Ellis Howard Explained

Ellis Francis Howard (born) is an English actor and writer.^[1]

Early life and education

Howard was born in Liverpool and grew up in Norris Green. His father is a dockworker^[2] and his mother an NHS worker.^[1]

Howard took acting classes at local performing arts school Rare Studio and was a member of the UK Youth Parliament^[1] scheme before studying acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2018.^[3] He was a member of the National Youth Theatre.^[4]

Acting career

• In 2019, Howard played Ivan VI of Russia in the HBO miniseries Catherine the Great.^[5]
• In 2022, Howard played Antony Longwell in the BBC Three horror drama series Red Rose.^{[6] [5]}
• In 2023, Howard played Dill Harris in To Kill a Mockingbird at the Gielgud Theatre.^{[7] [8] [1]}
• 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.^{[3] [9]}

Other activities

Howard is writing and developing a television drama, based on his experiences at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with Toheeb Jimoh^[3] and developing an autobiographical show for Netflix.^{[9] [7]}

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.^{[10] [9]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Ellis Howard on "shocking" trans story 'What It Feels Like For A Girl'. Nick. Levine. . May 28, 2025.
2. Web site: What It Feels Like for a Girl star Ellis Howard on frank sex scenes, that toilet brush moment, and the emotional finale. Jack. King. June 6, 2025. British GQ.
3. Web site: Ellis Howard Interview: What It Feels Like for a Girl star on class, queerness and the power of community. Y. M.. Liverpool. June 6, 2025.
4. Web site: Ellis Howard | Guildhall School of Music & Drama. www.gsmd.ac.uk.
5. Web site: Meet the cast of Red Rose, the teen horror series keeping everyone up at night. Katelyn. Mensah. February 23, 2023. The Tab.
6. Web site: Meet the cast of Red Rose. August 19, 2022. BBC Three.
7. Web site: Meet Ellis Howard, the breakout star of What It Feels Like For A Girl. Vicky. Jessop. June 3, 2025. The Standard.
8. Web site: To Kill at Mockingbird at Gielgud Theatre in the West End. www.gielgudtheatre.co.uk.
9. Web site: What It Feels Like for a Girl: Ellis Howard on humanising the trans experience with working-class grit. Sam. Damshenas. June 3, 2025. GAY TIMES.
10. Web site: Cost of living crisis sees Step Up For Scousers campaign return. Chris. Grundy. March 14, 2022. Liverpool Echo.