Musical Artist - Howard, Ken

Howard as Thomas Jefferson in 1776

Ken Howard was an American actor best known for his role as the titular character in the television series The White Shadow.

Howard was born in California, but grew up in New York. At six foot six inches tall, he gravitated to basketball. While in high school, he was the only white starter on the Manhasset High school basketball team - the local press dubbed him "the White Shadow" during this time period. He turned down several basketball scholarship offers from a variety of colleges and opted for a more academic experience, attending Amherst College (although he did captain the basketball team while he was there).

After Howard graduated from Amherst, his first Broadway role was in the 1968 play Promises, Promises, and he soon had roles in productions such as Child's Play, 1776, and Seesaw, winning a Tony award for his performance in Child's Play. Howard also had a successful television career, appearing as a regular in The White Shadow, Manhunter, and Adam's Rib. He also guest starred on numerous shows including The West Wing, Crossing Jordan, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Office, and 30 Rock.

Although he didn't have as many roles on the big screen, Howard appeared in a number of films over the course of his career. In addition to his appearance as Thomas Jefferson in the film adaptation of 1776, Howard also appeared in movies such as Clear and Present Danger, The Net, Oscar, and Rambo.

Musical Monday Selections:

07/04/16: The Egg (with Howard Da Silva and William Daniels)

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