Karl Howman – From Sitcom Actor to Author and Director

Karl Howman is a British actor, writer and director who became a household name in the 1980s playing Ben “Jacko” Jackson in the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes. Born in Woolwich, London, on 13 December 1952, he has worked across theatre, television and film for more than five decades. In recent years he has shifted his focus to historical writing and documentary filmmaking, most notably the Secret Spitfires project.

Howman’s career began in the early 1970s after a youth spent in the National Youth Theatre. He appeared in a range of British television dramas and films before landing the role that would define his public image. Despite his long professional history, many details about his personal life remain private and are not publicly documented.

This article brings together verified facts from biographies, interviews and event listings to provide a clear overview of Howman’s career, his best-known work, his current activities, and the gaps in publicly available information.

What is Karl Howman Known For?

Karl Howman’s Filmography: Movies and TV Shows

Howman’s screen career spans more than 50 years. He began with the National Youth Theatre and made his earliest film appearance in The Canterbury Tales, generally dated to 1972. From there he moved into a string of British television productions.

Key Television Roles

His principal television credits include the following programmes, though published online filmographies are not entirely consistent across sources.

• Brush Strokes – Ben “Jacko” Jackson, 1986–1991.
• Mulberry – lead role, 1992–1993.
• EastEnders – Buster Briggs, 2014–2016.
• Minder – guest appearance.
• The Bill – guest appearance.
• Doctors – guest appearance.
• The Queen’s Nose – guest appearance.
• Other British television productions, guest appearances and voice work.

Film Appearances

The Canterbury Tales is the most frequently cited early film credit. Beyond that, Howman’s film work is not extensively documented in the publicly available sources used for this article. Most of his screen work has been in television rather than cinema.

What is Karl Howman Doing Now?

As of 2025–2026, Howman’s professional focus has shifted away from regular television acting. He continues to work in writing, documentary production and public speaking.

Writing and Documentary Work

Howman co-wrote Secret Spitfires with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke. The book examines the hidden wartime history of Spitfire production and the people involved in building aircraft for Britain during the Second World War. It was originally published in hardback and reached paperback in 2022. Howman also co-directed and produced a documentary film of the same name, extending the project beyond the book.

Convention Appearances

Howman has been scheduled to appear at Collectormania Milton Keynes and the London Film Fair in 2025, indicating ongoing engagement with fans of classic British television. He also gives question-and-answer sessions and public talks.

Is Karl Howman Still Acting?

He takes occasional acting and voiceover work, but there is no reliably documented new regular television role comparable to Brush Strokes or EastEnders. His current professional profile centres on selective creative work and public appearances rather than a continuous television series.

Karl Howman’s Personal Life: Wife, Net Worth, and Home

Howman married actress Clare Lightfoot in 1976; biographical listings describe the marriage as ending in divorce. The couple had two children, both actresses: Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman. Howman is also reported to have six grandchildren.

His current marital or relationship status has not been reliably confirmed in reputable public records. Some low-authority online sources attribute other spouses to Howman, but the more consistently documented relationship is his former marriage to Clare Lightfoot. Because Howman has kept much of his private life away from the media, claims about a current wife, residence or later relationships should be treated cautiously.

Karl Howman Career Timeline

1. Early 1970s – Started with National Youth Theatre.
2. 1980s – Appeared in Blake’s 7 and other TV series.
3. 1986 – Began playing Jacko in Brush Strokes (BBC sitcom).
4. 1991 – Brush Strokes ended after five series.
5. 1992–1993 – Starred in the sitcom Mulberry.
6. 2014–2016 – Played Buster Briggs in EastEnders.
7. 2018 – Co-wrote and published Secret Spitfires book.
8. 2022 – Secret Spitfires released in paperback.
9. 2025 – Scheduled appearances at Collectormania Milton Keynes and London Film Fair.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?

What Does Karl Howman’s Career Say About His Legacy?

Karl Howman’s career has three principal phases. The first began in the theatre and early screen work, starting with the National Youth Theatre and early film and television appearances. The second brought mainstream television fame, especially as Jacko in Brush Strokes, followed by the lead role in Mulberry and later EastEnders. The third phase is defined by writing and documentary work, most notably the Secret Spitfires book and film, alongside occasional acting and convention appearances.

His best-known legacy remains Jacko, but Secret Spitfires demonstrates a broader role as a writer, director and producer. His family connection to acting continues through daughters Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman, both of whom are actresses.

Howman’s move from sitcom star to historical documentary maker reflects a notable range, though his later work has not reached the same level of public visibility as his 1980s television success. For a detailed look at his journey from sitcom star to author, see From Brush Strokes Star to Author and Director.

What Do the Sources Say About Karl Howman?

The following quotes come from publicly available sources that cover different aspects of Howman’s career.

An established actor for over 6 decades, he got his start with the National Youth Theatre before appearing in many TV series including Blakes 7…

YouTube Industry Interview 168

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

CrimeCon website

Karl Howman – Movies, Bio and Lists on MUBI.

MUBI cast page

What We Know About Karl Howman Today

Karl Howman remains an active figure in British entertainment, though his work has diversified beyond the acting that first made him famous. His role as Jacko in Brush Strokes is the centrepiece of his career, while his more recent writing and documentary work on Secret Spitfires shows a different creative side. Personal details such as his current marital status, net worth and residence are not reliably documented in public sources. For a detailed look at his journey from sitcom star to author, see From Brush Strokes Star to Author and Director.

Frequently Asked Questions