Karl Howman – Biography, Career and Current Projects

Karl Howman is an English actor, writer and director best known for playing Jacko in the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes, Mulberry in Mulberry, and Buster Briggs in EastEnders. Born in Woolwich, London, on 13 December 1953, he began acting with the National Youth Theatre and has appeared on screen since the late 1960s.

His early roles spanned classic British television series such as The Sweeney, Porridge and Minder. But it was the role of the charismatic painter Jacko in Brush Strokes that made him a household name in the UK. Decades later, Howman remains a familiar figure to audiences who grew up with the sitcom, while his later work in EastEnders and his writing projects have introduced him to new generations.

Although he maintains a relatively low public profile when it comes to his personal life, Howman continues to work in the industry. He appears at fan conventions, works on historical writing projects, and takes on occasional acting roles. Based entirely on verified public information, this article provides a comprehensive look at his career, personal life, and current activities.

What Is Karl Howman Doing Now? His Latest Projects and Apearances

Key Insights

• Karl Howman’s most iconic role remains Jacko from Brush Strokes, which defined his early career.
• He has transitioned into writing, co-authoring a World War II history book.
• He remains active in fan conventions, suggesting sustained popularity among cult TV audiences.
• Personal details like his current relationship status and exact residence are not publicly documented, indicating a private lifestle.
• His later career has shifted toward creative projects such as Secret Spitfires and selective acting roles.

Key Facts at a Glance

Karl Howman’s Personal Life: Wife, Family, and Where He Lives

Karl Howman’s Wife and Marriage

Public biographical information identifies Howman’s former wife as actress Clare Lightfoot. Records indicate their marriage began in 1976 and ended in divorce. Howman and Lightfoot had two daughters, actresses Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman. Details about his current relationship status have not been reliably disclosed.

Chloe Howman: Daughter and Actress

Chloe Howman is an English actress born in 1978. Her first screen appearance was as a child in Brush Strokes, alongside her sister Katy-Jo. Her later work includes Hollyoaks: Movin’ On, Life Begins and Making Waves. She also appeared in EastEnders from 2013 until 2016, with her final scenes airing on 16 July 2016. Public biographies confirm her relationship to Karl Howman as his daughter.

Residence: Where Karl Howman Lives

Karl Howman’s exact place of residence has not been publicly disclosed. It is understood that he lives in the United Kingdom, but specific details about his home are kept private.

Karl Howman’s Net Worth and Career Earnings

Estimated Net Worth

There is no dependable, independently verified public figure for Karl Howman’s net worth. Some celebrity biography sites publish estimates, but they do not provide audited financial records or credible salary information. Any precise net-worth figure should therefore be treated as speculative.

Main Income Sources

Howman’s income over the decades has come from a variety of sources. These include his regular acting roles in television sitcoms and dramas, guest appearances, voiceover work, writing and book royalties from Secret Spitfires, and paid appearances at fan conventions.

Karl Howman’s Acting Career: From Brush Strokes to EastEnders and Minder

Breakthrough Role: Jacko in Brush Strokes (1986–1991)

Howman’s breakthrough role came with Brush Strokes, the BBC sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991. He played Jacko, a charismatic painter and womaniser—the role most closely associated with him. In a 2023 interview with MUBI, Howman reflected on the character’s impact: “I think to some extent, once Jacko was a success, the TV companies saw me as a similar character, at least comedically.”

EastEnders and Minder Guest Appearances

Many fans recall Howman from his stint on EastEnders. He joined the soap in 2014 as Buster Briggs, a character involved in storylines with Shirley Carter and Kathy Beale. His final episode aired on 23 September 2016 after 143 episodes. Earlier in his career, he guest-starred in Minder. In the episode “All About Scoring, Innit?” he played Danny Varrow. His early screen work also included appearances in The Sweeney, Blake’s 7, Porridge and Man About the House.

Other Notable Roles

Howman played the title character in Mulberry, a BBC sitcom broadcast from 1992 to 1993. He also had roles in The Bill, Holby City and Doctors. His film and television career includes voiceover work and occasional guest roles, although he has not maintained a regular long-running television role since leaving EastEnders. His IMDb filmography documents the breadth of his screen work.

Karl Howman’s Days as a Writer and Director

Secret Spitfires (Book)

Howman co-wrote the book Secret Spitfires with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke. The book, which reached paperback in 2022, focuses on the wartime history of the secret Spitfire programme. He also co-directed and produced a film connected with the project. CrimeCon describes him as “a writer, actor and director.”

Directing Credits

Beyond writing, Howman has explored producing and directing. He co-directed the documentary film Secret Spitfires. As of 2025–26, his publicly described activity includes writing, filmmaking, occasional screen and voiceover work, public speaking, Q&A appearances and fan events.

Timeline of Karl Howman’s Career

1. 1953: Born on 13 December in Woolwich, London.
2. 1970s–1980s: Early acting roles, including appearances in The Sweeney, Blake’s 7 and Minder.
3. 1986–1991: Plays Jacko in Brush Strokes, the role most closely associated with him.
4. 1992–1993: Plays the title character in the BBC sitcom Mulberry.
5. 2014–2016: Appears in EastEnders as Buster Briggs for 143 episodes.
6. 2022: Co-authored book Secret Spitfires released in paperback.
7. 2025: Appearing at fan conventions including Collectormania and London Film Fair.

What Do We Know About Karl Howman, and What Remains Unclear?

DigiGuide provides a standard biography confirming his birth details and career highlights.

Context and Background

Karl Howman’s career reflects a typical trajectory for UK character actors. A breakout sitcom role was followed by guest appearances in long-running soaps and dramas. His pivot to writing history books adds a unique dimension.

Despite his fame from Brush Strokes, Howman maintains a relatively low public profile regarding his personal life. Recent activities include fan conventions and a co-authored historical book.

Sources and Quotes

“I think to some extent, once Jacko was a success, the TV companies saw me as a similar character, at least comedically.”

Karl Howman, in an interview with MUBI

“Karl Howman is a writer, actor and director. Howman’s first book, ‘Secret Spitfires’, co-written with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke…”

CrimeCon

Summary

Karl Howman is a British actor, writer and director whose career spans theatre, sitcoms, drama, film, writing and directing. His defining roles remain Jacko in Brush Strokes and Buster Briggs in EastEnders, while his later work has shifted toward creative projects such as Secret Spitfires, selective acting, voiceover work and appearances for audiences familiar with his earlier television career.