Andy Griffith’s death in 2012 left a deep mark on many in Hollywood, but for Rance Howard, it was a personal loss that was difficult to put into words. As the father of Ron Howard and a long-time friend of Griffith, Rance shared heartfelt words about the late actor, saying, “He left a void in my life.”
The relationship between Griffith and Rance Howard spanned decades. Though Rance had minor roles on The Andy Griffith Show, it was his son, Ron Howard, who played Opie Taylor, the beloved child of Griffith’s character, Sheriff Andy Taylor. Through the years of filming the show, Rance was often on set, supporting his son’s career while also forming a strong bond with Griffith.
Over time, their professional acquaintance turned into a deep friendship. Rance admired Griffith’s warmth, his professionalism, and his unique ability to bring genuine humanity to his roles. Griffith, in turn, respected Rance for his dedication to the craft of acting and his unwavering support for Ron Howard.
When Griffith passed away at his North Carolina home in 2012, Rance Howard openly mourned the loss. His words, “He left a void in my life,” spoke to the depth of their friendship and the impact Griffith had on those around him. It was more than just the end of a friendship—it was the end of an era in television history.
Rance Howard had always praised Griffith for the way he treated others, especially younger actors like Ron Howard. He often spoke about Griffith’s kindness and patience, saying that he made the set of The Andy Griffith Show feel like a real family. For Rance, Griffith was not just a TV legend—he was a guiding figure, a mentor, and a true friend.
The void Griffith left in Rance Howard’s life was undeniable. Though Hollywood has seen many great actors come and go, Griffith’s legacy endures through the timeless quality of The Andy Griffith Show and the relationships he built. His impact on Ron and Rance Howard was immeasurable, shaping not only Ron’s early career but also leaving an indelible mark on Rance’s life.
Even after Griffith’s passing, Rance continued to honor his memory. He often spoke about the lessons he learned from his late friend, sharing stories of Griffith’s generosity, humor, and wisdom. To Rance, Griffith wasn’t just a co-star or a Hollywood legend—he was family.
While Rance Howard himself passed away in 2017, his words about Griffith remain a powerful tribute to a friendship that stood the test of time. Griffith may be gone, but the warmth and wisdom he brought to the world continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him best.
