Benevolent-looking, balding British character actor, who usually played clergymen and academics. He became best known as the ineffectual headmaster Cromwell of TV's 'Please Sir'. While in his youth, Howlett had himself considered - but decided against - a teaching career. From the early 1930's, he acted on stage and was later involved with ENSA during World War II. Appeared more frequently on screen in character roles from 1947.