Ron Howard on charming Bette Davis, calming Jim Carrey

Famed Hollywood director Ron Howard serves up memorable moments on set with illustrious actors, including how he eventually won over a skeptical Bette Davis, tactics to calm Jim Carrey amidst panic attacks and lessons learned from a highly-prepared Robert De Niro, who went above and beyond to research his character for “Backdraft.”
#Hollywood #FilmDirector #Acting
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2023.
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[@noormohamad1]

I could listen to Ron all day. He is a great storyteller.

[@questfortruth665]

This guy has spent his entire life working on films! He certainly knows his craft, inside and out!

[@frankvigilante3423]

I grew up watching Ron Howard on The Andy Griffith show and Happy Days.This guy is really amazing.He is truly a gem that grew up in my generation and has entertained me since I was a child.From acting to directing this guy is a treasure we have enjoyed for decades

[@krisley5178]

I have never seen a bad Ron Howard film. The man knock it outta the park. Every time. 👍👍

[@luisrizo8813]

Matt Goldberg is like...

[@garyowen9044]

Far and Away was a stinker.

[@Brinta3]

@@garyowen9044 Yeah, but as long as she hasn’t seen it… Likewise, I can honestly say that I’ve never seen a bad Lindsay Lohan film.

[@JoeBuck207]

Most of his films are forgettable.

[@georgegraham9822]

@@JoeBuck207 Yeah, you're right. Splash, Willow, Cocoon, Backdraft, Parenthood, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, The Grinch, Frost/Nixon, Rush, Solo, The Da Vinci Code... I don't really remember any of his movies.

[@OTseven]

What a pleasure this was. Hearing a REAL communication about Bette Davis and what it was like to direct such an icon from a different Era.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Ron Howard ... one of the most real, and likeable, men in Hollywood. He’s been in the business for most of his life, and has proven to be an excellent director, if not an auteur. I’ve nothing but respect for him. Thanks for making this interview available.

[@Trinket985]

I love him. Such a talented and really good person. What if everyone was like him? What an awesome world we would live in.

[@michaelhungate7506]

That boy was raised right!

[@eveb446]

Ron you should do a Documentary and write a book about all of the people you have worked with, such as Bette Davis, John Wayne, Jim Carey etc. It will be a best seller.

[@jayceewriter7826]

Man oh man these interviews w RH are absolutely staggering. Thank you for giving us the in depth RH we didn’t know we needed but damn well do

[@GrahamBensinger]

Thanks for watching!

[@OttoByOgraffey]

Ron Howard is an amazing person, and a wonderful human being. Love him so much.

[@gypsyknight9564]

This guy is great....I mean great......what a wonderful person to watch just being himself..so .open and honest....and so very rich in stories about this industry called....movie making. I could listen to him all day...and night.

[@rodalm1694]

Very interesting and entertaining. Absolutely a shame the Don Knotts stuff wasn't caught on film, sales for the DVD would have doubled just for that outtake.

[@GummyBearWA]

One of my first acting teachers told me that reflection was better than any other method of creating a character. I found the most real and relatable characters I created were all created with elements of real people. I was never more than 10% me in any character I played.

[@lonewulf44]

As a total fan of Don Knotts I love that story about Jim and Don on set. What a great thing Ron did.

[@janegoodwin1823]

Ron, you are probably the best director of all times. Don't underestimate yourself.

[@johnmiller5679]

And Ron to me you are every bit as good as Wilder

[@streetphone4619]

He speaks with such humility but for me he is one of the best directors ever. I remember watching the end of Apollo 13 for the first time, knowing that the astronauts survived, and yet still feeling that gripping tension that maybe they wouldn't. In other words he made a predictable ending suspenseful.

[@tweak991]

I always go back to this aspect of the film. Every single time, YOU KNOW the outcome, yet it still has tension and makes you think "maybe this time they don't make it".

[@travisinthetrunk]

He’s a true actors director.

[@01maggie]

Great Director...makes very humanistic , heart tugging films...these are the gems of movie making and why we love the movies. ❤

[@caroldevitt1156]

I just love Ron Howard. Such a wonderful person. I think both of his dad’s molded him into this great person😉

[@TheAzmountaineer]

Don't care much for Jim Carrey, but if he's a Don Knotts fan, he can't be all bad.

[@brianf481]

Well, you should JC is one of the best!

[@shilowaters6082]

Great video!..That Bette Davis story was cute. She seems like she was pretty out there

[@RaymondHng]

That story is so Bette Davis.

[@newwavepop]

i envy Ron, i cannot imagine what it would be like getting to grow up around those amazing character actors from the Andy Griffith show i would absolutely lose my mind had i got to meet Don Knotts. i dont remember the exact year but back sometime between around 78-81when i was about 8 give or take a year my father was working at a Truck Stop in Oklahoma slightly outside of the city just far enough that there was nothing else around but the highway going past it. George "Goober" Lindsey had a sponsorship with some automotive product like a brand of motor oil or anti freeze or something and was going to do an appearance at the Truck Stop, so my father took me into work with him that day which is something he did fairly regularly in summer when school was out and i would just run around loose playing around the truck stop, the kind of thing parents would never let ids do today. and when George showed up there were some local tv stations and radio there to get short clips with him and a few truckers stopping by to get autographs but i was the only child there, George saw me and asked me to come sit with him and he talked to me and hung out with me the whole time while people got autographs and he did little interviews with the local media. he was SO genuinely sweet and sincere and just radiated wholesome kindness and charisma, now at 50 years old i still always look back at that and remember a wonderful person he was in just that short amount if time i knew him.

[@williamworrell178]

What a great interview. Great stories, very well told.

[@pab1381]

I wish I was about 10 years older when they made Backdraft. They filmed a part in my friends house. The part where DeNiro gets impaled after fighting the arsonist in the house. I can’t tell you how many times I was at that house as a kid. Played the first “Max Payne” game for hours there. Would’ve been so cool to of witnessed them shooting.

[@markfrost2707]

Also a GREAT child actor. I usually cant STAND bad kid acting on shows but he could really do little oscar esque scenes as opie. And when he became like an adolescent on the show he could do that comedic DRY humor timed right along with his Dad. Opie could carry the show sometimes.....gotta be the best TV show kid actor in history.

[@michaelbuddy]

so confusing that the beginning is his brother Rob, who I often like even more. I thought, how did this video title get screwed up?

[@tessdean2523]

an ethical man in the unethical world of hollywood

[@justayoutuber1906]

The Jim Carrey Grinch suit might have been difficult, but Jim was making about $130,000 a day wearing it.

[@solarnaut]

Well Done ! "Ron; Bette; Jim" ... 8 minutes ... okay, Ummm, has Ron really grown to look that much like his brother ... Oh, it IS his brother ... oh this is just the prologue ... Ron... Bette ... Jim .. (Ummm, is this really just 8 minutes ?) ... Don! ... Robert ! Wow, that's a lot in 8 ... Bravo ! B-)

[@cliffhigson7581]

Skyward is on KZbin & a pretty good movie.

[@AndrewBlacker-wr2ve]

Ron Howard said, "It was 100 degrees at 7 a.m., in the morning." I hear people say something like this frequently. I just shake my head and wonder. Is there a 7 a.m. at night? Do they not know p.m. exists to indicate post meridian? Whyyyyyy?

[@garywagner2466]

Yeah, that’s a life threatening statement for sure. Glad you have such important insight.

[@will-i-am-not]

The things done to charm egos, and that's all it is, massively overpaid egos

[@jeffkeenan5059]

Clint Howard looks homeless

[@DanJackson1977]

Yet he could buy and sell us 100 times over.

[@Chertoff88]

I don't understand the arrogance of actors, you make pretend that's literally it. You're not running into a burning building or shooting it out with some scumbag trying to kill school kids or kneeling in the pavement trying to put a broken person back together, they have no reason to be so arrogant and yet they are the pinnacle of it

[@wildforthecats661]

Major egos.

[@pab1381]

I’m a huge film buff but I don’t think they should be getting the big paychecks. Give it to police, EMS, or nurses.

[@nemo227]

Dang. Wouldn't we all have liked to be on Ron Howard's set?

[@pab1381]

He filmed Backdraft in my friends house. The one where DeNiro gets impaled after they fight the arsonist. It’s in Hinsdale. I wish I was born ten years earlier cuz they I would’ve been old enough to be there lol

[@michaelhungate7506]

That Betty Davis story certainly sounds true. Ive watched several of her interviews, including on Johnny Carson. She spoke her mind and was the ultra professional person at "work".

[@MPB059]

Hands down one of the greatest filmmakers in history! Backdraft, Apollo 13, parenthood, splash, gung Ho, Ransom and A beautiful mind are masterpieces.

[@markdaly1648]

John forbes Nash jnrs wife did not like the movie. In her memoir she stated that He was not nice person. And the marriage was an abusive. Ron Howard and Brian grazer took huge artistic licence when telling John nashs story.

[@zoe5213]

watch 13 Lives! great

[@daveg4236]

@@markdaly1648 he said she said

[@pamelar5868]

Do we want to see a good movie or an accurate blow by blow documentary? The age old dilemma of filmmakers, I imagine.

[@annalisavajda252]

​@@markdaly1648 They took some liberties with Cinderella man too I hear Baers family didn't like him portrayed as such a brut either but he did kill in the ring he would have been intimidating.

[@johnmiller5679]

One of the only child actors we can say truly made in into adulthood on top. Jodie Foster would be another. Never drug or alcohol problems. I think they both had good parents who guided them well. Kurt Russell is another one.

[@markmed9091]

So , not one , three ? Maybe even more ?

[@elizabethharttley4073]

Clint had definite drug/alcohol issues. He also had the network to assist his climb back from the bottom.

[@java4653]

LOL. He's in the news BECAUSE he had/has so many mental issues Ron had to step in. Dude went Q Traitor + Trump crazy during all that.

[@jonhammer7109]

Well you said it before I could.yep .of the few I put up with foster and say...Kurt Russell. Who took it much further in excellence. My mother ..a child star. Could not.

[@kforest2745]

Clear minds you mean. Although I’d have to hear them talk more than movies.

[@TTM9691]

Dude, I'm going through a lot of these Ron Howard clips, you did a fantastic interview with him. I got CHILLS at the end of that Bette Davis story. The De Niro stuff at the end of this. William Wyler. I was watching the other videos, he's talking about McCartney, John Wayne, Lucas, et al. VERY well done interview. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@joshua.snyder]

Great discussion, Graham! Ron is tremendous, and man is he becoming Rance.

[@GrahamBensinger]

So glad you enjoyed! - DF

[@amywantland5359]

This Man is a Genius. Love him.

[@alex2980]

What a nice guy.

[@onamattapeeya]

Clint Howard did a very good job as a guest star on Star Trek,

[@mmaranta785]

I remember that

[@GazAce]

Wow! Ron Howard directing Bette Davis what the.. ??

[@martyc2637]

What a wonderful talent. Parenthood is one of my favorite movies. The Jason Robards/ Steve Martin scene at the little league game was really powerful. Those are the ones that make him a great director.

[@bartbutkis]

Damn! Ron Howard really knows his craft and how to connect with relationships.

[@robr1656]

This whole interview is very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for this.

[@cannabutter7114]

What an awesome story about Ms Davis!!

[@medusagorgon8432]

I didn't know that Jim was so miserable during the filming of the Grinch. That character is one of my favorites as he did such a phenomenal job. I never would have guessed that he was in such misery. That was very kind what Ron did for him.

[@rgrndu]

Jim said in an interview the hours it took in makeup were horrible. He had someone read to him to calm his nerves.

[@crazyman8472]

Plus the producer, Brian Grazer, hired a guy who was trained to teach CIA agents how to endure torture. 😵‍💫

[@irisfryer6531]

Good to hear Ron talk about Bette. Anson Williams in his book had nothing good to say about her.

[@bridgetwilliams2926]

I can't begin to thank you enough for this interview. I love Ron Howard, he is so authentic and charming and talented! I could listen to him for hours! Thank you again!

[@johnheart6890]

A great man!

[@Querencia7779]

The movie needs to be made about Ron Howard.

[@willie8229]

I've watched a few of these Graham Bensinger interview series on Ron Howard. You can tell Graham has done his homework by the way he briefly asks a question and getting any person to comfortably talk. Great series....Keep up the good work! 👍

[@benjiespinosa4703]

I would’ve told Jim Carry to ask Andy Kaufman for help “yeah, you can contact him and channel him right? Why don’t you ask him to give ya an extra hand” 🤣

[@squid148]

Don Knox. One of my favorite talents. So many from that era.

[@fritobuggers834]

Knott's not Knox. 🤩

[@DollyPardonMe701]

@@fritobuggers834Knotts, not Knott’s!

[@AlreadyShort]

davis was a wacko

[@jimmyfaherty8588]

what an amazing interview! I realize what a great director Ron is. thanks for posting

[@opryman1]

So great and humble. You are, Ronnie, in the Ultra-Elite.

[@shepshape2585]

Tarantino, Scorsese, Howard, Kubrick, Hitchcock, Coppola, Lucas, Spielberg. My Mt Rushmore of directors. I know it's a little crowded, and I'm leaving out some amazing talent, but these are my favorites. And John Williams could score every movie I ever see and I'd be happy.

[@JimB16]

Great interview! You interviewees obviously feel very comfortable with you and sharing their experiences and insights. You could have been an excellent Psychologist... 🙂

[@MTknitter22]

Bette was a character, what a fun story!

[@truthof7382]

My favorite movie, Backdraft. “You go, we go”.

[@Jagabot_Esq.]

Ron has absolutely turned out to be another Wyler. His movies are far more enjoyable and every bit as well done. Sure, he "only" has two Acadamy awards to Wyler's four (and he should have got one, or at least been nominated for Apollo 13 by the entirely corrupt organization), but, for me, his movies are better. If I see that a movie is one of Ron Howard's, I *know* it's going to be great, Speilburg is the only other director that I can honestly say the same about.

[@kenlompart9905]

Great stories, I love hearing Ron Howard talk, Henry Winkler has some great stories also.

[@knuckletherapyserveothersf6092]

Great director

[@Procharged32]

What a great person, Honesty shines.

[@bluetomato8698]

Love hearing Ron Howard’s stories so much🙂

[@Julieglam3]

I give him props for putting up with and having patience with Bette Davis. Her ego was so off the charts that for some working with her was exasperating, for others near impossible. But as a director, that's just part of the job.

[@ShesInLosAngeles]

As a 4th generation Angeleno, I chuckle each time I hear these people complain about LA. The rest of us … 99% … are everyday people making our way through life outside of the entertainment industry… cleaning their homes, providing banking services etc. Heck, my first job as a teenager was working on a dairy farm not 15 miles from “Hollywood “. Give me a break.

[@clarabellcutting8745]

Ron Howard is very talented

[@robyntattersall236]

I’m so enthralled with this interview. Thank you ❤️

[@italjahcorntrashroller]

Mr. Howard ur brother is 1 of my fav niche actors, plz let him know.

[@fistyann8434]

How lucky to have grown up with Ron Howard’s many masterful works. Willow is my heart, still.

[@Warmfireandtea]

That Rover ad is the cutest ever. Don't trust them tho. They take anybody--- Never interview u. Don't even call . Only use if u know the sitter . Ibsigned up. Only got 2 takers .

[@Flap999]

I have to wonder, given the Durham report, is he going to apologize for making the campaign video with Andy pushing Barack Obama on America? I remember him saying American needs Barack Obama. Turns out not so much.

[@TruthInspector]

When you treat your own mother like craP, youre not a good guy. Unless you are behind doors with these people, then you until then you dont know them. Until then you aRe only guessing bc its all circus and bread. Its all theater

[@rocknrollermann]

it's the EDITOR. THEY really make the movie, literally!

[@ralphculley4650]

Ron Howard great Artists

[@rickspivey3410]

That's Ron's little brother Clint in the beginning. He is in now all Ron Howard's movies.

[@fredlettuce7962]

Stay out of their way, but do your job. Great advice for any supervisor

[@stevemoore9509]

OH WOW RON THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS GREAT STORY WITH US. BETTY IS A LEGEND AND YOUR A FANTASTIC DIRECTOR. LIKE TO MEET YOU SOME DAY.

[@sandman93449dm]

This man learned at the feet of the masters..there is nobody like Ron.

[@paulfleming4710]

He lived it...experience is NOT replaceable

[@wgv929]

Bette Davis didn’t deserve Ron’s admiration nor his patience. He should have fired her.

[@cleopatra308]

I had no idea Clint Howard was in RUNDMC

[@loopy7776]

How weird is it to watch Opie grow old?

[@michaelgarbett4088]

never knew they were brothers!

[@roberturibe3150]

No thank you leon

[@scottmactavish9716]

William Wyler has nothing on Ron Howard. I'd put Apollo 13 up against Ben Hur or The Best Years of Our Lives anytime! Cocoon came out when I was managing a movies theater, and I'm sure I watched it 10 times.

[@timbrown8038]

Clint is still the only one to ever be on The Original Star Trek. He also worked with a guy from my hometown Dennis Weaver. Great cameo in one of my favorite films by Ron Howard Night Shift.

[@bobmorr2892]

Hey I really liked the movie Solo. Plus many of the other great movies made by Ron Howard.

[@janjohnson6414]

So interesting! And what a great interviewer, to ask a question and actually let the celebrity answer without interruption! That is rare in my book.

[@RedStarRogue]

I still remember him in Austin Powers reporting that the Big Boy is gone lol.

[@dorothyleach]

Ron is such a great storyteller! I could listen to him for hours.

[@rgrndu]

Loving these clips Mr. Bensinger.

[@jamesfontes9292]

Forget Opie. How about the Duke !

[@andrewb4984]

Jesus christ, this man is brilliant.

[@writeonbetty7835]

*This man is a true American Treasure*