Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Theodore Norman Howard Gabel |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 2007 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Parents | Bryce Dallas Howard (actress/director); Seth Gabel (actor) |
| Sibling | Beatrice Jean Howard Gabel (b. January 19, 2012) |
| Heritage | Jewish (father’s side); Cherokee, Dutch, English, French, German, Irish, Scottish (mother’s side); great‑grandchildren of Rance and Jean Howard |
| Education | Los Angeles public schools; committed to USC School of Cinematic Arts for Film & Television Production (2025) |
| Occupation | Emerging filmmaker, actor |
| Notable Early Debut | Age 9 acting debut in Oscar‑shortlisted live‑action short |
| Social Media | Instagram: @theohowardgabel (9 public posts; ~1,100 followers) |
Early Life & Family Heritage
Theodore Norman Howard Gabel, born February 16, 2007, is the sole son of Academy Award-nominated actress and director Bryce Dallas Howard and Tony-winning actor Seth Gabel. Theo Howard, the fourth generation of a family entrenched in American cinema, is the grandson of famed filmmaker Ron Howard and actress Cheryl Alley, and the great-grandson of character actresses Rance and Jean Speegle Howard.
Growing up in Los Angeles and traveling for film projects, he attended public schools while working on large studio sets. His family coupled surf trips around the California coast, where his mother was a champion junior surfer, with weekly family screenings of classic Hollywood films, blending teenage life with cinematic absorption.
Family & Personal Relationships
| Relationship | Name & Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Seth Gabel; met Bryce at NYU’s Tisch School (2001); married 2006 |
| Mother | Bryce Dallas Howard; Oscar‑nominated actress/director |
| Sibling | Beatrice Jean (b. January 19, 2012); shares annual film‑camp tradition |
| Godfather | Josh Gad; longtime family friend; active mentor |
| Extended Network | Cousins: Clint Howard, Paige Howard, Jocelyn Howard, Reed Howard |
Annual summer film camps offered by their mother and godfather Josh Gad build a bond between Theo and his younger sister Beatrice. The children work on short-form projects, with Beatrice assisting with storyboarding and their godfather offering voice-over and comic timing advice. In family interviews, Seth praises Ron Howard with teaching him humility on set, which he taught Theo.
Education & Filmmaking Journey
Theo balanced academics and creativity from childhood. Film studies and digital arts electives in Los Angeles public schools were his strengths. In March 2025, aged 18, he committed to studying Film & Television Production at USC School of Cinematic Arts, which has produced notable graduates like George Lucas and Robert Zemeckis.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Age 9 acting debut in short directed by his mother |
| 2020 | Began writing and shooting family shorts on personal devices |
| 2024 | “Find My” official selection at Los Angeles Shorts International |
| 2025 | USC Cinematic Arts commitment announced in Instagram post |
He has produced and directed short films on FilmFreeway, including “Find My” and “Refraction 2024.” His editing skills and on-set workflows have garnered praise from family collaborators and festival jurors.
Filmography & Festival Success
| Title | Year | Role(s) | Festival/Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| When You Find Me | 2016 | Child actor; co‑writer | Oscar‑shortlisted live‑action short |
| Solemates | 2015 | Actor (role: Young Theo) | Family‑centric festival screenings |
| Pets | 2025 | Cameo appearance | Brief family cameo |
| Find My | 2024 | Writer, Director, Producer | Official Selection, Los Angeles Shorts International; Best Youth Short Award |
| Refraction 2024 | 2024 | Writer, Director, Producer | FilmFreeway regional recognition |
At 17, he directed the short film “Find My” which was shortlisted at multiple international festivals and received the Best Youth Short award at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. His work on “Refraction 2024” showcased his expertise in non-linear storytelling and special effects camera rigs.
Public Image & Social Media Presence
Theo posts nine curated pictures on Instagram @theohowardgabel, including trip photos from Molokini Crater (August 2024), behind-the-scenes set life, and a March 2025 podcast announcement while maintaining a low public profile. His 8% interaction rate reflects a small group of peers, family friends, and early film aficionados.
In March 2025, he discussed his concept for camp-based storytelling and peer-led ensemble casts on the “What in the Winkler” podcast with his dad and godfather Josh Gad. In June 2025, People magazine published an article on his 18th birthday, contrasting his humble beginnings with his Hollywood celebrity.
Most Recent Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | Molokini Crater travel photography post hinting at documentary interest |
| Mar 2025 | Guest appearance on “What in the Winkler” podcast |
| Jun 12, 2025 | People profile on 18th birthday and family work–life balance |
| Fall 2025 | Expected USC Cinematic Arts freshman orientation |
In January 2025, he declared his commitment to USC’s prestigious program on Instagram. The summer preparations include pre-semester training in cinematography and producing.
FAQ
When was Theodore Norman Howard Gabel born?
He was born on February 16, 2007, in Los Angeles, California.
Who are his parents?
His parents are actress/director Bryce Dallas Howard and actor Seth Gabel.
What notable filmmaking achievements does he have?
In 2024, his short film “Find My” won Best Youth Short at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival and was selected for Oscar-qualifying festivals.
Which university will he attend?
He has committed to studying Film & Television Production at USC School of Cinematic Arts in fall 2025.
Who is his godfather?
Tony actor Josh Gad serves as his godfather and creative mentor.
How many festival‑qualifying credits does he hold?
His credits include producing, writing, and directing two short films and acting in three family-led films.
