Clint Howard Rejects Ron Howard’s Guilt Over His Past Addiction

Ron Howard has reflected on the guilt he still feels over his brother Clint Howard’s past struggle with addiction, while Clint says his brother should not blame himself.

During separate appearances on In Depth with Graham Bensinger in 2023, Ron said he encouraged their parents to give Clint more freedom as a teenager, believing marijuana use was not necessarily a serious problem. Looking back, Ron said he regrets urging them to "back off" at a time when they might have been able to intervene.

Ron described watching Clint's addiction worsen as "heartbreaking" and "terrifying." He said Clint experienced drug-related delusions, legal troubles, and came close to homelessness after unsuccessful stays in rehab. Ron credited their father with helping Clint recover by offering support, supervision, and what he called "tough love" once Clint decided he wanted to change.

Clint rejected Ron's guilt, saying his brother could not have controlled his choices. He recalled Ron warning him that "it's one thing when you use drugs, but it's another thing when drugs start using you," adding that the brothers have always remained close.

Their relationship remains strong today. Speaking to PEOPLE in April 2025, Ron praised Clint as a talented and dependable actor, saying he always enjoys casting his brother because "that's one character I won't have to worry about."