Karl Howman

Karl Howman (born 13 December 1953) is an English writer, actor and director.

Howman has been an actor since 1968, where he started with the National Youth Theatre. Howman is best known for playing Jacko in the sitcom Brush Strokes from 1986 to 1991, Mulberry in Mulberry from 1992 to 1993 and Buster Briggs in EastEnders from 2014 to 2016.

Acting career Howman appeared in many TV shows and films throughout his career. He is an established British comedy actor.

Howman took over the role of Jakey Smith from Robert Lindsay in Get Some In! in its final series in 1978. He then appeared in the episode "Shadow" in the BBC series Blake's 7, in the Minder episode "All About Scoring, Innit?" playing Danny Varrow, and in The Sweeney episode "May," playing Davey Holmes.

In 1980, he appeared in Babylon (1980 film), a 1980 British drama film directed by Franco Rosso. Written by Franco Rosso and Martin Stellman, it is an incendiary portrait of racial tension and police brutality set in Brixton, London.

On 25 September 2014, it was announced that Howman had been cast in long-running BBC soap EastEnders. Howman appeared as the character Buster Briggs. In his time on the show, Buster's storylines included his relationship with Shirley Carter (Linda Henry), his relationship with his two sons Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) and Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo), running a fish stall and having an affair with Kathy Sullivan (Gillian Taylforth). In July 2016, it was announced that Howman would be leaving the show after nearly two years. Buster left the show after his relationship with Shirley and his affair with Kathy both ended, with Howman's last episode airing on 23 September 2016.

On the radio he also appeared in King Street Junior as Mr Philip Sims and in Coming Alive as Terry King.

Writing projects In recent years, Howman has begun developing work as a writer. His first book, Secret Spitfires, co-written with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke, went to paperback from hardback in 2022; he also co-directed and produced the film of the same name. Howman's second book, A Million Ways to stay on the Run which he co-wrote with Donal Macintyre, was a Sunday Times bestseller two weeks after publication in early 2023. The audio book, which is narrated by Howman, won the Best Audio Book 2024 at True Crime Awards.

Personal life Howman married Clare Lightfoot in 1976. They have two children, actresses Chloe Howman and Katy-Jo Howman, and six grandchildren.

Howman supports Charlton Athletic.

Filmography Film

Television