- Karl Howman is best known for his role as Jacko in Brush Strokes, but his career now spans acting, writing, and documentary production.
- He successfully transitioned from mainstream television into true-crime publishing and historical documentary filmmaking.
- His audiobook narration has won industry recognition, strengthening his profile beyond acting.
- Howman’s later-career pivot highlights how performers can build long-term creative relevance.
- This article explores his professional evolution, not just his television fame.
Who is Karl Howman?
Karl Howman is a British actor, writer, director, and producer who rose to national recognition during the 1980s through popular television comedies and dramas. While audiences primarily associate him with light-hearted sitcom roles, his modern reputation is increasingly tied to his work as a bestselling author and documentary filmmaker. Today, Karl Howman represents a rare example of a television actor who successfully reinvented his public identity by shifting toward long-form storytelling and factual content production.
Early Career Foundations: Building a Versatile Performer
Born in Woolwich, London, in December 1953, Karl Howman entered the entertainment industry in the early 1970s. His early work included film appearances in That’ll Be the Day and Stardust, which helped establish him as a reliable young performer during a period when British cinema was experimenting with youth-focused drama.
Unlike many actors who specialize early, Howman built experience across:
- Television drama series
- Comedy programming
- Radio performances
- Stage productions
This broad exposure later allowed him to move comfortably between entertainment formats and eventually into writing and production.
The Breakthrough Years: Brush Strokes and Mainstream Recognition
Jacko: A Cultural Sitcom Character
Howman’s defining role came with the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes (1986–1991), where he portrayed Jacko — a fast-talking, charismatic painter-decorator navigating romantic misadventures. At its peak, the show attracted millions of weekly viewers in the UK, making Howman a recognizable television personality.
The role cemented his reputation as a comedic lead and opened doors to further starring roles.
Other Major Television Projects
Following his sitcom success, Howman continued to secure prominent television roles including:
- Mulberry — playing the title character in the BBC fantasy sitcom
- Babes in the Wood — a drama series focused on young professionals
- EastEnders — portraying Buster Briggs between 2014 and 2016
His EastEnders storyline connected him to one of Britain’s largest soap audiences, reinforcing his long-term television relevance decades after his original breakout.
Stage and Commercial Work: Expanding Public Visibility
Alongside screen acting, Howman maintained a consistent theatre presence. He spent over a year performing in the West End production of Me and My Girl at the Adelphi Theatre, demonstrating musical theatre versatility.
He also became widely recognizable through national advertising campaigns, particularly television commercials for household cleaning brands. These appearances broadened his public profile beyond traditional acting audiences.
The Strategic Career Shift: Moving Into Writing and Production
Why Karl Howman Transitioned Away from Acting
By the late 2010s, Howman began reducing on-screen acting commitments. In interviews, he has cited creative control and storytelling ownership as major motivations. Unlike acting roles controlled by producers and broadcasters, writing and documentary production offered autonomy over subject matter and narrative direction.
This transition mirrors a growing industry trend where established performers move into content creation to gain intellectual property ownership and long-term revenue stability.
Secret Spitfires: Historical Storytelling Success
Howman co-authored and co-directed Secret Spitfires, a project uncovering the role of civilian volunteers who secretly delivered Spitfire aircraft during World War II. The book and documentary brought attention to a largely overlooked chapter of British wartime history.
The documentary gained additional significance by featuring one of Dame Vera Lynn’s final recorded interviews, increasing its historical value.
True Crime Breakthrough: A Million Ways to Stay on the Run
In 2023, Howman co-authored A Million Ways to Stay on the Run, focusing on the international manhunt for criminal figure Kenneth Noye. The book achieved Sunday Times bestseller status within weeks of release.
Howman also narrated the audiobook edition, which later won a major industry award in the true crime category. Audiobook consumption has grown rapidly, with UK audiobook revenue increasing by more than 30% over recent years according to publishing industry reports — a trend Howman successfully leveraged.
What Makes Karl Howman’s Career Reinvention Notable?
Many actors struggle to extend relevance beyond peak television fame. Howman’s career stands out because of:
- Genre diversification: Moving from sitcoms to historical and crime nonfiction
- Audience expansion: Reaching readers and podcast-style audiobook listeners
- Ownership mindset: Participating directly in production and intellectual property creation
This evolution demonstrates that creative professionals can successfully reposition themselves by developing complementary skills rather than relying solely on acting roles.
Common Misconceptions About Karl Howman
“He Only Did Comedy”
While best known for comedic television, Howman’s portfolio includes drama, documentary filmmaking, and investigative nonfiction writing.
“He Retired From the Industry”
Rather than retiring, he shifted mediums. His creative output remains active through publishing, audio production, and documentary development.
Personal Life and Long-Term Stability
Karl Howman has maintained a long-standing marriage and family life alongside his professional career. His daughters have also pursued acting careers, creating a multi-generational connection to the British entertainment industry.
He remains active in writing projects while living outside central London, reflecting a lifestyle shift common among senior creatives who prioritize focused work environments over constant media exposure.
Practical Lessons From Karl Howman’s Career Path
- Skill stacking matters: Acting experience translated into narration, interviewing, and storytelling skills.
- Audience loyalty can transfer: Television fans followed his work into books and documentaries.
- Creative ownership builds longevity: Producing original projects provides more control than traditional acting contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karl Howman
What is Karl Howman most famous for?
He is best known for playing Jacko in the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes and later for his role as Buster Briggs in EastEnders.
Is Karl Howman still active professionally?
Yes. While he appears less frequently on television, he remains active as an author, audiobook narrator, and documentary producer.
Has Karl Howman won any awards?
His audiobook narration for A Million Ways to Stay on the Run received industry recognition in the true crime category.
What type of projects does he focus on now?
He primarily works on historical storytelling, nonfiction publishing, and documentary film production.
Final Takeaways
Karl Howman’s career illustrates how entertainers can successfully evolve beyond their original fame. From sitcom stardom to bestselling nonfiction author and documentary filmmaker, his professional journey reflects adaptability, creative ambition, and long-term relevance. For audiences searching “Karl Howman,” understanding this transformation provides a more complete picture than television credits alone — revealing a modern creative professional who continues to shape British storytelling in new formats.