It feels like just yesterday we were watching a young Ponyboy Curtis recite Robert Frost in The Outsiders. But time moves fast in Hollywood, maybe even faster for the "Brat Pack" era icons who defined a generation's youth. If you’ve been scrolling through Netflix or caught a recent episode of SEAL Team and found yourself wondering how old is C. Thomas Howell, you aren't alone.
He's no longer the kid in the denim jacket.
Born on December 7, 1966, Christopher Thomas Howell is currently 59 years old. He will hit the big 6-0 later this year. For those of us who grew up with Red Dawn or The Hitcher on repeat, that number might feel like a bit of a gut punch. It’s a reminder that the 80s weren't actually ten years ago, despite what our hearts tell us.
Breaking Down the Decades: The Life of Tommy Howell
Most people know him as "C. Thomas," but these days, he often goes by Tommy Howell, especially in his music career. Born in Los Angeles to a stuntman father, he was literally raised on film sets and rodeo circuits. Honestly, it’s kind of wild to think he was a world-class rodeo champion before he was even a legal adult. He was the California Junior Rodeo Association's All-Around Junior Boy's Champion in 1980 and 1981.
Then came E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.
He was only 15 when he played Tyler, one of the older boys in Spielberg’s masterpiece. Just a year later, at 16, he became a household name as the lead in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders. Imagine being 16 and working alongside Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, and Rob Lowe. Most of us were just trying to pass algebra.
The Career Dip and the Health Scare
Hollywood is a fickle place. By the late 80s and early 90s, the "teen idol" status began to fade. While some of his peers became global superstars, Howell’s path took a turn toward gritty character work and, frankly, some questionable direct-to-video choices.
But things got genuinely scary in 2003.
Howell suffered a ruptured appendix that nearly cost him his life. He spent four weeks in the hospital, lost 45 pounds, and had three feet of his intestine removed. If you look at his films from that era—roughly 2003 to 2005—he looks incredibly gaunt. People often mistake that look for aging or lifestyle choices, but it was a brutal physical recovery. He’s lucky to be here.
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The Career Resurgence: Why He’s Everywhere Now
At 59, Howell is arguably more active than he was in his 30s. He’s mastered the art of the "character actor pivot." You’ve probably seen him recently in:
- The Walking Dead: As a member of the Hilltop community.
- Criminal Minds: Playing the terrifying serial killer George Foyet (The Reaper).
- SEAL Team: Portraying Ash Spenser.
- Reagan (2024): Playing Caspar Weinberger.
He doesn't just act anymore, either. He's a director and a singer-songwriter now. His recent album, Damned Good Man, released in 2025, leans heavily into his country and rodeo roots. It’s a far cry from the synth-pop 80s vibe, but it fits him.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Age
There is a common misconception that Howell is older than he actually is. This usually stems from the fact that he’s been working professionally since 1972. Yes, he was four years old when he appeared in The Little People. When someone has been on your screen for over 50 years, your brain naturally adds a decade or two to their real age.
He’s actually younger than several of his Outsiders castmates. Ralph Macchio, who played Johnny Cade, is actually five years older than Howell, even though they played peers. Macchio’s famously youthful "Benjamin Button" genes often make people think Howell is the elder of the two, but the math says otherwise.
Why 59 Is a Milestone for the "Stay Gold" Legend
The phrase "Stay Gold" has followed Howell his entire life. It’s a heavy mantle to carry when you’re nearly 60. But looking at his 2026 schedule, he’s embracing it. He still does the convention circuits, often appearing with Ralph Macchio for Outsiders reunions, and he runs the "Stay Gold Foundation," which focuses on literacy and supporting the arts.
He’s currently filming a project called Dreadtown and just wrapped Where the Wind Blows.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you want to keep up with how he's navigating this stage of his career, don't just look at IMDb. His most authentic updates happen on his "Tommy Howell" music channels. He’s currently touring small venues, doing "storyteller" sets where he talks about the old days while playing his new music. It’s a rare chance to see a former teen idol be completely vulnerable about the realities of aging in an industry that prizes youth.
If you’re planning to catch him at a signing or a show this year, remember: he’s 59, healthy, and still very much in the game. He isn't just a relic of the 80s; he’s a working artist who survived the "teen idol" curse and came out the other side with a pretty impressive second act.
Next Steps for the Howell Obsessed:
Check out his 2026 tour dates if you’re in the South or Midwest. He’s frequently doing "An Evening with The Outsiders" events which are much more intimate than a standard Comic-Con booth. Also, if you haven't seen his arc in Criminal Minds, go back and watch it—it’s widely considered one of the best villain performances in the show’s history and proves he’s far more than just a "greaser" from Tulsa.