12-Year-Old Bryce Dallas Howard Had a ‘Really Big Crush’ on Colin Hanks When They Worked Together on Their Dads’ “Apollo 13”

Bryce Dallas Howard Reveals Childhood Crush on Colin Hanks

In a recent interview on the Podcrushed podcast, hosted by Penn Badgley, Nava Kavelin, and Sophie Ansari, Bryce Dallas Howard, 44, shared insights into her teenage years and revealed a childhood crush on Colin Hanks, now 47. As the daughter of renowned director Ron Howard, Bryce’s memories of being 12 years old are closely tied to the filming of “Apollo 13,” a movie directed by her father and starring Tom Hanks, among others.

Reflecting on her time on set as a 12-year-old intern during the filming of “Apollo 13,” Bryce fondly recalled working alongside Colin Hanks, who was a production assistant at the time. She described Colin as hardworking and revealed that she had harboured a crush on him for as long as she could remember. Bryce recounted her admiration for Colin, referring to him as “a man” even at a young age, and shared humorous anecdotes about their time together on set.

Despite her infatuation with Colin, Bryce indicated that she never pursued a romantic relationship with him, citing a personal decision to abstain from dating until she turned 18. She eventually started dating her now-husband, Seth Gabel, at the age of 19, with whom she tied the knot in 2006. Bryce attributed her decision to delay dating to her desire to emulate her mother Cheryl, who she described as authentically herself and a role model in relationships.

Delving further into her teenage experiences, Bryce revealed that she had her first kiss at a performing arts summer camp before high school, which she described as a “lovely scenario.” She noted that the relationship didn’t progress due to the other person’s sexual orientation, highlighting the positive memories she cherished from that experience.

Bryce’s narrative about her youthful crush on Colin Hanks sheds light on her upbringing as the daughter of Hollywood legends and the values instilled in her by her parents. She emphasised the importance of familial bonds and credited her parents’ support for shaping her career choices, which ultimately led her to follow in their footsteps as an actor and director.

The enduring connection between the Howard and Hanks families, as exemplified by collaborations between Ron Howard and Tom Hanks in various film projects, underscores the intertwined histories of these Hollywood dynasties. Bryce and Colin’s careers have also mirrored their fathers’, with both carving out successful paths in the entertainment industry while navigating the expectations set by their heritage.

As Bryce Dallas Howard continues to make her mark in Hollywood and share glimpses of her personal life, her candid revelations about childhood crushes and formative experiences offer fans a deeper understanding of the woman behind the on-screen personas. Her journey from a star-struck intern on the set of “Apollo 13” to a respected figure in the film industry serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, authenticity, and the enduring power of youthful infatuations.