft. He was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of roles, and he always brought a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances.

3. Award-winning actor

Ken Howard was a talented actor who won two Emmy Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. These awards are a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft.

Howard's first Emmy Award came in 1979 for his role in the television series The White Shadow. He won his second Emmy Award in 2003 for his role in the television series Crossing Jordan. Howard was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 1984 for his role in the film The Right Stuff.

Howard's awards are not only a testament to his talent, but they are also a reflection of the impact that he had on the entertainment industry. He was a respected actor who was admired by his peers and loved by his fans. Howard's legacy will continue to inspire actors and audiences for years to come.

4. Memorable roles

Ken Howard is best known for his memorable roles in The Right Stuff, Cocoon, and Crossing Jordan. These roles showcased his versatility and his ability to bring complex characters to life.

The Right Stuff is a 1983 film about the early days of the American space program. Howard played the role of astronaut Fred Haise, a character who was known for his sense of humor and his dedication to his work. Howard's performance was both funny and heartwarming, and it helped to make the film a critical and commercial success.

Cocoon is a 1985 film about a group of elderly people who discover a pool that has rejuvenating powers. Howard played the role of Art Selwyn, a character who is initially skeptical of the pool's powers but eventually comes to believe in them. Howard's performance was nuanced and believable, and it helped to make the film a critical and commercial success.

Crossing Jordan is a television series that ran from 2001 to 2007. Howard played the role of Dr. Cyril Horn, a brilliant but troubled medical examiner. Howard's performance was complex and sympathetic, and it helped to make the show a critical and commercial success.

These three roles are just a few examples of Ken Howard's memorable performances. He was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama. Howard's performances were always nuanced and believable, and he had a gift for connecting with audiences.

The connection between Ken Howard and his memorable roles is undeniable. These roles helped to make him a star, and they continue to be remembered by fans today. Howard's legacy is one of talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft.

5. Stage presence

Ken Howard's stage presence was a major factor in his success as an actor. He began his career on stage, and he continued to perform in theater throughout his life. This experience gave him a strong foundation in the craft of acting, and it helped him to develop the skills that would make him a successful actor on screen as well.

One of the most important things that Howard learned from his stage experience was the importance of connecting with the audience. He understood that the audience is an essential part of the theatrical experience, and he always strived to create a connection with them. This connection was evident in all of his performances, whether he was playing a leading role or a supporting role.

Howard's stage experience also helped him to develop his versatility as an actor. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from comedy to drama, and he always brought a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances. This versatility was one of the things that made him so popular with audiences and directors alike.

Howard's stage presence was a major asset to his career as an actor. It helped him to develop the skills that would make him a successful actor on screen, and it also helped him to connect with audiences in a way that few other actors could.

6. Character actor

Ken Howard was a character actor who often played supporting roles, but his characters were always memorable. This was due in part to his ability to create complex and nuanced characters, even in small roles. Howard was also a master of physical comedy, and he often used his physicality to create memorable characters.

One of Howard's most memorable roles was as the eccentric scientist Dr. Lazarus in the 1985 film Cocoon. Howard's performance was both funny and heartwarming, and he created a character that was both believable and endearing. Another memorable role was as the tough-talking coach Whitey Durham in the 1979 film The White Shadow. Howard's performance was both tough and vulnerable, and he created a character that was both respected and feared.

Howard's ability to create memorable characters in supporting roles was a major factor in his success as an actor. He was able to bring a sense of realism and authenticity to even the smallest roles, and he always made sure that his characters were memorable.

The connection between Ken Howard and his memorable supporting roles is undeniable. These roles helped to make him a star, and they continue to be remembered by fans today. Howard's legacy is one of talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft.

FAQs about Ken Howard

Ken Howard was an American actor known for his work on stage, screen, and television. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career, and he won two Emmy Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Howard died in 2016 at the age of 71.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ken Howard:

Question 1: What was Ken Howard's most famous role?

Ken Howard is best known for his roles in The Right Stuff, Cocoon, and Crossing Jordan.

Question 2: How many Emmy Awards did Ken Howard win?

Ken Howard won two Emmy Awards, one in 1979 for his role in The White Shadow and one in 2003 for his role in Crossing Jordan.

Question 3: What was Ken Howard's last role?

Ken Howard's last role was as Judge William Mikovitz in the television series The Good Wife.

Question 4: What was Ken Howard's cause of death?

Ken Howard died of pneumonia on March 30, 2016, at the age of 71.

Question 5: Where is Ken Howard buried?

Ken Howard is buried in the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.

Ken Howard was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to American film and television. He will be remembered for his versatility, his charisma, and his ability to bring complex characters to life.

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Conclusion

Ken Howard was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to American film and television. He was a versatile actor who was able to play a wide range of roles, and he always brought a sense of realism and authenticity to his performances.

Howard's legacy is one of talent, dedication, and passion for his craft. He was an inspiration to his fellow actors and to audiences around the world. He will be remembered for his memorable performances and for his contributions to the entertainment industry.