Peter Howell

Peter Howell was a distinguished English actor known for his compelling performances on both stage and screen. Born into a family of privilege, he received his education at Winchester and Christ Church, Oxford. However, his studies were interrupted when he was commissioned as an officer in the Rifle Brigade during World War II, a formative experience that shaped his worldview.

Howell was a passionate advocate for social justice and an unwavering member of the Labour Party throughout his life. He is perhaps best recognized for his role as the governor in Alan Clarke's controversial 1979 film "Scum," a part he accepted to shed light on the critical issues surrounding the penal system in the UK.

In addition to his acting career, Howell was an avid cricket enthusiast and a long-standing member of the Marylebone Cricket Club. He notably opposed the club's proposed cricket tour of apartheid-era South Africa in 1968-69, a tour that was ultimately cancelled, reflecting his commitment to social equity.

Howell also played a significant role in his community by supporting initiatives such as the fundraising efforts for the Watermans Arts Centre in Chiswick, London, which helped promote the arts in the local area. He passed away on April 20, 2015, at Denville Hall, a retirement home for actors in Northwood, London, after a brief illness, at the age of 95.