Karl Howman is an English actor, writer, director, and producer widely recognised for playing Ben “Jacko” Jackson in the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes. He was born in Woolwich, London, and his career has spanned more than five decades, from early stage work to prime-time television and independent filmmaking.
Although the role of Jacko in the 1980s made him a household name in Britain, Howman has since moved into historical writing and directing. His current public activities include fan conventions and events connected with his earlier television career.
Some details of Howman’s life are firmly established, while others remain uncertain. His exact birth year, current relationship status, and net worth, for instance, differ across sources or have not been publicly confirmed.
What movies and TV shows is Karl Howman known for?
Known for: Jacko in Brush Strokes (1986–1991)
Born: December 13, 1952
Age: 73 (as listed by DigiGuide)
Profession: Actor, writer, director
- Karl Howman is predominantly known for his role as Jacko in Brush Strokes.
- His television credits include EastEnders, Minder, and Mulberry.
- He started his career with the National Youth Theatre and made his screen debut in The Canterbury Tales in 1972.
- In recent years, he has shifted focus to writing, directing, and historical filmmaking.
- He co-wrote the non-fiction book Secret Spitfires with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke.
- His current activities include fan conventions and nostalgia events.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Karl Howman |
| Date of birth | December 13, 1952 (DigiGuide) / December 13, 1953 (Wikipedia) |
| Age | 73 (as listed by DigiGuide) / 72 (as of October 2026) |
| Best known role | Jacko in Brush Strokes (1986–1991) |
| Profession | Actor, writer, director |
| Notable book | Secret Spitfires (co-written) |
| Notable TV roles | EastEnders, Minder, Mulberry |
| Former spouse | Clare Lightfoot (m. 1976, div.) |
| Children | Chloe Howman, Katy-Jo Howman |
| Early work | National Youth Theatre, The Canterbury Tales (1972) |
Howman starred as Jacko, a womanising decorator, in the BBC sitcom from 1986 to 1991, a role that made him widely known across Britain. He later played the title character in the BBC comedy Mulberry from 1992 to 1993. His television work also included appearances in the long-running ITV crime-comedy drama Minder. For a dedicated look at these roles, see Brush Strokes, EastEnders and What He Does Now.
From 2014 to 2016, Howman played Buster Briggs, Shirley Carter’s former partner and Dean Wicks’s father, in EastEnders. His final episode aired on 23 September 2016. He began acting with the National Youth Theatre and made his screen debut in The Canterbury Tales in 1972.
Who is Karl Howman’s wife and family?
Marital history
Public biographical records most consistently identify actress Clare Lightfoot as Howman’s former wife. Their marriage is generally dated to 1976 and later ended in divorce. They had two daughters.
Daughters
The daughters are actresses Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman. Chloe, born in 1978, first appeared on screen as a child in Brush Strokes alongside her sister. Some biographical listings state that Howman has six grandchildren.
Current status
Claims that he is currently married to a woman named Mabel Howman are not supported by reliable, independently verified sources. His present relationship status is therefore unconfirmed.
Chloe Howman followed her father’s path into acting. Born in 1978, she is approximately 47–48 years old in 2026. She appeared in Brush Strokes alongside her father and sister Katy-Jo.
Public references to a current wife named Mabel Howman are not corroborated by reliable sources. His current relationship status remains unconfirmed.
Where does Karl Howman live and what is he doing now?
Current location
Howman’s current residential location is not a matter of public record. He maintains a low profile regarding his personal address.
Recent activities
His recent work centres on the Secret Spitfires project. He co-wrote the book with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke and also co-directed and produced a connected film. The project concerns the concealed wartime manufacture of Supermarine Spitfire aircraft during the Second World War.
Convention appearances
He is a confirmed guest at events such as Collectormania Milton Keynes and CrimeCon, connecting with fans of his classic TV roles. As of October 2026, Howman does not appear to be attached to a regular continuing television role.
The Secret Spitfires project represents a significant career shift. Covering the covert manufacture of Spitfire parts during World War II, it showcases Howman’s abilities as a writer and filmmaker.
How old is Karl Howman?
Karl Howman’s exact age depends on the source consulted. DigiGuide lists his birth date as December 13, 1952, making him 73. Other biographical records, including Wikipedia, state he was born on December 13, 1953, which would make him 72 as of 2026. His place of birth is consistently listed as Woolwich, London.
What is the career timeline of Karl Howman?
- – Karl Howman is born in Woolwich, London.
- – Screen debut in The Canterbury Tales after starting with the National Youth Theatre.
- – Marries actress Clare Lightfoot.
- – Stars as Jacko in Brush Strokes.
- – Plays the title role in Mulberry.
- – Appears in EastEnders as Buster Briggs.
- – Works on Secret Spitfires book and film, attends conventions.
What biographical facts are certain, and which remain unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Best known for playing Jacko in Brush Strokes. | Exact birth year (1952 vs. 1953) is disputed across different sources. |
| Roles in EastEnders, Minder, and Mulberry. | Specific episode appearances and character arcs are not widely detailed in standard references. |
| Former marriage to Clare Lightfoot. | Current marital status and any relationship to Mabel Howman. |
| Co-writer of Secret Spitfires. | Current residential location. |
| Active at fan conventions in the UK. | Net worth or financial standing; no verified public figure exists. |
What is the context of Karl Howman’s career?
The career of Karl Howman sits within the landscape of British television comedy of the 1980s and 1990s. Brush Strokes was a significant BBC sitcom of its era. His transition from acting to writing and directing reflects a broader pattern of established television performers seeking creative control. The Secret Spitfires project connects his personal interest in history with a professional production role. Event appearances are driven by the ongoing nostalgic demand for classic sitcom stars.
Where does the biographical information on Karl Howman come from?
Details in this biography come from television databases, event listings, and other public sources. The key references include:
[Karl Howman is a] writer, actor and director; co-writer of Secret Spitfires.
– CrimeCon
[Karl Howman is] best known for playing Jacko, the cheeky painter and decorator in Brush Strokes.
– British Comedy Classics (Facebook), via CrimeCon
Karl Howman was born Saturday, December 13, 1952.
– DigiGuide
Further biographical details can be found on MUBI, Wikipedia (Chloe Howman), and other media profiles.
What is the final assessment of Karl Howman’s life and career?
Karl Howman remains a recognised figure in British television for his role in Brush Strokes. His career has evolved from sitcom stardom into historical writing and filmmaking with the Secret Spitfires project. His current life centres on creative projects and convention appearances rather than regular TV roles. Key aspects of his personal life, net worth, and location remain private or unconfirmed. For further detail on his career transition, read From Sitcom Actor to Author and Director.
People also ask
What is Karl Howman’s net worth?
There is no reliable, independently verified public figure for Karl Howman’s net worth. Online estimates should be treated cautiously as there are no confirmed salary records or financial statements.
Is Karl Howman married?
His present relationship status is unconfirmed. Claims of a current marriage to Mabel Howman are not supported by independently verified sources.
Did Karl Howman appear in Minder?
Yes, his television work included appearances in the long-running ITV crime-comedy drama Minder.
Did Karl Howman appear in EastEnders?
Yes, he played Buster Briggs from 2014 to 2016. His final episode aired on 23 September 2016.
What is the Secret Spitfires project?
It is a book and film about the concealed wartime manufacture of Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Howman co-wrote the book and co-directed the film.
How many children does Karl Howman have?
He has two daughters, actresses Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman. Some sources also state he has six grandchildren.
Where was Karl Howman born?
He was born in Woolwich, London, England.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.