From the rodeo arena to the silver screen, C. Thomas Howell has spent a lifetime bringing
unforgettable stories to life. The son of a professional bull rider turned stuntman, Howell made
his film debut at the age of seven, setting the stage for a decades-long career in Hollywood.
His breakout role as Ponyboy Curtis in The Outsiders cemented him as a cultural icon,
introducing audiences to a coming-of-age story that continues to inspire generations of readers
and moviegoers. The novel’s unforgettable message—Stay Gold—is more than just a line in a
script; it’s a call to embrace identity, empathy, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Through roles in films like Red Dawn, The Hitcher, and Secret Admirer, as well as acclaimed
television projects including Criminal Minds, Southland, SEAL Team, The Walking Dead, and
Netflix’s global hit Obliterated, Howell has built a career centered on the enduring power of
story. His performances have transported audiences into worlds of struggle, resilience, and
triumph, proving that stories—whether told through books or movies—shape who we are and
who we can become.

But his impact extends far beyond the screen. Inspired by the timeless message of The
Outsiders, Howell founded the Stay Gold Foundation, dedicated to empowering young people
through creativity, literacy, and the arts. Just as Ponyboy found solace in poetry and books,
Howell champions the idea that literacy gives young people the tools to tell their own stories,
rewrite their futures, and find a sense of belonging. His work reminds us that
storytelling—whether on film or in the pages of a book—preserves the human experience and
keeps hope alive.

From Ponyboy to purpose, C. Thomas Howell continues to prove that the stories we tell have
the power to shape our world. Through his dedication to film, literacy, and giving back, he
invites us all to Stay Gold—to hold onto the creativity, curiosity, and passion that make us who
we are.