Ron Howard Says He Knew He’d Earned Bette Davis’ Respect When She ‘Slapped Me on My Ass’ on the Set of “Skyward”

Ron Howard Recalls Memorable Encounter with Bette Davis on Set

Renowned filmmaker Ron Howard recently shared an intriguing anecdote about his experience working with the legendary actress Bette Davis. Howard revealed that Davis had an interesting way of showing her respect during the filming of the 1980 TV movie “Skyward”.

In a recent interview with Vulture, Howard recollected his early days in Hollywood and the challenges he faced directing Davis, who was then in her 70s. Despite Howard’s efforts, Davis initially refused to address him by his first name and instead insisted on calling him “Mr. Howard”.

The TV movie “Skyward” revolved around Davis’ character, aerobatic pilot Billie Dupree, and her interactions with a pre-teen girl, portrayed by Suzy Gilstrap, who had paraplegia. Davis, known for her strong opinions, expressed her discontent with Howard’s casting choice for the young girl, but eventually came around to working with Gilstrap.

Howard, eager to win over Davis, went the extra mile by researching her favourite director, William Wyler, and even dressing up in a suit and tie on set to emulate Wyler’s style. He also made sure to arrange for a limousine to pick Davis up from the airport, a gesture that she appreciated.

Despite initial tensions on the set, Howard’s professionalism and dedication to his craft eventually won Davis over. Their working relationship took a positive turn when Davis, upon wrapping up their first day of filming, casually called Howard by his first name and even playfully slapped him on the backside, signaling her approval.

Reflecting on the incident, Howard shared that Davis’ gesture was a pivotal moment that signified her acceptance of him. From that point onwards, Davis began addressing Howard by his first name, marking a significant shift in their dynamic and paving the way for a successful collaboration on the project.

Following his experience with Davis on “Skyward”, Ron Howard went on to establish himself as a prolific director in Hollywood, with a string of successful films to his credit, including “Splash”, “Apollo 13”, “A Beautiful Mind”, and “Frost/Nixon”. The anecdote serves as a fascinating insight into the nuances of working with an iconic figure like Bette Davis and the challenges faced by directors in gaining the respect of seasoned actors.

In conclusion, Ron Howard’s recollection of his encounter with Bette Davis sheds light on the complexities of navigating relationships on a film set and the importance of perseverance and mutual respect in achieving artistic success.