C. Thomas Howell

C. Thomas Howell – Life, Career, and Memorable Insights

Explore the life and career of C. Thomas Howell (born December 7, 1966)—from The Outsiders breakout to decades of acting and directing. Learn about his journey, challenges, philosophy, and notable quotes.

Introduction

Christopher Thomas Howell—better known as C. Thomas Howell—is an American actor and director whose career spans over four decades. Rising to fame as a teenager with roles in The Outsiders and Red Dawn, he has continually reinvented himself, working in film, television, and voice acting. His journey reflects both the promise and perils of child stardom, adaptability in a tough industry, and persistence in pursuing creative fulfillment.

Early Life and Family

C. Thomas Howell was born on December 7, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, specifically in the Van Nuys neighborhood.

His father worked as a stunt coordinator and rodeo performer, giving young Thomas early exposure to action, risk, and the behind-the-scenes world of film stunts.

Howell attended Saugus High School, graduating in 1984.

Career and Achievements

Early Breakthroughs

Howell’s first credited film role was in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), where he had a small supporting part. 1983 with The Outsiders, playing the lead role Ponyboy Curtis. That film, adapted from S. E. Hinton’s novel, became a cult classic and helped launch his career.

After The Outsiders, Howell starred in a series of youth-oriented or action films through the 1980s, including:

• Tank (1984)

• Grandview, U.S.A. (1984)

• Red Dawn (1984)

• Secret Admirer (1985)

• The Hitcher (1986) — this film became important to him as a turning point toward more mature roles.

The film Soul Man (1986), in which Howell wore blackface as part of its controversial plot, marked one of the more problematic choices in his early career. While commercially noticed, it affected his trajectory as a mainstream leading man.

Transition & Later Work

In the 1990s and beyond, Howell diversified into:

• Television roles, e.g. Kindred: The Embraced (1996)

• Historical dramas, such as Gettysburg (1993) portraying Lt. Thomas Chamberlain

• Supporting roles in films like The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

• Voice acting, for example in animated films like Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

• Recurring television roles, e.g. as Dewey Dudek on Southland (2009–2013)

He also continues to act in direct-to-video and independent films, and in recent years has appeared in newer series and films, showing his ability to adapt across genres and media.

Challenges & Reinvention

Howell has spoken about the difficulties transitioning from a child or teen actor into adult roles. He described being “lost in a no man’s land” trying to find his identity both as a person and performer.

Over time, Howell has embraced acting, directing, and voice work as parts of a long career rather than relying solely on leading roles or blockbuster fame.

Legacy and Influence

• As Ponyboy Curtis, Howell became part of a cinematic ensemble whose cast included future stars like Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, and Patrick Swayze. The Outsiders remains a cultural touchstone for coming-of-age films.

• His long career demonstrates resilience: many child or early actors fade, but Howell persisted, moving into supporting roles, television, and voice acting.

• His reflections and interviews about the craft, role choices, and the pressures of Hollywood provide insight for aspiring actors who face similar transitions.

• While he may never have recaptured the star status of his youth, his body of work is varied and sustained, showing dedication to acting as a lifelong vocation rather than a momentary peak.

Personality, Style & Philosophy

From his quotes and interviews, some traits emerge:

• Pragmatism & humility: He doesn’t glamorize his past roles blindly—he acknowledges missteps and the learning curve.

• Reflective approach: He thinks about role selection, career arcs, and the transition between phases.

• Respect for craft: He has expressed belief that actors who spend time observing sets and roles can become good directors, because they understand how things work in practice.

• Grounded attitude: He has said he wasn’t a child who dreamed relentlessly of Hollywood stardom—his approach was more organic and evolving.

Notable Quotes

Here are some representative remarks by C. Thomas Howell:

“Going from a child actor to an adult actor is not an easy thing, and I was sort of lost in a no man’s land for a while, trying to figure out who I was as a person...” “I wasn’t one of those kids who was chasing the dream … I never felt like that.” “I feel like actors, having spent a lot of time on movie sets, tend to make decent directors … they’ve seen it done right, they’ve seen it done wrong …” “My father got a phone call to bring me in to meet with Spielberg … they knew I was a physical kid, … I could do all the bicycle riding.” “My dad’s a very shrewd, clever guy.”

These quotes underscore his awareness of the industry, family influence, and the complexities of growth in a performance career.

Lessons from C. Thomas Howell’s Journey

1. Perseverance matters. A long career in a fickle industry often means adapting roles and expectations rather than waiting for a permanent peak.

2. Accept growth phases. Transitioning from youth success to mature artistry often involves periods of uncertainty and recalibration.

3. Observe deeply. Learning by watching what works—and what doesn't—can lead to more nuanced decision-making as an actor or director.

4. Don’t be defined by early fame. Early roles can open doors, but one’s identity and longevity depend on continual reinvention.

5. Be candid about missteps. Reflecting publicly on misjudgments or difficult periods helps demystify the craft for others following similar paths.

Conclusion

C. Thomas Howell’s career is not a straight path of unbroken ascent—but it is one of survival, reinvention, and commitment. From youthful stardom in The Outsiders to steady work across film, television, and voice acting, he embodies a kind of industrious resilience. His reflections on industry pressures, role choices, and identity transitions offer valuable lessons not only for actors but for anyone navigating evolving careers.