Gabriel Howell: Rising British Star in Bodies and How to Train Your Dragon

Gabriel Howell is a name that has rapidly gained recognition in the British entertainment industry. With standout performances in the Netflix series Bodies and the BBC thriller Nightsleeper, he has established himself as a versatile actor capable of bringing depth and nuance to a wide range of characters. In 2025, he reached a new level of global fame by taking on the role of Snotlout Jorgenson in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.

Trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), Howell’s journey from stage to screen has been marked by critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. While he maintains a relatively private personal life, his professional achievements speak for themselves, making him one of the most promising young actors in British drama.

Quick Bio Table

Who Is Gabriel Howell?

Gabriel Howell is a British actor who has quickly become a recognizable face in television and film. He is best known for his role as a young Elias Mannix in the Netflix mystery thriller Bodies (2023) and as Tobi McKnight in the BBC mini-series Nightsleeper (2024). In 2025, he took on a major Hollywood role, playing Snotlout Jorgenson in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon.

Born in Bristol, Howell trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he honed his craft before making his professional stage and screen debut. His performances have been praised for their emotional depth and technical skill, and he is widely regarded as a rising star in British drama.

Early Life and Childhood

Gabriel Howell was born on 19 February 1999 in Bristol, United Kingdom. He spent much of his adolescence in Bristol, a city he describes as feeling most like home to him. Growing up, Howell was a huge fan of the How to Train Your Dragon books, which he called “Hiccup’s Diaries” and which played a significant role in shaping his childhood imagination.

He also enjoyed making videos and vlogs on early YouTube, which sparked his interest in filmmaking and performance. His parents were supportive of his ambitions, encouraging him to pursue his passion for acting. As a child, he also made short movies with his younger brother.

Age and Birthday

Gabriel Howell was born on 19 February 1999. He is 26 years old as of 2025.

Parents and Family Background

Details about Gabriel Howell’s family are limited, as he prefers to keep his personal life private. His parents live in the countryside outside Bristol. He has a younger brother with whom he made short films as a child.

Education

Howell received his formal acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting in 2021. At RADA, he performed in several stage productions, which helped him build a strong foundation for his professional career.

Career Journey

Stage Career

Howell made his professional stage debut in 2022 in Steven Moffat’s play The Unfriend at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester. The production, directed by Mark Gatiss, later transferred to the West End’s Criterion Theatre in 2023. His performance was described as “the perfect stage debut” by The Daily Telegraph.

In 2024, he appeared in Nathan Englander’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank at the Theatre Royal, Marylebone.

Film and Television

Howell’s first screen role was in the 2021 short film Sketching Dragons, which marked the beginning of his on-screen career. He then appeared in the 2022 film The Fence as Dennis.

His breakthrough came in 2023 when he was cast as a young Elias Mannix in the Netflix series Bodies. His emotional and powerful portrayal was a key part of the show’s international acclaim. In 2024, he played Tobi McKnight, a junior cyber analyst, in the BBC mini-series Nightsleeper.

In 2025, Howell took on his highest-profile role to date: Snotlout Jorgenson in the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon. He described his character as brash and bold, trying to stand out among bigger Vikings and live up to his father’s expectations.

Major Achievements

• Stage Debut: Made his professional stage debut in The Unfriend (2022), earning critical praise.

• Netflix Breakthrough: Gained international recognition as Elias Mannix in Bodies (2023).

• BBC Role: Starred as Tobi McKnight in the BBC mini-series Nightsleeper (2024).

• Hollywood Blockbuster: Played Snotlout Jorgenson in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (2025).

• RADA Graduate: Trained at one of the world’s leading drama schools.

Personal Life

Gabriel Howell maintains a private personal life. He is not known to be married and has no publicly known children. He grew up in Bristol and, as of his early career, was based in London. He is active on Instagram, where he has garnered more than 60,000 followers.

Height and Physical Appearance

Gabriel Howell’s height is a subject of some discrepancy across different sources. One source reports his height as 5’5″ (165 cm). However, an unofficial source estimates his height at approximately 1.78 m (about 5’10”). The more commonly cited figure appears to be 5’5″, though this is not officially confirmed. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Net Worth and Income Sources

Gabriel Howell’s net worth is not publicly available. His income primarily comes from his acting roles in television, film, and theatre.

Social Media Presence

Gabriel Howell is active on Instagram under the handle @gabrielhowell_, where he shares updates about his career and personal life.

Interesting Facts

• Gabriel Howell was a huge fan of the How to Train Your Dragon books as a child, calling them “Hiccup’s Diaries”.

• He made his first screen appearance in the short film Sketching Dragons in 2021.

• His stage debut in The Unfriend was hailed as “the perfect stage debut” by The Daily Telegraph.

• He appeared alongside established actors like Reece Shearsmith, Amanda Abbington, and Frances Barber in his West End debut.

• As a child, he made short movies with his younger brother.

Current Life and Recent Updates

As of 2025, Gabriel Howell is riding a wave of success following his role in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon. He continues to be active in the entertainment industry and is considered one of the most promising young actors in British drama.

Public Image and Legacy

Gabriel Howell is regarded as a talented and versatile actor who has made a smooth transition from stage to screen. His ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances in both television dramas and big-budget films has earned him critical respect and a growing fanbase. With a strong foundation in classical theatre training and an expanding portfolio of high-profile roles, he is poised for a long and successful career.

Why People Search for Gabriel Howell

People search for Gabriel Howell for several reasons:

1. His Role in How to Train Your Dragon: The 2025 live-action adaptation has brought him significant global attention.

2. His Performances in Bodies and Nightsleeper: Fans of these shows are curious about the actor behind the characters.

3. His Background and Training: His education at RADA is a point of interest for aspiring actors.

4. His Height and Personal Details: As with many actors, fans are curious about his physical appearance and personal life.

Common Misconceptions

One common misconception is that Gabriel Howell is an American actor. In fact, he is British and was born in Bristol, United Kingdom. Another potential point of confusion is his height, with different sources reporting different measurements; the official figure, if available, is not widely confirmed.

Privacy and Public Information

Gabriel Howell maintains a relatively private personal life. He does not share extensive details about his family or relationships, preferring to keep the focus on his professional work.

Final Thoughts

Gabriel Howell is a talented and dedicated actor who has made a significant impact on British and international screens in a short period. With a solid foundation in classical theatre training and a growing portfolio of diverse and challenging roles, he represents the next generation of British acting talent. As his career continues to ascend, he remains a figure of considerable interest and promise in the entertainment industry.

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