Ken Howard: Verified Profile Overview
Ken Howard (March 28, 1944 – March 23, 2016) was an American actor with a long career in film, television, and theater, recognized for roles such as basketball coach Jack Reilly on the TV series "The White Shadow." This article provides a practical, sourced summary of his professional background and how his work is represented on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), focusing on verifiable credits and career milestones rather than speculative commentary.
Why IMDB Matters for Understanding Ken Howard’s Career
The Internet Movie Database (IMDB) is widely used to catalog film and television credits, cast details, and crew information. For an actor like Ken Howard, IMDB provides a consolidated record of performances, production roles, and appearances over decades. This section explains how his listed entries map to real career stages and why cross checking with other sources can clarify details such as episode air dates and production timelines.
IMDB as a Reference in Biography and Research
IMDB entries are publicly editable and versioned, which means they can be updated as new information emerges or corrections are verified. For researchers, journalists, and fans, this feature allows a collaborative record, though each change ideally requires a reliable source. When reviewing Ken Howard’s IMDB page, it is useful to consider edit histories, citation requirements, and how the platform distinguishes primary cast from guest or uncredited roles.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenneth Joseph Howard | Birth certificate, obituary |
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1944 | Public records, authoritative biographies |
| Date of Death | March 23, 2016 | Obituary, news reports |
| Known For | The White Shadow, The Killing Floor, The Man Who Would Be King | Film and television databases |
| Primary Role Types | Actor (film, TV, stage) | Production credits |
Key Career Highlights Through Verified Sources
Ken Howard’s career spanned stage, film, and television, with notable performances that established him as a reliable character actor. Early in his work, he appeared in theater productions that honed his skills, followed by roles in significant films and long running television series. Understanding the chronology of these appearances helps contextualize his influence and the scope of his work.
Film Work and Major Roles
Howard’s filmography includes roles in productions such as "The Killing Floor" and the adventure film "The Man Who Would Be King." These appearances demonstrate his range in both dramatic and adventure oriented projects. IMDB lists these contributions alongside release years, directors, and co stars, enabling researchers to track his evolving screen presence.
Television Contributions and Recognition
On television, Howard is perhaps best known for playing Coach Jack Reilly in the series "The White Shadow." The show addressed complex social issues in high school sports and education, contributing to its cultural footprint. His work on this series is documented in IMDB’s episode listings, cast pages, and related production notes.
How IMDB Structures Ken Howard’s Credits
IMDB organizes an actor’s profile into distinct sections, including full filmography, television appearances, self, and video tabs. Each entry typically shows the title, year, role type, and department, which helps clarify whether Ken Howard performed, wrote, or contributed behind the camera. By filtering and reviewing these categories, users can distinguish lead roles from supporting parts and identify patterns in his career choices.
Navigating Filmography and Television Lists
The filmography section is divided into features, shorts, and television, with sort options for popularity, rating, or chronological order. This layout allows viewers to trace his progression from early guest spots to more substantial parts. Understanding how to read these lists makes it easier to differentiate between confirmed credits and rumored or unverified appearances.
Comparing Film and Television Representation
Ken Howard’s work can be broadly categorized into motion pictures and television, each with different production scales and visibility. A balanced overview helps clarify where he concentrated his efforts and how audiences encountered his performances. The following comparison highlights core differences in how his contributions are framed across platforms.
- Film — Often larger budgets, broader distribution, and roles that emphasize distinct characters or brief impactful scenes.
- Television — Typically episodic commitments, longer audience engagement, and recurring roles such as Coach Jack Reilly on "The White Shadow."
- Stage — Live performance work that develops vocal and physical discipline, though less documented in screen databases like IMDB.
- IMDB Entries — Categorized by medium, with separate sections for film and television, enabling clearer searches and analytics.
Common Questions About Ken Howard on IMDB
When reviewing an IMDB profile, users often have practical questions regarding accuracy, detail, and context. Addressing these points helps users interpret the data confidently and avoid misinterpretation of credits or roles.
How Complete Is Ken Howard’s IMDB Page?
IMDB strives for comprehensive listings, but not every performance is captured, especially for stage work or uncredited appearances. His verifiable film and television credits are generally well documented, though users should check citations when reviewing specific details.
Can IMDB Data Change Over Time?
Yes, because entries can be edited and updated, new information may alter how roles are displayed. IMDB includes timestamps on edits, which supports transparency about when changes occurred and why they might be necessary.
What Should Users Watch For When Researching Actor Profiles?
Reliance on a single source can create blind spots. Cross referencing IMDB with studio releases, official biographies, and reputable news articles strengthens accuracy and reduces the risk of repeating errors.
Contextualizing Ken Howard’s Legacy in Acting
Ken Howard’s legacy rests on disciplined performances across multiple media, particularly in television where his work reached consistent audiences. He demonstrated adaptability by moving between genres and production sizes, from intimate stage plays to large scale films. IMDB preserves these contributions in a searchable format, making it easier to study his career trajectory and influence within the industry.
Using IMDB Responsibly for Research
When consulting IMDB for facts about Ken Howard, it is important to verify high impact details through multiple reputable sources. Elements such as birth and death dates, major roles, and union affiliations are generally well corroborated, while minor casting notes may require further confirmation. This approach supports a balanced, evidence based understanding of his professional history.
Summary and Practical Takeaways
Ken Howard was a dedicated actor whose career encompassed film, television, and theater, with a notable presence in TV series and cinema from the 1970s through the 2000s. His IMDB profile provides a structured view of his credits, though users should supplement it with authoritative references for full context. By combining database research with reliable secondary sources, readers can accurately assess his contributions to entertainment.