Ellis Howard

Ellis Howard

Ellis Francis Howard (born c. 1997) is an English actor and writer.

Early life and education

Ellis Howard

Howard was born in Liverpool and grew up in Norris Green. His father is a dockworker and his mother an NHS worker.

Howard took acting classes at local performing arts school Rare Studio and was a member of the UK Youth Parliament scheme before studying acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2018. He was a member of the National Youth Theatre.

Acting career

Ellis Howard

• In 2019, Howard played Ivan VI of Russia in the HBO miniseries Catherine the Great. • In 2022, Howard played Antony Longwell in the BBC Three horror drama series Red Rose. • In 2023, Howard played Dill Harris in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Gielgud Theatre. • In 2025, Howard played the lead role in the BBC Three drama series What It Feels Like for a Girl, based on the life story of Paris Lees. • For this role, in March 2026, Howard was nominated for Best Leading Actor in the BAFTA Television Awards.

Other activities

Ellis Howard

Howard is writing and developing a television drama, based on his experiences at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with Toheeb Jimoh and developing an autobiographical show for Netflix.

Along with other members of his family, Howard runs a non-profit initiative, Step Up For Scousers, which collects and donates unsold toys and household supplies to local families. The goods are distributed through the Fans Supporting Foodbanks network set up by Ian Byrne, MP for West Derby.