Who Plays Ponyboy in the Outsiders? Everything You Need to Know
by M Nishali
Updated Mar 06, 2024
Who Plays Ponyboy in the Outsiders?
In the movie "The Outsiders," the character Ponyboy Curtis is played by actor C. Thomas Howell. Ponyboy is a young member of a group called the Greasers, who have a rivalry with another group called the Socs. C. Thomas Howell was 56 years old at the time of the article.
"The Outsiders" was an important role for Howell, as it was one of his first starring roles after appearing in a small part in another movie called "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."After "The Outsiders," Howell continued to have a successful acting career. He appeared in other popular movies like "Red Dawn" and "Soul Man." He also starred in TV shows such as "Southland," "Animal Kingdom," and "The Walking Dead."
In addition to acting, Howell released his first-ever single in 2022, titled "Rose Hill." He also has upcoming projects, including starring alongside Dennis Quaid in a film called "Reagan." Overall, C. Thomas Howell's portrayal of Ponyboy Curtis in "The Outsiders" helped launch his career in the entertainment industry, leading to many more acting opportunities in both movies and television.
Who is C. Thomas Howell?
C. Thomas Howell, born Christopher Thomas Howell on December 7, 1966, in Los Angeles, California, is an American actor known for his roles in movies and television shows. He began his acting career at a young age, appearing in various films and TV series since 1972. Howell gained fame for his performances in movies like "Soul Man," "The Hitcher," "Red Dawn," and "The Outsiders."
Growing up in a family with connections to the entertainment industry, Howell developed an interest in acting early on. His father worked as a stunt coordinator and rodeo performer, which influenced Howell's childhood aspirations to become a stuntman. Despite his parents' divorce during his youth, Howell pursued his passion for acting and later graduated from Saugus High School in 1984.
Throughout his career, Howell has showcased his versatility by portraying diverse characters across different genres. He has also lent his voice to animated projects and appeared in various television shows. With his talent and dedication, Howell has become a respected figure in the entertainment industry, earning recognition for his contributions to film and television.
Full Name |
Christopher Thomas Howell |
Date of Birth |
December 7, 1966 |
Place of Birth |
Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Other Names |
Tommy Howell, Tom Howell |
Occupation |
Actor |
Spouses |
Rae Dawn Chong (m. 1989; div. 1990), Sylvie Anderson (m. 1992; div. 2016) |
Children |
|
The Outsiders Plot
"The Outsiders" tells the story of the Curtis brothers—Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darrel—living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after the death of their parents. They belong to the Greasers, a group of economically disadvantaged teens, and face bullying from the wealthier Socs. One night, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny are attacked by Socs, resulting in Johnny accidentally killing a Soc named Bob to protect Ponyboy.
Fearing the law, they seek help from their friend Dallas Winston, who provides them with money and a place to hide.While in hiding, they rescue children from a burning church, but Johnny gets critically injured. Dallas, overwhelmed by guilt and anger, turns to crime and meets a tragic end. Ponyboy eventually returns home and is cleared of Bob's death.
However, he must cope with the loss of Johnny and Dallas. Through Johnny's letter, Ponyboy finds comfort and inspiration to write an essay about their experiences.The story highlights themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges faced by teenagers. It explores the divide between social classes and the consequences of violence.
The film features a cast of young actors, including C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy, Ralph Macchio as Johnny, Matt Dillon as Dallas, and Tom Cruise as Steve. Ultimately, "The Outsiders" is a poignant tale of resilience and the bonds that unite individuals in the face of adversity.
The Outsiders Cast
Actor |
Character |
C. Thomas Howell |
Ponyboy Curtis |
Ralph Macchio |
Johnny Cade |
Matt Dillon |
Dallas "Dally" Winston |
Patrick Swayze |
Darrel "Darry" Curtis |
Rob Lowe |
Sodapop "Soda" Curtis |
Emilio Estevez |
Keith "Two-Bit" Mathews |
Tom Cruise |
Steve Randle |
Glenn Withrow |
Tim Shepard |
Diane Lane |
Sherrie "Cherry" Valance |
Leif Garrett |
Bob Sheldon |
Darren Dalton |
Randy Anderson |
Michelle Meyrink |
Marcia |
Gailard Sartain |
Jerry |
Tom Waits |
Buck Merrill |
William Smith |
Store Clerk |
The Outsiders Release Date
"The Outsiders" was released on March 25, 1983, in the United States. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film is based on the novel of the same name by S. E. Hinton. Set in a tough neighborhood, it tells the story of a group of young boys facing challenges as they grow up. Jo Ellen Misakian, a librarian, and her students inspired Coppola to create the film.
Featuring a cast of emerging stars such as C. Thomas Howell, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, and Diane Lane, the movie helped to popularize the Brat Pack genre of the 1980s. Dillon appeared in two more adaptations of Hinton's novels, while Estevez wrote and starred in another.
"The Outsiders" received positive reviews for its performances and performed well at the box office, grossing $33.7 million against a budget of $10 million. Over the years, it has gained a cult following among audiences.
Where to Watch the Outsiders?
Viewers can watch "The Outsiders" on various streaming platforms and purchase or rent it from online stores. The film, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is available on services like AMC, Max, and Paramount+. For those who prefer to rent or buy, platforms such as Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu offer the movie for streaming.
The story, based on S.E. Hinton's novel, revolves around rival gangs in 1960s Oklahoma and explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of adolescence. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the film features a talented cast including C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy Curtis, Ralph Macchio as Johnny Cade, and Matt Dillon as Dallas Winston, among others.
Whether viewers want to stream it as part of their subscription or rent it for a one-time viewing, "The Outsiders" offers an engaging and thought-provoking experience. With its portrayal of societal divisions and the bonds formed between characters, the film continues to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless classic for both new viewers and fans of the original novel.
Who Plays Ponyboy in the Outsiders - FAQs
Ponyboy is portrayed by actor C. Thomas Howell in "The Outsiders."
Francis Ford Coppola directed the movie "The Outsiders."
"The Outsiders" explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges faced by teenagers.
"The Outsiders" was released on March 25, 1983, in the United States.
"The Outsiders" is based on the novel of the same name by S.E. Hinton.