- Born
- Birth nameTerrence Dashon Howard
- Height6′ 0½″ (1.84 m)
- Terrence Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Anita Jeanine Williams (née Hawkins) and Tyrone Howard. He was raised in Cleveland, Ohio. His love for acting came naturally, through summers spent with his great-grandmother, New York stage actress Minnie Gentry. He later began his acting career after being discovered on a New York City street by a casting director. Soon, he followed with several notable TV appearances on shows such as Living Single (1993), NYPD Blue (1993) and Soul Food (2000). He became well known for his lead role in the UPN TV series Sparks (1996).
Howard broke onto the big screen with his riveting performance in Mr. Holland's Opus (1995). Howard's most memorable performances to date are of scene-stealing characters such as "Cowboy" in the Hughes brother's film Dead Presidents (1995) and as "Quentin" in Malcolm D. Lee's Independent film The Best Man (1999). The latter earning him a NAACP Image Award, Independent Spirit Award nomination and a Chicago Film Critics Award nomination.
A self taught musician, Howard plays both the piano and the guitar. You can see Terrence display his musical talents opposite Jamie Foxx in this year's breakout film Ray (2004). A promising songwriter, Howard's lyrics are soon to be acquired by some of today's biggest artists.
In addition to his musical talents, Howard also has a strong interest in science.- IMDb mini biography by: Joy Jordan
- SpousesMira Pak Howard(December 3, 2013 - July 27, 2015) (divorced, 2 children)Michelle Ghent(January 20, 2010 - May 2013) (divorced)Lori Howard(February 7, 2005 - 2008) (divorced)Lori Howard(1993 - 2003) (divorced, 3 children)
- ChildrenAubrey HowardHunter HowardQirin Love HowardHero Howard
- ParentsAnita Hawkins WilliamsTyrone Howard
- RelativesMinnie Gentry(Great Grandparent)Hazel Gayle(Grandchild)Adrian(Grandchild)
- Deep husky voice
- He has 10 siblings.
- At the age of 3, he witnessed his father stab a man in self-defense. His father served 11 months for manslaughter.
- Had Bell's palsy for nine months while in high school.
- Attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City to study chemical engineering.
- He was released from jail on August 18, 2000 after spending a night there in Cleveland. He allegedly grabbed a flight attendant's wrist (Cleveland-bound flight from Toronto) and shouted at her to get out of his way when she told him to remain in his seat while the plane's seat belt sign was on. He was reportedly taking his 3-year-old daughter, Heavenly, to the bathroom.
Another passenger assisted the flight attendant, who was not seriously hurt. On arrival in Cleveland, Howard was charged with assault and jailed overnight, but the charge was dismissed when the local prosecutor said he lacked jurisdiction and the incident was a federal matter.
- You know, it goes without saying that things are different for people of color. I work to pay the bills, not to listen to the hype. I've been the next big thing in this business for a few years. It's funny to me when I hear it now, because I know the way it works. I'm not confused.
- I'm damn near 37 years old, and I'm jumping up and down on the bed like my 10-year-old. I was a wild man. [31 January 2006 upon learning of his Oscar nomination for Hustle & Flow (2005)].
- I did 19 years of supporting [roles] before I tried to take a lead.
- [on why he still lives in Philadelphia] I love trees. Too much concrete in New York. Too many big people. I don't do well with big, important people...Besides until I start making money I'm strictly McDonald's.
- I don't like skinny girls. A woman is supposed to have curves. I'm definitely attracted to the waves in the ocean.
- Winnie Mandela (2013) - $1,000,000
- Fighting (2009) - $1,750,000
- Iron Man (2008) - $3,500,000
- Idlewild (2006) - $40,000
- Hustle & Flow (2005) - $12,000
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