How a single controversial role nearly derailed a Hollywood breakout star
In short: In 1983, C. Thomas Howell became the face of a generation as Ponyboy Curtis. But while he was a top contender for iconic roles like Marty McFly, a single, widely condemned performance in the mid-1s80s threatened to permanently alter his trajectory in Hollywood.
C. Thomas Howell’s ascent began with high-profile debuts, including a supporting role in Steven Spielberg’s 1982 classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. His true breakthrough arrived in 1983 with Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders. Playing the soulful Ponyboy Curtis, Howell earned a Young Artist Award and became part of an ensemble that included future stars like Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze.
Despite this momentum, Howell’s status as a leading man faced a significant setback in 1986. He starred in the film Soul Man, a commercial success that proved deeply controversial due to a scene in which his character appeared in blackface. The widespread condemnation of the film's content is noted as having damaged his standing in the industry.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Howell transitioned from a teen idol to a versatile character actor. He appeared in historical epics like Gettysburg (1993) and Gods and Generals (2003), and took on television roles ranging from the horror series Kindred: The Embraced to the police drama Southland. His career has also seen him move behind the camera as a director, notably with the 1996 release Pure Danger.
In recent years, Howell has expanded his creative repertoire. In the 2020s, he began a professional music career under the name Tommy Howell, releasing the single 'Rose Hill' in 2022 and the album American Storyteller in 2023. He continues to act in major productions, including the Netflix series Obliterated (2023) and the biographical film Reagan (2024).
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: C. Thomas Howell
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-c-thomas-howell.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in UK & Irish culture · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
