Bryce Dallas Howard was born into a Hollywood legacy, being the daughter of renowned director Ron Howard. While this familial connection initially provided her with opportunities, her exceptional performances in film and television have demonstrated that she possesses significant talent independent of her surname. Bryce’s acting journey began at the tender age of 8, making an early appearance in her father’s 1989 comedy, Fatherhood, followed by non-speaking roles in notable films such as Apollo 13 and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Inspired by her experiences on set, Bryce Dallas Howard gradually expanded her career beyond family projects by 2004, carving a niche for herself in the industry. As her career evolved, she not only starred in substantial supporting roles but also began showcasing her directorial skills, especially in the 2020s. Today, Howard is well-known for her involvement in major franchises while also embracing captivating smaller projects.
10 Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen Stacy
Howard’s foray into major intellectual properties began with Spider-Man 3, the concluding chapter of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. Despite receiving mixed reviews, it offered Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker a final adventure. In this film, she portrayed Gwen Stacy, a pivotal character from the comics, introduced as a contrast to Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst).
Despite the character being somewhat underdeveloped, Howard skillfully imbued Gwen with warmth and sweetness. She subtly highlighted Gwen’s affection for Peter without jeopardizing his relationship with Mary Jane. Even within the constraints of her role, Howard’s performance left a lasting impression.
9 Lady In The Water (2006)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Story
In Lady in the Water, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Howard portrayed Story, a water nymph discovered by a Philadelphia apartment superintendent, played by Paul Giamatti. Although the film was divisive among critics, Howard’s ethereal performance stood out as a highlight. She successfully captured Story’s innocence and vulnerability, making the fantastical storyline more engaging.
8 Jurassic World (2015)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing
Stepping into the blockbuster genre, Bryce Dallas Howard made a powerful impact in Jurassic World, a reboot of the beloved Jurassic Park franchise. Portraying Claire Dearing, the park’s operations manager, Howard delivered a strong performance, transitioning from a seemingly cold executive to a formidable action heroine when chaos unfolds due to a dinosaur escape.
7 Rocketman (2019)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Dwight
In the biopic Rocketman, Howard showcased her range by playing Sheila Dwight, Elton John’s mother. Rather than portraying a nurturing figure, Howard presented Sheila as emotionally distant, which dramatically shaped Young Elton’s turbulent childhood. Her raw and honest portrayal added depth to the character, making it one of her most compelling performances.
6 50/50 (2011)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Rachael
In 50/50, Howard took on the role of Rachael, a character who grapples with being supportive during her boyfriend Adam’s battle with cancer. While her character is not deeply fleshed out, Howard’s nuanced performance revealed the complexity of someone overwhelmed by the demands of an unexpected situation. Her portrayal made Rachael relatable in her struggles, avoiding the stereotype of the unsupportive partner.
5 Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Grace Meacham
Howard starred in Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, a charming reimagining of the classic tale. Her character, Grace, a kind-hearted park ranger, serves as a nurturing presence for young Pete. This role showcased Howard’s ability to blend humor with seriousness, making her a perfect fit in this whimsical yet heartfelt narrative.
4 The Village (2004)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Ivy Elizabeth Walker
In The Village, another collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan, Howard’s striking performance as Ivy Walker marked a pivotal point in her career. She masterfully conveyed the character’s strength despite her blindness, capturing Ivy’s fearlessness in confronting the lurking dangers of her insular community.
3 As You Like It (2006)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Rosalind
Howard starred in Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, portraying the lead role of Rosalind. Set in post-Meiji Restoration Japan, Howard’s performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination, showcasing her ability to navigate complex characters while embodying both vulnerability and determination.
2 Black Mirror (2011-Present)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Lacie Pound (1 Episode, 2016)
In the acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror, Howard starred in the episode “Nosedive”, portraying Lacie Pound in a dystopian society obsessed with social media rankings. Her character’s journey from seeking approval to self-acceptance was both poignant and telling, underscoring Howard’s ability to handle emotionally charged narratives. This performance garnered her a Screen Actors Guild nomination, further cementing her status as a versatile actress.
1 The Help (2011)
Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly Holbrook
In The Help, Howard portrayed Hilly Holbrook, a racist and authoritative figure during the Civil Rights Movement. Her performance deftly balanced the film’s more sentimental aspects, showcasing her character’s odious nature with ferocity. This role marked a defining moment in her career, revealing Howard’s capacity to embody complex, sometimes unpleasant characters realistically and compellingly.