Howard Close Hickman (February 9, 1880 – December 31, 1949) was an American actor, director and writer.

He was an accomplished stage leading man, who entered films through the auspices of producer Thomas H. Ince.

In 1900, Hickman debuted on stage as an extra in a production in San Francisco.

He went on to act in repertory theater with the Alcazar Theatre,[2] Morosco, and Melborne MacDowell companies, among others.

[3] In 1918, Hickman debuted as a director, with The Rainbow (for Paralta studios) as his first film.