**Welsh Actor Gerran Howell Discusses Accent and Healthcare Insights in ‘The Pitt’**
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Gerran Howell, the Welsh actor known for his role as Dr. Dennis Whitaker in HBO Max’s series *The Pitt*, has opened up about the reactions he receives regarding his real-life accent, as well as the challenges he faces with medical terminology while portraying an American character.
During a recent premiere event for the second season of *The Pitt* held in Los Angeles, Howell revealed that many fans are still taken aback when they hear his natural Welsh accent. “Some people still seem a bit shocked,” he remarked. “It takes them a second to be like, ‘Is this guy doing a bit? Is this a character he’s preparing for?’ But, I think people are on board now, I guess. I hope.”
This unexpected surprise is a testament to the actor’s ability to convincingly adopt an American accent for his role in the series, which has garnered significant attention since its debut in 2025. Howell, now 35, has a rich background in British television, having appeared in popular shows such as *Young Dracula*, *Casualty*, and *This Country*. His transition to an American setting has evidently sparked curiosity among viewers.
Howell also shared a humorous anecdote about his struggles with certain medical jargon in an American accent, admitting that he found pronouncing the word “tube” particularly challenging. He described it as “not even a complicated medical term, but I struggled with it for a while,” highlighting that even basic terms can sometimes become tongue twisters for actors adapting to new accents.
His extensive career in the UK includes a main role in the CBBC series *Young Dracula*, which ran from 2006 to 2014, along with appearances in the acclaimed British war film *1917* and the dark comedy series *Catch-22*, starring George Clooney. It is clear that Howell’s diverse acting experience has played a crucial role in shaping his craft.
In an interview with *GQ*, published in April, Howell addressed how audiences in the United Kingdom react to his American accent, following the launch of HBO Max in the UK. “It’s definitely jarring for people,” he stated. “If people recognise me from the stuff I’ve done in the U.K., it’s definitely jarring. But I think it’s more jarring for the Americans when they hear me in interviews.” This sentiment captures the intrigue and perhaps confusion faced by viewers as they adjust to Howell portraying a character with a distinct accent different from his own.
The actor also recounted his experiences during panel discussions and public appearances where audiences have reacted with unexpected gasps when he speaks in his native accent. “I remember I’d just dread when the mic would come to me because I’d start talking, and there’d be a bit of a, ‘Ooh!’ Like a gasp, or something. But it seems to be going down well. People seem to be buying it,” he remarked with a sense of relief and appreciation.
Additionally, Howell provided insight into the healthcare disparities between the United States and the United Kingdom, a theme he encountered while filming *The Pitt*. He reflected on the financial barriers posed by the American healthcare system, commenting, “Money is an obstacle over there, which we really, really take for granted for the simplest things. The simplest medications that we have access to through the NHS… my god, do we have it so lucky.”
His commentary sheds light on the emotional impact experiencing these differences has had on him as an actor, as well as an individual. “For people to make decisions in America, whether to be treated or not, because money is involved? That was crazy to me,” he continued. Howell expressed his appreciation for the healthcare access available in the UK, contrasting it with the hurdles many Americans face.
Through his role in *The Pitt*, Howell not only captivates audiences with his performance but also brings to the forefront important discussions about healthcare, accent, and identity. As fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of the series, they can also expect deeper storylines that reflect the realities of the healthcare system, as Howell has indicated.
With both seasons of *The Pitt* now available for streaming on HBO Max, viewers can watch Howell navigate the complexities of his character while gaining a unique perspective from an actor who has successfully bridged the gap between British and American television.