Fred Howard
Actor
About Fred Howard
Fred Howard was an American actor who had a brief career in Hollywood during the early sound era. His only known film appearance was in the 1932 drama 'Rain,' directed by Lewis Milestone and starring Joan Crawford and Walter Huston. Like many actors of his era, Howard likely began his career during the transition from silent films to talkies, a period that created both opportunities and challenges for performers. His role in 'Rain' would have been during a pivotal time in cinema history when studios were rapidly adapting to new technologies and storytelling techniques. Unfortunately, Howard's film career appears to have been extremely brief, with no other documented film credits beyond this single appearance in 1932. This pattern was not uncommon for actors who struggled to establish themselves during the competitive early years of sound cinema.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the 1932 film 'Rain' directed by Lewis Milestone
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Fred Howard's cultural impact was minimal due to his extremely brief film career, consisting of only one known appearance in 'Rain' (1932). Like many actors of his era who had only fleeting roles, he represents the thousands of performers who contributed to early Hollywood cinema but whose names have been largely lost to film history. His appearance in a significant film like 'Rain,' however, means he was part of an important production during the transition to sound cinema, even if his specific role was minor.
Lasting Legacy
Fred Howard's legacy is primarily that of a representative example of the many anonymous actors who populated early Hollywood films. His single documented appearance in 'Rain' (1932) places him within the context of cinema history, though his individual contribution was small. He serves as a reminder of the vast number of performers who attempted to build careers during the challenging early sound era but did not achieve lasting recognition.
Who They Inspired
Due to his brief career and limited filmography, Fred Howard does not appear to have had a significant influence on other actors or filmmakers. His career was too short to establish any lasting impact on the craft of acting or to mentor or inspire subsequent generations of performers.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Fred Howard's personal life, which was typical for many bit players and supporting actors of the early 1930s who did not achieve lasting fame.
Did You Know?
- Fred Howard's entire known film career consists of a single year - 1932
- His only documented film appearance was in 'Rain' (1932), which starred Joan Crawford
- The film 'Rain' was based on a play by W. Somerset Maugham
- Howard appeared in the film during the early sound era, a challenging transition period for many actors
- Like many bit players of the era, virtually no biographical information about him survives
- His career represents the typical trajectory of many actors who appeared in only one or two films during Hollywood's golden age
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Fred Howard?
Fred Howard was an American actor who had a very brief career in early Hollywood, known only for his appearance in the 1932 film 'Rain' starring Joan Crawford and Walter Huston.
What films is Fred Howard best known for?
Fred Howard is only known for one film appearance - 'Rain' (1932), a drama directed by Lewis Milestone based on a Somerset Maugham play.
When was Fred Howard active in films?
Fred Howard was only active in 1932, with his entire documented film career consisting of that single year.
What was significant about the film 'Rain'?
'Rain' (1932) was a significant early sound film starring Joan Crawford in one of her early dramatic roles, directed by Lewis Milestone and based on a controversial play by W. Somerset Maugham.
Why is so little known about Fred Howard?
Very little is known about Fred Howard because he had an extremely brief career as a bit player or extra in early Hollywood, a common fate for many actors who didn't achieve lasting fame during the studio era.
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Films
1 film
