Television

Howard had a number of notable guest appearances on television shows during the 1960s and early 1970s: The Flying Nun (1967), I Dream of Jeannie (1968), Star Trek ‘’Day of the Dove’’ (1968), Bonanza (1969), Mannix (1969), Mission: Impossible (1972), and Columbo (1972).^[8] She played the first female Klingon ("Mara") on the original Star Trek series and the only one to ever speak.^[10]

In 1973, she appeared as Evan Sands on Lorne Greene's series Griff in the episode "Who Framed Billy the Kid?", with Nick Nolte as Billy Randolph.

In 1974, Howard was cast as the co-star of the series Petrocelli.^[11]: 828 Her performance was nominated for both the Golden Globe and Emmy awards.^[12][13] Despite critical acclaim for Howard, the series was cancelled in 1976.^[14]

In 1978, Howard played a key role as Professor Kingsfield's daughter Susan^[11]: 809 in season 1, episode 10 of The Paper Chase. In 1979, she appeared on Dallas as Donna Culver.^[11] The producers of the show liked her performance so much that her guest spot was expanded to an eight-year stint; she has the distinction of being the only Dallas cast member to have written for the series ("Sitting Ducks" and "The Ten Percent Solution"). In 1987, the show decided to not renew her contract. She has blamed this decision on her opposition to what she saw as pro-abortion stories involving her character.^[15]

Politics

Since leaving television, Howard has become an increasingly active supporter of conservative causes, especially for gun rights. In 1989, she was co-host of The 700 Club. Howard has been active in the leadership of both the National Rifle Association and the Texas Republican Party. Howard has served as a commissioner of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts.^[16] She became involved in the NRA after meeting Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre at the 1988 Republican National Convention in New Orleans.^[17]

Film

Television