Who Is Gabriel Howell?
Gabriel Howell is a British actor who has quickly become one of the most talked-about young performers to come out of the UK in recent years. Born on February 19, 1999, in Hong Kong and raised in Bristol, England, Howell has built an impressive body of work across television, theatre, and film in a relatively short span of time. His breakout roles in major productions have put him on the radar of audiences and critics alike, and his career shows no signs of slowing down.
While many fans first discovered Howell through his television work, it was his casting in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. Today, he is recognized as one of the most promising actors of his generation.
Early Life and Training
Howell’s journey into acting began far from the glitz of Hollywood. Growing up in Bristol, he developed an early interest in performance, eventually pursuing formal training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. RADA is one of the most respected drama schools in the world, known for producing actors who go on to have long, successful careers on stage and screen.
This classical training gave Howell a strong foundation in stagecraft, which is evident in the depth and nuance he brings to his characters, whether in a Netflix thriller or a big-budget fantasy film.
Breakthrough Role in Bodies
Howell’s first major breakthrough came with his role in the Netflix mystery thriller miniseries Bodies (2023). In the show, he played a young version of Elias Mannix, a complex character also portrayed by acclaimed actor Stephen Graham. Taking on the younger version of a role originated by such a respected performer was no small task, but Howell’s performance earned him recognition and helped establish him as an actor capable of handling psychologically demanding material.
Bodies was praised by critics for its intricate storytelling, and Howell’s contribution to the series played a part in its success. This role served as a stepping stone, opening doors to bigger opportunities in both television and film.
Nightsleeper and Continued TV Success
Following his success with Bodies, Howell continued building his television resume with a role in the BBC miniseries Nightsleeper (2024). In this series, he played Tobi McKnight, described as a computer specialist whose skills become central to the unfolding drama. The show added another strong credit to Howell’s growing list of television work, further demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
His ability to move between different genres and character types—from a young troubled figure in a psychological thriller to a tech-savvy character in a fast-paced drama—highlighted his range early in his career.
Stepping Onto the Stage
Beyond television, Howell has also made his mark in theatre. He was part of the original 2022 production of The Unfriend, a play written by Steven Moffat and directed by Mark Gatiss, which premiered at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester. The production later transferred to the West End, running at the Criterion Theatre in London alongside established actors such as Reece Shearsmith, Amanda Abbington, and Frances Barber.
Howell’s stage debut in The Unfriend did not go unnoticed. The Daily Telegraph praised his performance, calling it one of the standout debuts of the production. This recognition from a major publication underscored his talent and suggested that his future in the industry would extend well beyond the screen.
Howell also appeared in What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank at the Marylebone Theatre, playing the character Trevor, further cementing his presence in London’s vibrant theatre scene.
The Big Break: How to Train Your Dragon
Without question, the role that has brought Howell the most widespread attention is his portrayal of Snotlout Jorgenson in the 2025 live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. Directed by Dean DeBlois, who also helmed the original animated trilogy, the film reimagines the beloved DreamWorks story with a live-action cast that includes Gerard Butler and Nick Frost.
The film became a major summer hit, earning praise from both fans of the original animated series and newcomers to the franchise. Stepping into a character as well-loved as Snotlout came with high expectations, but Howell’s performance has been well received as part of an ensemble that successfully brought the animated world to life.
In interviews following the film’s release, Howell has spoken candidly about his career and personal life. He has described enjoying simple pleasures—running in the woods, swimming in the sea, and cooking with loved ones—as his idea of a perfect day. He has also mentioned Hong Kong, his birthplace, as one of his favorite places in the world, reflecting a personal connection to his roots despite being raised in England.
What’s Next for Gabriel Howell
With his profile rising rapidly thanks to How to Train Your Dragon, Howell appears focused on continuing to build his career through hard work rather than chasing fame. In interviews, he has expressed a desire to stay busy and keep working, rather than taking extended breaks, signaling a strong work ethic that may serve him well as offers continue to come in.
Howell’s combination of classical theatre training, strong television credits, and now a major blockbuster film role positions him as one of the more well-rounded young actors working today. Unlike performers who rise to fame through a single viral role, Howell has taken a more traditional path—building skills on stage, proving himself in critically acclaimed television, and only then stepping into a high-profile film franchise.
Conclusion
Gabriel Howell’s career trajectory reflects the kind of steady, skill-based rise that many in the industry respect. From his RADA training to his West End stage debut, and from gripping Netflix thrillers to a beloved fantasy film franchise, Howell has demonstrated consistent growth and versatility. As How to Train Your Dragon continues to find audiences and as he takes on new projects, Gabriel Howell looks set to remain a name to watch in British acting for years to come.
