Hollywood can be a devastatingly nepotistic workplace. For young actors and creators trying to break in, it must seem like you have to already know someone. Auditions are filled with Culkins and Skarsgårds and Coppola descendants.

But, here's the thing, that's not always bad. There are plenty of great examples of talented families that needn't rely on their surname for jobs. That's the case with the Howard family. Ron Howard is the highest-profile of the clan. He started his career as a child actor, starring in projects like The Music Man, and The Andy Griffith Show. As he grew up, Howard headlined the cast of Happy Days as Richie Cunningham, before pivoting behind the camera. He then had a great career as a director.

Alongside Ron was his brother Clint, who guest-starred in shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Star Trek. As Clint got older, he became a B-movie icon, starring in plenty of lower- to mid-budget movies, cementing his place in Hollywood history.

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But did you know the Howard brothers' parents also acted? They most notably appeared in the son Ron's movies. But, for one 1975 TV movie, the entire family appeared together alongside another familiar face.

A 21-year-old Ron starred as the titular character in a televised Huckleberry Finn adaptation. Along with Ron, Clint portrayed Arch, a young boy who lends Huck Finn a mule. Father Rance played Pap Finn, and Mom Jean appeared as the Widow Douglas.

In a Tampa Bay Times article from that same year, Ron spoke about the family affair.

"When I was young, my father worked with me in preparation for an acting career. That's all I ever knew or really wanted. Now, it's sort of a tribute to him — actually to my mom as well. The show is a document to our faith in each other's ability."

Howard admitted to self-consciousness around his family on set, "but it faded the moment the cameras started to grind."

Here's a little bonus trivia item: The movie also starred Donny Most, who starred alongside Ron Howard as Ralph Malph on Happy Days.

Do you remember the 1975 Huckleberry Finn television film? Let us know in the comments section below!

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