Bryce Dallas Howard, known for her roles in blockbuster films like "Jurassic World" and her directing work in the Star Wars universe, has recently opened up about her unique childhood experiences growing up in Hollywood. The daughter of acclaimed actor and director Ron Howard, Bryce's upbringing was far from typical, marked by intense curiosity and a fascination that raised eyebrows.
A Childhood of Intense Curiosity
In a recent interview, Howard revealed that as a child, she had a fixation with death and dying. "I was such a messed-up kid – I would walk around the Disney lot reading about euthanasia," she admitted. This unusual interest prompted her parents to seek guidance from a child psychologist. Howard humorously recalled the therapist asking, "Can we talk about the dead babies? Because Bryce talks a lot about dead babies."
Despite these fixations, Howard emphasizes that she wasn't inherently dark. She described it as an "intensity" to her feelings and a deep curiosity about the stories she encountered. This intense curiosity seems to have fueled her creative pursuits later in life.
Hollywood & Family Support
Growing up in Hollywood, Bryce was also surrounded by celebrities. She reminisced about Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman making her snacks. She is grateful for the unwavering support she received from her parents, Ron and Cheryl Howard, in pursuing her acting career. Ron Howard has previously stated that he initially didn't want Bryce to act as a child to protect her from the potential of unfair comparison, but her passion ultimately prevailed. Bryce always knew that a career in acting was not a matter of life or death and it was something that made her feel very lucky.
Bryce's Latest Directorial Works
Bryce is now a prominent director in the Star Wars television universe, directing multiple episodes of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. She is pushing for more peril and violence on screen. Bryce said it was very important to her that viewers saw the Darksaber slice a body in half on The Mandalorian. She stated that, "in storytelling, peril is powerful."
Bryce Dallas Howard's journey is a testament to embracing individuality and following one's passions, even if they seem unconventional. Her experiences highlight the importance of parental support and the power of storytelling, even when it delves into the darker aspects of life.