Jean Howell (November 21, 1927 – July 23, 1996) was an American television actress. She also appeared occasionally in films.

Howell was the daughter of Burl Howell and Esther Hyde ‘’Buddy’’ Howell, along with her sister Dixon and graduated from Analy High School in 1944. She also graduated from the University of Washington.On stage, Howell acted in New York in summer stock theater and at the Horseshoe Theater in Los Angeles. Television programs on which she appeared included Armstrong Circle Theatre, Four Star Theater, Lux Video Theatre, and Telephone Time. Her films included the 1957 western Hell's Crossroads.Howell was married to actor Larry Thor for four months in 1956.In her later years, Howell was an advocate for environmental efforts to clean up Santa Monica Bay. She both gave talks about ecology and trained speakers for similar activities.Howell died of cancer on July 23, 1996, in Santa Monica, California. She was 68.