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Last updated on the 23 June 2025 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 29 September 1913, Cliftonville, Kent, England.
Trevor Howard, son of Mabel Grey and Arthur John Howard-Smith, was born in Cliftonville, Kent, England in 1913. Despite later claiming to have been born in 1916, records such as school documentation support his actual birth year. His father worked as an insurance underwriter for Lloyd’s of London and held various international postings, leading Howard to travel extensively during his early years.
Trevor Howard received his education at Clifton College and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), where he excelled as an actor and won accolades for his performances. Upon completing his education, Howard embarked on a successful stage career, appearing in notable productions including works by Sheridan and performances at Stratford-upon-Avon.
In the realm of film and television, Trevor Howard left an indelible mark with his compelling performances. He made his film debut in 1944 in the movie “The Way Ahead,” where he showcased his talent for portraying complex characters with depth and nuance. Howard’s breakout role came in 1945 with David Lean’s “Brief Encounter,” a film that established him as a leading actor in British cinema.
Throughout his career, Howard delivered memorable performances in a wide range of films, including “The Third Man” (1949), “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1962), and “Gandhi” (1982). His versatility as an actor allowed him to tackle diverse roles across different genres, earning him critical acclaim and fan admiration.
In his personal life, Trevor Howard was known for his reserved and private nature. He preferred to keep his personal matters out of the public eye, focusing instead on his craft and his contributions to the world of acting. Despite his reluctance to engage with the media, Howard’s talent and professionalism spoke volumes about his dedication to his craft.
Trevor Howard’s legacy as an actor continues to endure, with his body of work serving as a testament to his talent and commitment to the art of acting. His contributions to cinema and television have left an undeniable impact on the industry, inspiring generations of actors and film makers to pursue excellence in their craft. Howard’s remarkable career stands as a shining example of the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring influence of great acting talent.
Suggested viewing
Operation Crossbow (1965)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6
During WWII, British intelligence uncovers a secret German program developing devastating V-weapons. A team of Allied specialists, including engineers fluent in German, is hastily assembled and sent behind enemy lines. Their perilous mission: infiltrate the heavily guarded underground factory where these rockets are being built and destroy it before they can unleash their full destructive power on Allied cities.
Top cast: Sophia Loren, George Peppard, Trevor Howard, John Mills, Richard Johnson, Tom Courtenay, Jeremy Kemp, Anthony Quayle, Sylvia Sims.
More sabotage against the enemy
Brief Encounter (1945)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0
Brief Encounter portrays an emotional affair between a married woman and a doctor, leading to a profound connection filled with love and longing. Set in post-war Britain, the film beautifully explores the complexities of relationships and societal expectations.
Top cast: Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, Cyril Raymond, Everley Gregg, Marjorie Mars, Margaret Barton.
The Third Man (1949)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.1
In post-World War II Vienna, a novelist investigates the mysterious death of his friend but uncovers a complex web of deception involving black market racketeers, corrupt officials and his lover’s dark secret. As he dives deeper, he grapples with moral dilemmas and the unsettling truth behind his friend’s demise emerges, testing his loyalty and sense of justice.
Top cast: Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard, Orson Welles, Paul Hörbiger, Ernst Deutsch, Erich Ponto, Siegfried Breuer, Hedwig Bleibtreu.
Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.2
A tyrannical ship captain’s brutal treatment of his crew during a voyage to Tahiti sparks growing resentment. The first officer, witnessing the escalating cruelty, eventually leads a rebellion. The captain and loyalists are cast adrift, while the mutineers seek refuge on a remote island, grappling with the consequences of their actions and the pursuit of justice.
Top cast: Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, Richard Harris, Hugh Griffith, Richard Haydn, Percy Herbert, Gordon Jackson, Chips Rafferty, Noel Purcell.
The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.6
The Charge of the Light Brigade Is a historical war film based on a true story. Set during the Crimean War, it depicts the ill-fated charge by British cavalry against Russian forces. The film explores themes of honour, loyalty and the devastating impact of war on individuals caught in the midst of conflict.
Top cast: John Gielgud, David Hemmings, Trevor Howard, Harry Andrew, Jill Bennett, Vanessa Redgrave, Ben Aris, Micky Baker, Peter Bowles.
Battle of Britain (1969)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.9
In “Battle of Britain,” the pivotal air conflict between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe during World War II is portrayed, depicting the intense aerial battles over Britain in 1940. The film captures the courage and determination of RAF pilots against overwhelming odds, ultimately turning the tide of the war.
Top cast: Trevor Howard, Michael Caine, Harry Andrews, Curd Jürgens, Ian McShane, Laurence Olivier, Christopher Plummer, Kenneth More, Nigel Patrick, Michael Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, Robert Shaw, Patrick Wymark, Susannah York, Edward Fox, Barry Foster, James Cosmo.
Ryan’s Daughter (1970)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4
Amidst World War I, a young woman marries an older schoolteacher in a conservative Irish village. Her affair with a British officer leads to scandal, betrayal and suspicion within the community. Mistaken loyalties, isolation and the harsh reality of wartime sentiments culminate in tragic consequences for all involved.
Top cast: Robert Mitchum, Trevor Howard, Christopher Jones, John Mills, Leo McKern, Sarah Miles, Barry Foster, Marie Kean.
