Many people know the name Steve Howey, the actor from Shameless and Reba. But not many know about his brother, Bret Howey. His story is just as interesting, but in a very different way. While Steve grew up to live in front of cameras, Bret chose a quiet and private life. Still, he is a big part of the Howey family story, and his early years shaped who he is today.
Profile Summary: Bret Howey
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bret Howey |
| Age | Estimated 43–48 years old |
| Birth Year | Late 1970s to early 1980s |
| Height | Approx. 6’0″ – 6’2″ |
| Weight | Approx. 190 – 210 lbs |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (Scottish & English ancestry) |
| Parents | Bill Howey (father, acting coach), Carla Novinger (mother, acting teacher) |
| Siblings | Steve Howey (actor), Tammy Howey (counselor) |
| Children | Not publicly known |
| Relationship Status | Private / not publicly shared |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500k – $1M |
| Known For | Nautical childhood, private lifestyle, strong family bond |
| Residence | Los Angeles or Southwest U.S. (Mesa/Phoenix area) |
| Career Indicators | Real estate / construction (LEED-related), private work |
Early Life and Family Background of Bret Howey
The story of Bret Howey begins inside a very unique family. He was born in the late 1970s or early 1980s to Bill Howey and Carla Novinger, two well-known names in the acting world. Bill was a respected acting coach who trained stars like George Clooney. Carla worked beside him as a teacher and studio manager. Together, they ran the Howey Acting Workshop, a place where many young actors learned how to perform.
Growing up, Bret also had two siblings. His brother Steve Howey later became famous on TV. His sister Tammy Howey went on to work in social services and wellness. Even though each child took a different path, the three siblings always shared a strong connection because of the way they grew up. Their family life was full of creativity, travel, and new experiences.
His Childhood at Sea
One of the most interesting parts of Bret Howey’s life is his childhood at sea. Most kids grow up in a house. Bret grew up on boats. His family lived on a 67-foot yacht called Valkyrien, and later on a 38-foot schooner called Sea Trek. They sailed along the Pacific Coast and even spent time in Mexico and Panama. This “vagabond” lifestyle, as Steve calls it, taught the children how to survive, how to be brave, and how to stay close to each other.
Life on the ocean also brought fun moments. Famous actors like George Clooney and Patrick Swayze, who were friends of the family, sometimes visited the boat. Imagine being a kid and seeing Hollywood stars stopping by your floating home. These memories became a big part of Bret’s early story and helped shape the relaxed way he sees life today.
Bret Howey Growing Up in a Creative Home
Even though Bret did not become an actor, he grew up surrounded by acting lessons, drama classes, and creative people. His parents always worked with actors. They even wrote and published a book called The Actor’s Menu, which many professionals still use. His father also created a film called Class in 1998, which starred Steve and involved the whole family.
This creative environment helped Bret understand people, emotions, and stories in a very real way. While Steve used these lessons on camera, Bret used them quietly in his own life. He became someone who listens well, understands deeply, and stays steady no matter what life brings.
Moving From the Ocean to Land
After years at sea, the Howey family finally settled on land. They lived first in Los Angeles and later in Denver, where Bill taught drama at a local college. This move brought Bret into regular schools and a more typical lifestyle. Still, he never forgot the lessons he learned on the boat. The ocean had taught him how to stay calm, how to adapt, and how to solve problems.
These skills helped him as an adult. While Steve followed acting and Tammy moved into counseling, Bret built a private life outside the spotlight. But even though he keeps things quiet, he remains an important piece of the Howey story.
Bret Howey’s Adult Life
As Bret Howey grew older, he chose a quiet life. Unlike Steve, he did not want a life in front of cameras. He preferred peace, privacy, and normal days. This does not mean he did nothing interesting. In fact, his work life shows a mix of skills and steady goals. Records suggest that Bret has worked in real estate and construction, and his name appears in places linked to LEED certifications, which deal with safe and energy-smart building. These fields require careful thinking and calm focus, and those are traits Bret learned during his early years at sea.
Even with this, people sometimes get confused because there are others with the same name. Some “Bret Howey” or “Brett Howey” online are connected to engineering, golf, or finance. But Steve’s brother does not have a public career in those areas. He keeps a small digital footprint, stays away from public interviews, and avoids social media. Most people only see him when he appears in a family photo on Steve’s Instagram. This private style makes him different, but also makes him interesting. It shows that you can be part of a famous family and still choose a calm and simple life.
Bret Howey’s Bond With Steve Howey
Even though Bret Howey lives quietly, he has always been there for his brother Steve. Their bond began during their childhood on the boat, and it stayed strong as they grew older. Steve has often shared how much he loves both Bret and Tammy. On National Sibling Day, for example, he posted photos to show how proud he is of his family. These small moments tell us that even with busy careers, the siblings stay close.
Bret also shows support in public when it matters. He has been seen with Steve at major events like the Mayweather vs. Berto VIP Pre-Fight Party in Las Vegas. These big events are filled with bright lights and famous people, but Bret never tries to stand out. He simply stands beside his brother, and that support means a lot. It is the kind of bond that comes from surviving storms, both real and emotional, together.
Family Links & Hollywood Ties
The Howey family is full of talent and heart. Their father, Bill Howey, changed many lives as an acting coach. He trained stars like George Clooney and Patrick Swayze, and he even wrote the famous acting book The Actor’s Menu. Their mother, Carla Novinger, worked side by side with Bill for decades. Together, they helped build confidence in thousands of actors.
Even after Bill passed away in 2021, his legacy continues through his children. Steve Howey keeps the acting spirit alive through his TV roles, including his recent work on Happy’s Place. Tammy Howey continues the family’s caring nature by helping at-risk youth in Canada. And Bret Howey, in his own quiet way, carries the lessons of courage, strength, and love that he learned from both parents. He may not teach acting, but he lives with the same honesty and depth that the Howey family is known for.
Where Bret Howey Is Today
Today, Bret Howey lives a simple, steady life. He stays close to his family and is part of the support system around Steve and the three children — William, Violet, and Knox. Some reports say he lives in Los Angeles. Others say he may be in the Southwest, near Mesa or Phoenix. Wherever he is, one thing is clear: he enjoys peace. He prefers quiet over noise, and privacy over fame.
Bret does not use public social media. He is not chasing attention or trying to build a brand. Instead, he chooses comfort, closeness, and calm moments. When you look at his story, you can see that this choice makes sense. After growing up on the open ocean, living in tiny boat cabins, and moving from place to place, he learned to appreciate simplicity. His life today reflects that same peaceful spirit.
Final Thoughts
The story of Bret Howey shows that fame is not the only path in life. Even in a well-known family, he chose a quiet and private world. He grew up in a rare and adventurous childhood on the ocean, learned from two highly creative parents, and supported his brother through every step of his Hollywood journey. His life is steady, calm, and thoughtful. It reminds us that every family has someone who holds the center together. In the Howey family, that person is Bret.
FAQs
1. How old is Bret Howey today?
Bret Howey is estimated to be between 43 and 48 years old, based on his birth range from the late 1970s to early 1980s.
2. How tall is Bret Howey compared to his brother Steve?
Bret Howey stands around 6’0″ to 6’2″, making him slightly shorter than his brother Steve Howey, who is 6’4″.
3. Who are Bret Howey’s parents?
His parents are Bill Howey, a respected acting coach and director, and Carla Novinger, an acting teacher and studio co-founder.
4. What is Bret Howey’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $500k to $1M, based on his private work in areas like real estate and construction, plus family-related assets.
5. What is Bret Howey’s ethnic background?
Bret Howey is Caucasian, with Scottish and English ancestry from his father’s side.
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