Bryce Dallas Howard "wasn't allowed" to act during her childhood.
Bryce Dallas Howard was discouraged from acting as a child
The 42-year-old movie star - who is the daughter of filmmaker Ron Howard and writer Cheryl Howard - has revealed that she was actually banned from acting during her younger years.
The 'Argylle' star told PEOPLE: "I think if I had the chance to act younger, I would've taken it. But I wasn't allowed to.
"My parents were very firm on that boundary, that they were not going to support anyone who wanted to be a child actor."
By contrast, Bryce's parents were keen for her to find experience in other industries.
She shared: "I started working as a waitress on the weekends at a deli, and it was fantastic. Because I was 14, I needed to get a waiver from my parents to be on a payroll, and honestly, I was like, 'This is great.'"
Bryce worked in various roles before she moved into the movie industry.
And on reflection, Bryce appreciates that her parents gave her such a well-rounded experience.
She said: "I'm really glad that they did that because when I did start acting, it took a while to make a living. To be able to be like, 'Oh, okay. I can actually support myself with this.'"
Ron Howard has enjoyed huge success during the course of his career, starring in TV shows such as 'Happy Days' and 'The Andy Griffith Show', while he's also directed a string of hit movies - including 'Apollo 13' and 'A Beautiful Mind' - over recent decades.
Bryce now appreciates being able to lean on her dad for some professional support.
She said: "It's so wonderful to get to be in an industry with family members, for me at least, because I'm not alone in it."
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