Howie was born on August 22, 1973, in Orlando Florida. 

As a child, his sister, Pollyanna, took him to her auditions for musical productions. He landed a role as a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz. By the age of 12 he had appeared in over 20 productions.

 Howie landed small parts in Nickelodeon series and a few movies but the parts didn't lead to anything.  He then graduated and continued going to small auditions which lead to the Backstreet Boys. 

The boys of the band nick-named Howie the Mediator. He earned this nick-name because whenever the guys argue he usually helps them see each other's side. 

 The goys say that Howie is a Proverbial squirrel preparing for winter. He wants to enjoy a long career with the guys but he realizes that he could wake up in the morning and it would all be over.