Laura Howard Biography: The Beloved Cully Barnaby of Midsomer Murders
Laura Howard, a prominent English actress, is best known for her portrayal of Cully Barnaby in the long-running British crime drama series, “Midsomer Murders.”
With a career spanning several decades, she has made significant contributions to both television and theater.
Early Life and Education
Laura Howard, born in 1977 in Chiswick, London, England, is a renowned English actress. Despite her acting success, she did not attend drama school.
She grew up in a family without ties to the entertainment industry, with her father working as a shipping consultant and her mother as a psychiatrist
Career
Howard’s acting journey began in the early 1990s. Her breakthrough role came in 1997 when she was cast as Cully Barnaby, the daughter of Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (played by John Nettles), in “Midsomer Murders.” This role brought her widespread recognition and established her as a beloved character in the series.
Beyond “Midsomer Murders,” Howard has had a diverse career, appearing in various television shows and films. Some of her notable credits include “Soldier Soldier,” “The Bill,” “Doctors,” “Casualty,” and “Young Dracula.”
She has also showcased her talent on stage, participating in numerous theater productions, including those at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Donmar Warehouse.
Acting Career
Laura Howard has had a prolific career in both television and theatre since her debut in 1992. Here are some highlights:
- Early Career: Laura’s first major role came in 1992, when she played Tammy Rokeby, the teenage daughter in the BBC comedy series So Haunt Me.
- Midsomer Murders: She is best known for her role as Cully Barnaby, the daughter of John Nettles’ character, in the long-running British crime-mystery series Midsomer Murders. She played this role from 1997 to 2011, appearing in 43 episodes.
- Other TV Credits: Laura has appeared in various UK television series, including Soldier Soldier, The Bill, Doctors, Casualty, and Young Dracula. She has also made guest appearances on shows like EastEnders and Call the Midwife.
- Theatre: Laura has been involved in numerous UK theatre productions. She has performed at prestigious venues such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Donmar Warehouse, Chichester Festival Theatre, Southwark Playhouse, Watford Palace, and Liverpool Playhouse. Some of her notable stage roles include the world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn’s Life of Riley and The Norman Conquests at the Liverpool Playhouse.
- Film and Short Films: Laura has also appeared in short films for Brag Productions and RSA Films, and leading roles in Jack Rosenthal Screen One films Interview Day (1996) and Cold Enough for Snow (1997).
- Recent Work: In recent years, Laura has continued to work in both television and theatre. She appeared in the TV series Cobra and Funny Woman, and voiced a character in the video game Total War: Warhammer II.
Laura Howard’s Battle with Cancer
Laura Howard was diagnosed with advanced metastatic bowel cancer in August 2024, just three weeks after giving birth to twin girls, Florence and Meadow.
The cancer had spread from her bowel to her liver, and she has been undergoing chemotherapy to reduce the tumors, followed by multiple operations to remove them.
Diagnosis and Initial Reaction:
Laura discovered the cancer when she noticed a lump on her side, initially suspected to be a muscular tear. However, it turned out to be a tumor in her liver. The diagnosis came as a shock, especially so soon after the birth of her twins.
Treatment Journey:
Laura’s treatment plan includes three months of chemotherapy to reduce the tumors, followed by multiple operations to remove them.
The process has been physically and emotionally challenging for her, as she is also caring for her newborn twins.
Support System:
Laura’s family, including her sisters Sam and Jade, have been a significant source of support.
Her sister Sam set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses, which has raised over £12,000. The family is also planning a fundraiser event in Brighton to raise further funds.
Current Condition:
Laura is currently exhausted and in almost constant agony. The tumor on her liver is 15cm by 12cm and protrudes from her stomach, making it difficult for her to hold and feed her babies at night.
Despite the challenges, Laura is receiving support from her husband Stephen and his family, who are helping care for the twins.
Laura’s journey is a testament to her strength and resilience, and the support from her family and community has been invaluable during this difficult time.
Laura Howard’s Financial Status
Net Worth: Laura Howard’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $4 million.
This estimate is based on her successful career in acting, her various roles in television and theatre, and her other investments.
Main Source of Income:
Laura’s primary source of income is her career as an actress. She has earned significant income through her roles in television series like Midsomer Murders, Soldier Soldier, The Bill, Doctors, and Casualty, as well as her involvement in numerous theatre productions. Additionally, she may have other sources of income from investments and personal projects.
Personal Life
Here’s some information about Laura Howard’s personal life:
- Age: Laura Howard was born in 1977, making her 47 years old.
- Zodiac Sign: She was born on May 30, so her zodiac sign is Capricorn.
- Ethnicity: Laura is of white ethnicity.
- Nationality: She is British.
- Relationship Status: Laura Howard is currently married.
Husband:
Laura Howard is currently married to Nwora Eze, a British-Nigerian businessman. They have kept their personal life quite private, so there isn’t much information available about their relationship or whether they have children together.
Before Nwora, Laura was married to Tim Howard from 2003 to 2012. After their divorce, she married Trey Liebernood in 2012, but that marriage also ended in divorce.
Physical Attributes
Howard stands at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) and weighs approximately 120 lbs (54 kg). She has hazel eyes and brown hair
Laura Howard is indeed active on social media. She engages with her audience on several platforms, including Facebook, where her page features posts about her work, events, and interactions with fans.