Terrence Howard Biography

Fast Facts

• Grew up in Cleveland
• Is the great-grandson of stage actress Minnie Gentry
• First professional acting job was a bit part in a Cosby Show episode; after his appearance was left out of the final edit, he went to Bill Cosby himself to find out why his role was cut
• Portrayed Jackie Jackson in a 1992 TV movie about the Jackson family called The Jacksons: An American Dream
• After several studio executives said they were willing to bankroll Hustle & Flow only if someone other than Howard played the lead role, producer John Singleton helped finance the film himself rather than recast the part
• Made his Broadway debut portraying Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 2008
• Released his debut album as a singer, Shine Through It, in 2008
• Became an honorary member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 2010
• Enjoys restoring historic homes