Summary
- C. Thomas Howell shot to stardom in the 1980s with breakout roles in films like The Outsiders, earning praise from critics and solidifying his status as the decade's "It-boy."
- While his post-'80s career didn't reach the same heights, Howell has found steady work in TV shows, from Criminal Minds to The Walking Dead, often playing deranged and unlikable characters.
- In addition to his acting career, Howell has explored his creativity in the music industry under the alias Tommy Howell, releasing his debut country album, American Storyteller, to favorable reviews. He's also set to star in upcoming films, including the Ronald Reagan biopic, Reagan.
Known for his boyish charm and solid acting chops, C. Thomas Howell was a household name during the 1980s, however, his hot streak suddenly cooled down from the '90s onward. Howell's breakout role would come in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 adaptation of The Outsiders book, where he shared the screen with Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, and Tom Cruise. His performance perfectly captured the essence of Ponyboy Curtis. Howell's chemistry with his ensemble co-stars all but guaranteed his future success, and he'd follow The Outsiders up with at least one film project per year throughout the remainder of the '80s.
Howell's post-'80s career never repeated the success that he enjoyed previously even though he consistently delivered just as many strong performances. Nevertheless, Howell's has retained steady work over the decades since. This includes everything from a string of direct-to-video releases, appearing in popular TV shows, and a more recent music career shift. He might not be the star he was once projected to be, but there have still been plenty of opportunities for viewers to see C. Thomas Howell on screen over the years. He's surprisingly kept himself busier than the general perception of him might suggest.
Why C. Thomas Howell Was So Popular In The '80s
C. Thomas Howell was among one of the most popular actors in the 1980s, and much of this distinction is due to his selection of roles and non-stop work ethic. Having made his film debut in Steven Spielberg's 1982 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Howell's career was already off to a great start. Howell played Tyler, one of the older boys who eventually rides across the moon in the film's iconic climax. Immediately after the success of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Howell would be cast in The Outsiders. Howell's role as protagonist Ponyboy Curtis would be more substantial than his appearance in Spielberg's sci-fi adventure, thus increasing his profile exponentially seemingly overnight.
After the success of the 1983 coming-of-age drama, Howell would star or co-star in a string of successful '80s flicks such as Red Dawn and the controversial Soul Man. Irrespective of each film's performance commercially, Howell's acting consistently received praise from critics which solidified him as the decade's It-boy. With his celebrity rising and the '90s approaching, it looked like Howell would replicate his success in the coming decade. Ultimately, the rising star spent much of the '90s chasing the same level of recognition that he received for The Outsiders to little luck.
C. Thomas Howell Has Appeared In Major Shows (Including The Walking Dead)
Howell's transition into TV movies and supporting or guest spots in popular TV shows kept him booked and busy. Among his prolific work in television, Howell had a recurring role in Criminal Minds as The Boston Reaper, a serial killer who effectively disarmed people with his convincing victim act. He also appeared in ER, 24, Hawaii Five-O, Sons of Anarchy, and notably in The Walking Dead as Roy, a Hilltop Colony guard. His biggest TV role in the 2020s came through a recurring appearance on SEAL Team. The appealing part about Howell's work in television is that he completely sheds his child-star affability by typically playing deranged and unlikable characters.
Howell reprised his role as The Boston Reaper in 2020, seven years after his last appearance, for the Criminal Minds season 15 finale.
Regarding his more recent film roles, Howell has lent his voice to the acclaimed DC animated movies Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, Justice League: Gods and Monsters, and Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay. Furthermore, he's had supporting roles in The Amazing Spider-Man and the indie comedy horror movie Beast Mode. He also appeared opposite Bill Burr as part of the Old Dads' cast on Netflix, in which he showcases more of his comedic chops. While Howell's big screen career seems to have taken a back seat, the actor's work ethic seems to be higher than ever as he makes consistent appearances in well-received TV shows.
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C. Thomas Howell's Music Career Explained
Opposite of what many audiences thought, Howell's star saw signs of fading in the early '90s with much of his output being projects that performed poorly at the box office or went straight to video. While this blow to one's career would have forced others to quit, this unexpected turn in Howell's career seemed to inspire other aspects of his creativity. In addition to continued appearances in film and television, the 2010s and 2020s would see the actor pivot his talents to video games and the music industry. Going under the alias Tommy Howell, Howell released his debut album, American Storyteller, in 2023 to favorable reviews.
While this might surprise some, the country album is something that the actor has wanted to do for a while but never could commit to it fully with acting, writing, and directing engagements. Regarding the album's intent, Howell expressed that it was meant to be another form of expression. Speaking with Riff Magazine in 2022, Howell said, "What I’m experiencing now for the first time is the opportunity to not hide behind a role or a camera lens." While it is a little unexpected, it's good to see Howell's still working. Given the album's success, it could become a new and fortuitous lane for the former 80s star.
C. Thomas Howell's Upcoming Movie & TV Shows
Howell's next movie role is that of Republican politician and businessman Caspar Weinberger in the upcoming Ronald Reagan biopic, Reagan. While Weinberger was notable for his hard stance against the Soviet Union during Reagan's presidency, he was also known for his loyalty to the former U.S. President and did his best to ensure that was replicated in his work. Not known for portrayals of historical figures, this role could showcase another side of the veteran actor's repertoire. Moreover, considering Weinberger's influence over Reagan, it's likely viewers will see Howell in a more substantial role yet again opposite Dennis Quaid's interpretation of the 40th U.S. President.
Regarding Howell's television work, he's slated to appear in the upcoming action dramedy Obliterated as Haggerty, an Army explosives technician. While the specifics are still being kept secret, Obliterated follows a group of US Army officials working together to stop a bomb from exploding in Las Vegas, Nevada. Despite the group's success, they discover that the bomb is fake, thus forcing them to fight their hangovers as well as the real terrorist threat. He's also slated to appear in the movie Ride about three generations of bullfighters. In spite of not having the same star power as once before, C. Thomas Howell remains an active force in the entertainment industry.
Source: Riff Magazine
