Our Founder

From the rodeo arena to the silver screen, C. Thomas Howell has spent a lifetime bringing unforgettable stories to life. The son of a professional bull rider turned stuntman, Howell made his film debut at the age of seven, setting the stage for a decades-long career in Hollywood. His breakout role as Ponyboy Curtis in The Outsiders cemented him as a cultural icon, introducing audiences to a coming-of-age story that continues to inspire generations of readers and moviegoers.

The novel’s unforgettable message—Stay Gold—is more than just a line in a script; it’s a call to embrace identity, empathy, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Through roles in films like E.T., Red Dawn, The Hitcher, and Secret Admirer, as well as acclaimed television projects including Criminal Minds, Southland, SEAL Team, The Walking Dead, Ride, Netflix’s global hit Obliterated, and Taylor Sheridan’s hit series, 1923, Howell has built a career centered on the enduring power of story. His performances have transported audiences into worlds of struggle, resilience, and triumph, proving that stories—whether told through books or movies—shape who we are and who we can become. But his impact extends far beyond the screen. Inspired by the timeless message of The Outsiders, Howell founded The Stay Gold Foundation, dedicated to empowering young people through creativity, literacy, and the arts. Just as Ponyboy found solace in poetry and books, Howell champions the idea that literacy gives young people the tools to tell their own stories, rewrite their futures, and find a sense of belonging. His work reminds us that storytelling—whether on film or in the pages of a book—preserves the human experience and keeps hope alive.

From Ponyboy to purpose, C. Thomas Howell continues to prove that the stories we tell have the power to shape our world. Through his dedication to film, literacy, and giving back, he invites us all to Stay Gold—to hold onto the creativity, curiosity, and passion that make us who we are.