Gabriel Howell: The Rising British Actor.

Who Is Gabriel Howell?

Gabriel Howell is a British actor who has quickly built a name for himself in film, television, and theatre. Born on 19 February 1999 in Hong Kong and raised in Bristol, England, Howell has become known for a string of high-profile roles that have positioned him as one of the most talked-about young talents to emerge from the UK entertainment scene in recent years.His path into acting was shaped by formal training. Howell trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, one of the most respected drama schools in the world, giving him a strong technical foundation before he stepped into major screen roles.

Howell’s early television work helped establish his reputation as a versatile performer. He played a young version of Elias Mannix in the Netflix mystery thriller miniseries Bodies (2023), a show praised for its ambitious, time-spanning storytelling. That role put him alongside acclaimed actor Stephen Graham, whose younger self he portrayed — a challenging assignment that required matching the tone and physicality of an established star.

He followed this with another prominent television role. Howell appeared as Tobi McKnight in the BBC miniseries Nightsleeper, further cementing his presence in British television drama.

On film, Howell played Dennis in the 2022 film The Fence, one of his earlier screen credits, before landing what has become his most widely recognized role to date.

Gabriel Howell’s Role in How to Train Your Dragon

Howell’s biggest breakthrough came with his casting as Snotlout Jorgenson in the 2025 live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. The film reimagines the beloved animated franchise for live action, directed by Dean DeBlois, and features a cast that includes Gerard Butler and Nick Frost. Stepping into a character so familiar to fans of the animated originals was no small task, and the role has introduced Howell to a much wider international audience than his television work alone had reached.

Beyond film and television, Howell has also built experience on stage. He was part of the original 2022 production of The Unfriend, which premiered at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester.

The play was written by Steven Moffat, known for Doctor Who and Sherlock. Mark Gatiss directed the production. Howell later returned for further stagings. This gave him valuable live theatre experience. He also worked alongside experienced industry professionals.

He has also appeared in productions such as What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank at the Marylebone Theatre, adding further range to his stage résumé.

Why Gabriel Howell Is an Actor to Watch

What stands out about Gabriel Howell’s career so far is the variety across mediums.

Many young actors focus on one format. Howell, however, has worked across several areas.

His work spans several formats. These include Bodies, Nightsleeper, The Fence, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Unfriend. This range shows his commitment to building a lasting acting career. He is not relying on a single breakout role.

His involvement with acclaimed collaborators — including Stephen Graham, Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, and Dean DeBlois — also reflects the level of trust the industry has placed in him early on. Working alongside such established names is often a strong signal of where a young actor’s career is headed.

With How to Train Your Dragon introducing him to global audiences, expectations for Howell’s next projects are likely to grow. Given his consistent output across the past few years — roughly one major project per year since his 2022 debut — fans and industry watchers alike will be looking for his next screen or stage announcement.

Final Thoughts

Gabriel Howell represents a new generation of British actors. He is building his career across prestige television, studio films, and stage productions. After training at RADA, he gained attention for his performance in How to Train Your Dragon. His work continues to showcase his range and steady growth. As his profile rises, Howell could become one of the most prominent British actors of his generation.Click Here.