Ellis Howard: Biography, Career, and Key Facts

Few rising British actors manage to land a BAFTA nomination barely three years after their first screen credit, but Ellis Howard has done exactly that—nominated for Breakthrough in 2025 after a gripping performance in the BBC adaptation What It Feels Like for a Girl. In this article, you’ll find facts about his background, career, and off-the-record details—no speculation, just what sources confirm.

Full name: Ellis Francis Howard · Born: c. 1997 · Nationality: English · Occupation: Actor, writer · Known for: Red Rose (2022), What It Feels Like for a Girl (2025) · Awards: Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award · Instagram followers: 19,000

Eleven details fill out his profile, each tied to a specific source.

Who is Ellis Howard?

Early life and background

• Ellis Francis Howard is an English actor and writer born circa 1997 (Casarotto Ramsay & Associates).
• He is from Liverpool and grew up in a working‑class family, according to a YouTube interview (YouTube interview).
• His agency notes he has worked with the National Theatre, the Barbican, and HBO (Casarotto Ramsay & Associates).

The implication: his background gives his performances an authenticity that resonates with audiences and critics alike.

What gender is Ellis Howard?

Ellis Howard is male, and biographical sources consistently use he/him pronouns (Casarotto Ramsay & Associates). This aligns with all available media coverage and his Wikipedia entry. No contrary information exists.

What movies and TV shows has Ellis Howard been in?

Red Rose (2022)

• His first major screen role was in the BBC Three horror‑thriller Red Rose (IMDb).

What It Feels Like for a Girl (2025)

• He starred in the BBC adaptation of Paris Lees’ memoir, a raw coming‑of‑age story set in the early 2000s (Casarotto Ramsay & Associates).

The Rachel Incident

• Also listed on IMDb as a credit (IMDb).

• Additional credits include Catherine the Great and a West End debut as Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird (Casarotto Ramsay & Associates).

The pattern: Howard builds a career grounded in emotionally demanding roles, from horror to period drama to contemporary queer storytelling.

Is Ellis Howard married?

No verifiable source mentions a spouse or partner. Marital status is not publicly confirmed. This is consistent with many rising actors who keep their personal lives private.

What is Ellis Howard’s nationality?

Ellis Howard is English. He grew up in Liverpool and identifies as English (YouTube interview). Despite his surname having possible Scottish or Irish origins, all credible sources place him as English.

“The rave scene of the early 2000s was a huge part of my upbringing; I wanted to capture that raw energy on screen.”

Ellis Howard, in an interview with Behind the Blinds

“We are thrilled to welcome Ellis Howard to the 2025 BAFTA Breakthrough cohort—his work in What It Feels Like for a Girl is a standout.”

BAFTA spokesperson

For emerging actors in the UK, the implication is clear: Howard’s trajectory—from Liverpool theatre to a BAFTA nomination in three years—sets a new benchmark. For casting directors, the takeaway is that raw, working‑class talent is increasingly breaking through. Howard’s next projects, co‑writing with Toheeb Jimoh and developing with major production partners, could cement him as a defining voice of his generation.

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