Trivia

In 2003 he was hospitalized for 4 weeks because of a ruptured appendix, a very serious illness, fatal if not treated on time.

He lost 45 pounds and surgeons had to take out 3 feet of his intestine among other things in order to save his life. That's the real reason behind his gaunt look in all his movies between 2003 and 2005.

He tested for and was nearly cast as Marty McFly in Back to the Future (1985). The role was given to Eric Stoltz. Stoltz was hired initially as first choice Michael J. Fox was committed to his TV show Family Ties; when Fox was allowed to participate, Stoltz was released and then finally, Michael J. Fox got the role.

He was a junior rodeo circuit champion.

He turned down the role of Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid (1984).

Former son-in-law of Tommy Chong.

The C. abbreviation stands for Christopher.

His father is Chris Howell (born Christopher N. Thomas Howell, Sr.), a stunt coordinator.

He is an owner and producer of Buckwheat Films.

On trial for misdemeanors alleged in an accident with a skateboarder on 9 December 2000. The case was later dismissed. (October 30, 2001)

Listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1986" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 38. (1986)

Was #73 in VH1's 100 Greatest Teen Stars.

Child with second wife Sylvie Anderson, Liam Howell (aka "Liam West Howell"), born April 24, 2001.

He and Dee Wallace both starred in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Secret Admirer (1985).

After winning the magic-performance Celeb-reality show Celebracadabra (2008) in 2008, he has reprised his show's character, "Cherry", and performing at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.

He was considered for the role of Glen Lantz in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

He and Lori Loughlin reunited in her short-lived TV series Summerland (2004-2005).

Child with second wife Sylvie Anderson, Isabelle Howell born 17 February 1993.

Child with second wife Sylvie Anderson, Dashiell Howell, born January 2, 1997.

Born exactly one year after Jeffrey Wright; also shares his birthday with Eli Wallach, Ellen Burstyn, and the late Harry Chapin.

Born on the 25 year anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.