Coronation Street Star Jonathan Howard Opens Up About Heartbreak of Being Away From Daughter
A Father Torn Between Work and Family
Coronation Street star Jonathan Howard has revealed the personal sacrifices behind his role as Carl Webster. While filming in the UK, Howard is separated from his wife, Daredevil actress Elodie Yung, and their seven-year-old daughter, who remain at home in the United States.
Speaking on ITV’s Loose Women, Howard admitted, “The hardest part of this job is the heartbreak… not being with my daughter every day.” His comments highlight the challenges actors face balancing demanding filming schedules with family life.
Cherished Moments Across the Pond
Despite the distance, Howard has found ways to stay connected with his daughter. During school holidays, she has been able to visit the UK, spending time with Howard and his extended family.
“In America, they have long summer holidays,” he explained. “So, this summer, she was able to come and stay at my mum’s house. I grew up an hour away from Corrie, a little village in Lancashire. That was really beautiful.”
Howard noted how special it was for his daughter to experience a different culture while bonding with her cousins. “She’s lived her whole life in America. My wife is French. She got to come over to England for the summer and hang out with my niece and my nephew,” he said.
A Dream That Took Time
Howard’s journey to Coronation Street spans more than two decades. He first auditioned for the role of Gary Windass 20 years ago but lost out to Mikey North.
“I did the screen test and at the same time I was auditioning for drama school,” Howard recalled. “At the time, Coronation Street was the ceiling. As a kid, I grew up watching it… and to have been doing that at 20 years old was the dream.”
Though he didn’t land the part, Howard views the experience as a valuable life lesson. “The part was for him. It was a really good lesson in knowing what is yours and what’s not. The universe kind of steers you in the right direction,” he said.
Finding Love and Opportunity
Missing out on the role of Gary Windass ultimately led Howard to other life-changing opportunities. He attended drama school, where he met his future wife, Elodie Yung. The couple now share a daughter and navigate the challenges of their careers together, despite living on opposite continents for part of the year.
Howard’s story underscores the unpredictability of the acting world. Sometimes rejection leads to unforeseen successes, and personal milestones can emerge from unexpected detours.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
For Howard, the tension between professional ambition and family life remains a constant consideration. His dedication to Coronation Street demonstrates his commitment to his craft, while his reflections on fatherhood reveal the emotional costs of success.
“Not being with her every day is the hardest part,” he admitted. Yet, moments like summer visits across the Atlantic help bridge the distance, allowing him to share meaningful time with his daughter.
As Howard continues to portray Carl Webster, fans will witness both his professional talent and the depth of emotion he carries off-screen. The balance of ambition, opportunity, and family sacrifice remains a compelling part of his journey.