C. Thomas Howell Quotes

Powerful C. Thomas Howell for Daily Growth

About C. Thomas Howell

C. Thomas Howell, born on December 7, 1961, in Santa Monica, California, is an accomplished American actor, director, and producer who has left a significant mark on Hollywood. Raised by his grandmother after his parents' separation, Howell developed a passion for acting at a young age, making his screen debut at the age of 13 in the cult classic "The Outsiders" (1983). This role catapulted him to fame as a member of the Brat Pack, a group of young actors who rose to prominence in the 1980s. Influenced by legendary actors such as Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift, Howell honed his craft with a raw authenticity that set him apart from his peers. He continued to captivate audiences with memorable roles in films like "Soul Man" (1986), "The Hitcher" (1986), and "Grand Canyon" (1991). Howell expanded his career behind the camera, directing episodes of popular TV series such as "CSI: Miami," "NCIS," and "The Mentalist." He also directed the feature film "Psycho IV: The Beginning" in 1990. In 2013, Howell returned to his roots with a role in "The Outsiders" stage adaptation, demonstrating his commitment to his craft and the enduring impact of this seminal work on his career. His most recent acting roles include appearances in shows like "American Horror Story," "Empire," and "Madam Secretary." Throughout his illustrious career spanning four decades, C. Thomas Howell has proven himself to be a versatile artist whose contributions to film and television continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a journey and we have to take it one day at a time."

This quote by C. Thomas Howell emphasizes the importance of living life in small, manageable moments, rather than getting overwhelmed by the grandness or complexity of the whole journey. It encourages us to focus on each day as it comes, acknowledging that life is a continuous process. By taking life one day at a time, we can better appreciate and handle the experiences, challenges, and growth opportunities that each day presents. This approach fosters resilience, mindfulness, and contentment, allowing us to savor the journey of life instead of just rushing towards an uncertain destination.


"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

This quote by C. Thomas Howell suggests that individuals should take an active role in shaping their own future rather than passively waiting for it to unfold. In essence, it encourages personal responsibility, proactivity, and self-determination. Instead of relying on predictions or external factors, one should create their desired future through deliberate actions, goal-setting, and perseverance.


"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is more to you than you know."

This quote encourages self-belief and self-discovery, suggesting that one's potential is greater than what is immediately apparent or recognized. It emphasizes the importance of having faith in oneself, recognizing one's inherent worth, and embracing a mindset that acknowledges personal growth and development are possible. Essentially, it serves as a call to tap into one's untapped abilities and unleash one's true potential.


"Everything that's worthwhile in life will cost you something; the question is, what's it going to cost you?"

This quote highlights the idea that valuable experiences or achievements often require effort, sacrifice, or personal growth. It encourages individuals to consider the potential costs involved when pursuing worthwhile goals or opportunities in life. The 'cost' can be various - time, energy, resources, comfort zones, or even relationships. However, the ultimate message is that the journey towards worthwhile endeavors is not without its challenges and demands but offers significant rewards if one is willing to pay the price.


"You have to be willing to give up what you let go of in order to have what you really want."

This quote by C. Thomas Howell emphasizes the importance of letting go of attachments, habits, or beliefs that no longer serve our purpose, in order to make room for new experiences, opportunities, or goals that align with what we truly desire. It implies that growth, transformation, and achieving our deepest wants often require releasing control and making difficult decisions about what we're willing to let go of, so we can embrace the unknown and unlock our full potential.


Going from a child actor to an adult actor is not an easy thing, and I was sort of lost in a no man's land for a while, trying to figure out who I was as a person, and going from a young actor to an adult actor.

- C. Thomas Howell

Going, Easy Thing, Figure, Young Actor

I mean, I'm willing to do anything with Chris Chulack - he's one of my favorite directors I've ever worked with, and I just think he's a fantastic man, and a great creator, and a good friend.

- C. Thomas Howell

Think, Creator, Willing, Good Friend

I feel like actors, having spent a lot of time on movie sets, tend to make decent directors, because they've been there, they know what they're doing, they've seen it done right, they've seen it done wrong, and they feel comfortable. There's not a lot of chin-scratching and wondering what your next move is.

- C. Thomas Howell

Doing, Next, Been, Wondering

I wasn't one of those kids who was chasing the dream and wanted to get to Hollywood because one day I was gonna get my chance and be a big star. I never felt like that.

- C. Thomas Howell

Chance, Big, Hollywood, Big Star

I grew up as a child living 'Red Dawn.' I was leaping out of spider holes, mowing down Russkies at the age of eight.

- C. Thomas Howell

Down, Living, Grew, Holes

Once you really understand your role... that's why I think actors get lost in a series. Everybody wants to be the quarterback or the game-winning wide receiver. I've been around long enough and done enough stuff to where I don't feel that way. I just want to do what I do as well as possible.

- C. Thomas Howell

Been, Everybody, I Think, Receiver

My father got a phone call to bring me in to meet with Spielberg for 'E.T.,' partially because they knew I was a physical kid, and I was known in the business somewhat as a stunt kid, and I could do all the bicycle riding.

- C. Thomas Howell

Father, Bicycle, Kid, Phone Call

I didn't really make up my mind to be an actor until I did 'The Hitcher' with Rutger Hauer. I was about 17 or 18 when I did that, by which point I'd probably done a dozen or more movies or TV things, but 'The Hitcher' was the experience that made me want to study and commit and learn how to do this for my life.

- C. Thomas Howell

My Life, Study, TV, Make Up

My dad's a very shrewd, clever guy.

- C. Thomas Howell

Very, Dad, Shrewd, Clever

To be a good director, you have to spend a lot of time on actual sets, but today, there's a lot of people who spend a lot of time in dark rooms writing a script, and they'll go in and tell the story to some suit at a studio who says, 'Okay, this is great, let's go.' But that doesn't necessarily mean you know what to do once you're on set.

- C. Thomas Howell

Some, Studio, Rooms, Okay

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