Karl Howman is an English actor, writer and director best known for playing painter and decorator Ben “Jacko” Jackson in the BBC sitcom Brush Strokes and Buster Briggs in EastEnders. For a generation of television viewers, he defines the charm of 1980s sitcoms, yet since leaving Albert Square, many fans have wondered exactly what he has been doing. Biographical sources and recent reporting provide a clear account of his current activities, family life, financial standing, and enduring legacy. The most common search queries are addressed directly, clearly separating established information from areas that remain private or unconfirmed.
What is Karl Howman Doing Now?
Karl Howman at a Glance
- Entity: English Actor (National Youth Theatre alumni)
- Known For: Jacko (Brush Strokes), Buster Briggs (EastEnders), Mulberry
- Age: Born 13 December 1953 (Age ~71–72)
- Status: Recently active on screen, available for speaking engagements
Key Insights
- Karl Howman’s career spans five decades, from the National Youth Theatre to modern BBC soaps.
- Specific online searches for his wife, net worth, and family reflect a deep public curiosity that standard biographical listings often leave unsatisfied.
- His role in EastEnders introduced him to a new generation, broadening the demographic interested in his career.
- Howman continues to engage with his audience through public-speaking appearances, a fact reflected in his profile with a speakers’ agency.
- His work on the Secret Spitfires book and film project highlights an active behind-the-scenes career in writing and documentary production.
Karl Howman Fact File
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karl Howman |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Director |
| Born | 13 December 1953, Woolwich, London |
| Years Active | 1968 – present |
| Famous Roles | Jacko (Brush Strokes), Buster Briggs (EastEnders), Mulberry |
| Family | Daughters Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman. Formerly married to Clare Lightfoot. |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed. |
Who is Karl Howman’s Wife and Family?
Who is Chloe Howman?
Public biographical listings identify actress Clare Lightfoot as Howman’s former wife. IMDb records the relationship as ending in divorce and lists two children. His daughters are commonly identified as actresses Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman. Some biographical sources state that he has six grandchildren.
Where Does Karl Howman Live?
Howman has largely maintained a private personal life. His current place of residence is not established in any dependable public record or mainstream report.
Reports naming a current wife or partner are inconsistent. In particular, some entertainment biography sites refer to a person named Mabel Howman, but this claim is not supported by dependable mainstream reporting. His present relationship status remains unconfirmed.
What is Karl Howman’s Net Worth?
How Did Karl Howman Build His Career and Wealth?
Karl Howman’s career has included extensive work in television, film, theatre, writing, directing, and public speaking. This breadth of activity naturally suggests a steady professional income over five decades. However, no verified figures exist for his total earnings, property holdings, or investments.
There is no reliably verified public figure for Karl Howman’s net worth in 2025. Online celebrity-wealth estimates are speculative and generally do not provide audited information about acting income, property, investments, pensions or other assets. No authoritative financial disclosure or dependable industry estimate has been identified.
What is Karl Howman Best Known For?
Brush Strokes (1986–1991)
Howman became widely known as Ben “Jacko” Jackson, the womanising, quick-witted painter and decorator at the centre of Brush Strokes. The BBC sitcom, created by Esmonde and Larbey, ran from 1986 to 1991 and was set largely in South London. The role made Howman a familiar television figure during the 1980s. The show focused on Jacko’s romantic adventures and workplace relationships, including his connection with Sandra, played by Jackie Lye. More details on the show’s history can be found on the official Wikipedia page for Brush Strokes.
EastEnders: Buster Briggs
Howman joined the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2014 as Buster Briggs, a market trader and former partner of Shirley Carter. He appeared in the programme until 2016, with databases listing approximately 143 episodes; his final episode aired in September 2016. Buster was associated with the Carter family and storylines involving Shirley Carter, Dean Wicks and Mick Carter. For ongoing coverage of former cast members, see our EastEnders Cast Updates and Alumni News section.
Other TV and Film Appearances
Before and after Brush Strokes, Howman built an extensive list of credits. His early screen credits included appearances in programmes such as The Sweeney, The Professionals, Minder, Only When I Laugh, Blake’s 7 and The Bill. He also appeared in films including Stardust, S.O.S. Titanic, Party Party and The Truth About Love. After Brush Strokes, Howman played the title character in the sitcom Mulberry, which ran from 1992 to 1993. Other television credits include Babes in the Wood, Casualty, Holby City, and The Last Detective.
Howman has also worked behind the scenes as a writer and director. His projects include Secret Spitfires, a book and film project connected with the history of the “Secret Spitfires” during the Second World War, demonstrating a sustained interest in historical storytelling.
How Long Has Karl Howman Been Acting?
Howman’s professional career is generally dated from 1968 onwards, reflecting differing interpretations of his earliest work. The following timeline highlights the key milestones.
- 1968: Joins National Youth Theatre. Begins professional acting career.
- 1986–1991: Plays Jacko in the highly popular BBC sitcom Brush Strokes.
- 1992: Stars as the title character in the BBC sitcom Mulberry.
- 1990s–2000s: Continues with recurring and guest roles in British television (The Bill, Casualty, Peak Practice, etc.).
- 2014–2017: Plays Buster Briggs in BBC’s EastEnders.
- 2020s: Remains active in the industry, available for speaking engagements and public appearances.
What Do We Know and What Remains Private?
Established Information
- He was born in 1953 in Woolwich, London.
- He started acting with the National Youth Theatre in 1968.
- He played Jacko in Brush Strokes (1986–1991).
- He played Buster Briggs in EastEnders (2014–2017).
- He was married to actress Clare Lightfoot and has two daughters, Chloe and Katy-Jo Howman.
- He has worked as a writer and director on projects like Secret Spitfires.
Information That Remains Unclear
- His exact net worth is not publicly known.
- The identity of a current partner or wife is not confirmed in authoritative public records.
- Whether he has fully retired from acting or is simply picking roles selectively is unconfirmed.
- His current place of residence has not been publicly documented.
Why Are People Searching for Karl Howman?
Interest in Karl Howman is driven by two key demographics: fans of 1980s and 90s sitcoms feeling nostalgic for Brush Strokes, and EastEnders viewers curious about the actor behind the character Buster Briggs. The specific nature of the questions—regarding his wife, net worth, and current activities—reflects a desire for a comprehensive career update. His career is further documented in a dedicated Getty Images gallery that captures his public appearances across the decades.
What Are the Key Sources on Karl Howman?
Details are drawn from a range of credible sources, providing a balanced view of his professional and personal life.
“Howman has been an actor since 1968, where he started with the National Youth Theatre.”
“Karl is a very talented actor, who will be most remembered for playing Jacko, in the brilliant comedy series, Brush Strokes (1986).”
— Karl Howman IMDb
“EastEnders and Brush Strokes actor, Karl Howman is available to book for speaking engagements.”
What’s Next for Karl Howman?
As of early 2025, Karl Howman is not attached to any majorly publicized upcoming acting projects. He remains signed with a speakers’ agency, suggesting he is open to public appearances, corporate events, and potentially selective media work. He appears to be enjoying a period focused on writing, documentary-related projects, and the occasional interview rather than a regular primetime television role. For a broader look at similar careers, see our guide to Classic British Sitcom Stars: Where Are They Now?
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Karl Howman?
Karl Howman was born on 13 December 1953, placing him in his early 70s.
Is Karl Howman married?
Karl Howman was formerly married to actress Clare Lightfoot. His current marital status is not widely confirmed in authoritative public records.
Why did Karl Howman leave EastEnders?
His character, Buster Briggs, was killed off in the show in 2017.
What other shows has Karl Howman been in?
Besides Brush Strokes and EastEnders, he has appeared in Mulberry, The Bill, Casualty, The Professionals, and many other British TV series and stage productions.
Is Karl Howman on social media?
Karl Howman does not appear to run highly active public social media accounts.
What is Karl Howman’s height?
Karl Howman is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Events Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, covering restaurants, nightlife, theatre, exhibitions, festivals and city life.