Terrence Howard rejected the chance to play Marvin Gaye because he refused to kiss another man. This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about actor boundaries in Hollywood and the balance between artistic commitment and personal comfort.
The “Empire” actor admitted the “biggest mistake” of his career was turning down Smokey Robinson’s personal request for him to play him in a separate project because he was already in talks with director Lee Daniels to play Gaye. Howard has previously collaborated with Daniels on projects, including the hit TV series “Empire,” which garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
However, Howard grew concerned when he heard rumors about Marvin — who married twice and had three children before being shot dead by his father in 1984 at the age of 44 — and his sexuality. Gaye remains one of the most influential artists in music history, with numerous studio albums and countless hits to his credit during his lifetime.
“I was over at Quincy Jones’s house, and I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?’ And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes,'” Howard recalled speaking to Bill Maher on his ‘Club Random’ podcast. Jones was a close friend and collaborator of Gaye during his career, giving his statement particular weight in Howard’s decision-making process.
“They would’ve wanted to do that [in the film], and I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”
Maher asked: “You mean you couldn’t kiss a guy on screen in a movie?”
Howard: “No. Because I don’t fake it. That would f–k me. I would cut my lips off. If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off.” This statement has sparked discussions about method acting and the psychological boundaries performers set for themselves when portraying characters.
The 56-year-old actor insisted his decision wasn’t a sign he is “homophobic” but he felt he couldn’t completely commit to the role. Howard has portrayed a wide range of characters throughout his career, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in “Hustle & Flow.”
“It does not make me homophobic to not want to kiss a man,” Howard said. “I can’t play that character 100 percent. I can’t surrender myself to a place that I don’t understand.” Acting coaches and industry professionals have noted that every performer has different boundaries regarding the roles they’re willing to take on, with some embracing full transformation while others maintain certain personal limitations.
Gaye never spoke publicly about his sexuality, but in 2018, Jones — who died last year at 91 — claimed the “What’s Going On” singer was one of many high-profile men to have slept with late acting legend Marlon Brando. This revelation was part of a wider conversation about the private lives of celebrities and the speculative nature of posthumous discussions about sexuality.
“Marlon used to go cha-cha dancing with us. He could dance his ass off. He was the most charming motherf’er you ever met. He’d f anything. Anything! He’d f–k a mailbox. James Baldwin. Richard Pryor. Marvin Gaye,” Jones told Vulture in the controversial interview that made headlines across entertainment media.
Asked again whether he knew for certain that they’d all slept with Brandon, Jones responded: “Come on, man. He did not give a f–k!”
The Marvin Gaye biopic has faced numerous challenges over the decades, with multiple attempts to bring the singer’s story to the screen. Various directors and actors have been attached to different projects over the years, including Jesse L. Martin, Lenny Kravitz, and most recently Dr. Dre as producer with Allen Hughes directing.
Howard‘s candid admission highlights the complex intersection of personal values and professional opportunities in Hollywood. Industry analysts note that actors turning down roles for personal reasons is not uncommon, though the specifics are rarely discussed so openly in public forums.
The conversation around Howard’s decision reflects broader discussions in the entertainment industry about representation, authenticity, and the evolving expectations for actors portraying diverse characters. Some performers embrace the challenge of portraying experiences different from their own, while others, like Howard, establish clear boundaries around what they’re willing to do on screen.
Despite turning down the Gaye biopic, Howard has maintained a successful career with diverse roles across film and television, demonstrating that such personal choices don’t necessarily limit an actor’s opportunities in the long term.
