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Why Ron Howard’s ‘Nice’ Reputation Is So Fitting (Guest Column)


Film critic Janet Maslin reexamines Ron Howard's body of work, and his 'nice' reputation in Hollywood.

However prominent he was — as a principal star of “American Graffiti” in 1973, top-billed “Happy Days” actor the next year and then as a director debuting with “Night Shift” in 1977 — we could take him lightly. His “Hillbilly Elegy” ran into flak for J. D. Vance-related reasons, but he intended it as a testament to people struggling to rise above their family situations — with a performance by Glenn Close that should have been prizewinning. Ron Howard is receiving Variety’s Profile in Excellence Award May 16 at the Cannes Film Festival, where his documentary “Idea Man” will screen.

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