Laura Howard Renowned English Actress: Midsomer Murders

Laura Howard's Photo
Laura Howard's Photo

Laura Howard Biography: A Renowned English Actress

Laura Howard, born Laura Simmons, is a British actress who has been active on stage and screen since her teenage years. She has thrived in both television and theatre. She is best known for her portrayal of Cully Barnaby, Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby’s daughter, in the long-running British crime drama “Midsomer Murders” (1997-2011).

Born in Chiswick, London, in 1977, Howard launched her acting career in the early 1990s. She appeared in several television shows such as “Covington Cross” (1992), “Soldier Soldier” (1996), and “The Bill” (1997). Her notable roles include the Jack Rosenthal dramas “Eskimo Day” (1996) and its sequel “Cold Enough For Snow” (1997).

Howard’s career breakthrough came in 1997 when she was cast in “Midsomer Murders,” a role she played for 14 seasons until 2011. Since leaving the show, she has continued to work in television and theatre, appearing in series like “Doctors,” “Casualty,” and “Holby City,” and in films such as “The Other Half” (2004) and “The Children of Huang Shi” (2008). She has also performed in numerous stage productions at prestigious venues like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Donmar Warehouse.

Age, Zodiac Sign, Ethnicity, Nationality:

Laura Howard was born on August 18, 1977, making her 46 years old as of 2024. Her zodiac sign is Leo. She is of white ethnicity and holds British nationality.

  • Age: 46 years old (born on August 18, 1977)
  • Zodiac Sign: Leo
  • Ethnicity: White
  • Nationality: British

Parents and Siblings:

Laura Howard’s parents are Philip Esme Howard, a retired British Army officer, and Sarah Sophia Walker, a homemaker. She has three siblings: Natasha Mary Howard (born 1970), Thomas Philip Howard (born 1974), and Michael Barclay Howard (born 1984). She is the middle child.

Here is the summary:

  • Parents: Philip Esme Howard (father) and Sarah Sophia Walker (mother)
  • Siblings: Natasha Mary Howard (older sister), Thomas Philip Howard (older brother), and Michael Barclay Howard (younger brother)

Husband:

Laura Howard is married to Nwora Eze, a British-Nigerian businessman. They tied the knot in 2017. Nwora Eze is the co-founder of F45 Training, a successful fitness studio franchise with a global presence. He is also the founder of The Etiquette Academy, a company that provides etiquette training services.

Height, Weight, Measurements:

  • Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
  • Weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
  • Measurements: 34-25-36 inches (86-64-91 cm)

Actress

Laura Howard is a versatile actress with an extensive career in television, film, and theatre. Her notable TV roles include:

  • “Covington Cross” (1992)
  • “So Haunt Me” (1992-1994)
  • “Eskimo Day” (1996)
  • “Cold Enough For Snow” (1997)
  • “Midsomer Murders” (1997-2011)
  • “Doctors” (2012-2013, 2015)
  • “Casualty” (2014)
  • “Holby City” (2015)
  • “Cuffs” (2015)
  • “Call the Midwife” (2020)

Her film credits include “The Other Half” (2004), “The Children of Huang Shi” (2008), and “The Nan Movie” (2022). In theatre, she has appeared in productions such as “Life of Riley,” “The Norman Conquests,” and “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Laura Howard: Diving into Recent Endeavors (as of 2024)

Laura Howard remains active in the entertainment industry, juggling various projects that showcase her diverse talents. Here’s a breakdown of her recent ventures:

Acting:

  • Television:
    • The Larkins (2022): She secured a recurring role in this heartwarming British period drama series.
  • Theatre: While specific details are unavailable, it’s known that Laura Howard has been involved in stage productions.

Writing:

  • The House in the Woods: She’s currently working on her second novel, adding to her literary endeavors after her well-received debut, “The Audition” (2020).

Upcoming Projects:

  • The Uninvited Guest (February 2024): This play will mark her upcoming theatre premiere at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, England.
  • Untitled Television Project: Details are under wraps, but Laura Howard is confirmed to be part of the cast for a new television series currently in pre-production.

Beyond Acting:

  • Laura Howard is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness. She has spoken openly about her own experiences and supports charities like Mind.

Movies and Tv Shows:

Laura Howard has a diverse filmography spanning television and theatre. Here’s a breakdown of her notable appearances:

  • Early Career (1992-1996): Began with roles in “Casualty” and “Covington Cross.” Gained recognition for her portrayal of Tammy Rokeby in “So Haunt Me” (1992-1994).
  • Breakthrough and Continued Success (1997-2011): Played Cully Barnaby in “Midsomer Murders” for over 80 episodes.
  • Diverse Roles and Theater Work: Acted in various TV shows (“Doctors,” “Casualty”) and films (“The Nan Movie”). Starred in numerous stage productions across prestigious companies.
  • Recent Projects (2012-Present): Continued acting in television (“Call the Midwife,” “The Larkins”) and theatre (“Much Ado About Nothing”). Published a novel, “The Audition,” in 2020. Currently involved in upcoming play, second novel, and an untitled TV project.

Midsomer Murders: A Long-Running British Crime Drama

Midsomer Murders is a British crime drama television series that has captivated audiences for over two decades. Here’s a closer look at the show and Laura Howard’s role within it:

About the Show:

  • Genre: Crime Drama, Mystery
  • Original run: 1997 – present (24 seasons as of May 2024)
  • Network: ITV (UK), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the US
  • Synopsis: Set in the seemingly idyllic villages of the fictional Midsomer County, the show follows Detective Chief Inspectors (DCIs) as they investigate a remarkably high number of murders that plague these peaceful communities. Each episode features a new case with a unique cast of quirky characters and motives.

Laura Howard in Midsomer Murders:

  • Character: Cully Barnaby
  • Portrayal: The daughter of DCI John Barnaby (played by John Nettles) who appears alongside him during his investigations.
  • Series: Played a recurring role from Season 1 (1997) to Season 14 (2011) – over 80 episodes.

Cully Barnaby’s Role:

  • Cully acts as a confidante and sounding board for her father, offering a fresh perspective on the cases.
  • Her presence adds a personal touch to the show, showcasing the emotional impact of these crimes on the investigators.
  • Her character’s departure in Season 14 marked a significant shift in the show’s dynamics.

Call The Midwife:

Call the Midwife is a British period drama television series created by Heidi Thomas, based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. Here’s a breakdown of the show and Laura Howard’s role in it:

About the Show:

  • Genre: Period Drama
  • Original run: 2012 – present (13 seasons as of May 2024)
  • Network: BBC One (UK), PBS (US)
  • Synopsis: The series follows a group of nurse-midwives working in the East End of London’s Poplar district in the late 1950s and 1960s. They provide care to expectant mothers from impoverished backgrounds, tackling social issues and medical challenges of the era.

Laura Howard in Call the Midwife:

  • Character: Cissy Pilkington
  • Portrayal: A warm and compassionate midwife who joins the team at Nonnatus House in Series 8.
  • Series: Recurring role in Season 8 (2019)

Here are some additional details about Laura Howard’s role:

  • Cissy quickly becomes an integral part of the team at Nonnatus House, offering support and expertise to her colleagues.
  • Fans enjoyed her portrayal for its warmth, humor, and compassion.
  • Some of her most memorable moments include:
    • Helping with a difficult birth and providing support to a new mother (Series 8 Episode 1).
    • Assisting a young mother with terminal cancer (Series 8 Episode 2).
    • Delivering a healthy baby in a remote village (Series 8 Episode 3).
    • Helping during a mass illness outbreak at a factory (Series 8 Episode 4).
    • Providing expert care for a woman pregnant with quadruplets (Series 8 Episode 5).

Net Worth:

Laura Howard’s estimated net worth is around $1 million. This wealth has likely been accumulated through several sources:

  • Acting Career: Her primary source of income is likely her acting career spanning over two decades. She has been a part of numerous television shows and films, including “Midsomer Murders,” “Call the Midwife,” and “The Split.”
  • Novel Publication: The publication of her novel, “The Audition,” in 2020, would have brought in additional income.
  • Potential Business Ventures: There is a possibility that Laura Howard might be involved in other business ventures that contribute to her net worth. However, concrete details about this are not publicly available.

Is Laura Howard Married:

Yes, Laura Howard is married to Nwora Eze. They tied the knot in 2017. Nwora Eze is a British-Nigerian businessman known for being the co-founder of F45 Training, a successful fitness franchise, and the founder of The Etiquette Academy.

How Old Is Laura Howard:

Laura Howard is 46 years old as of 2024 (born on August 18, 1977).

Specific details about how Laura Howard celebrates her birthday are not publicly available. However, based on interviews or social media posts, some celebrities choose to keep their birthday celebrations private, while others might share photos or anecdotes online.

Why is Barnaby’s daughter called Cully:

The reason Barnaby’s daughter in Midsomer Murders is called Cully is revealed within the show itself. In the episode titled “Blood Wedding” (Season 8, Episode 2), Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby mentions that his daughter’s name comes from a village called Cully in Switzerland.

This is where he and his wife, Joyce, were conceived their child during their honeymoon. So, Cully’s name is a sentimental choice, a reminder of a happy time in their lives.

Who was Cissy Pilkington in Call Midwife:

Laura Howard played the character of Cissy Pilkington in the popular British period drama series Call the Midwife.

Here’s a quick recap of her role:

  • Character: Cissy Pilkington, a warm and compassionate midwife.
  • Series: Recurring role in Season 8 (2019).
  • Impact: Cissy quickly became a beloved member of the team at Nonnatus House, offering support and expertise to her colleagues. Fans enjoyed her portrayal for its warmth, humor, and dedication to her patients.

Where Is Laura Howard:

Laura Howard continues to work in the entertainment industry, focusing on television, theatre, and film projects. She recently appeared in the 2022 film “The Nan Movie” and the television series “The Larkins.”

She is also involved in upcoming stage productions and is writing her second novel. Howard is an advocate for mental health awareness and works as a spokesperson for the charity Mind. She also runs a hair and beauty salon, Laura Howard Hair and Beauty, in Norwich, England. Follow her on Facebook.

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