Every actor faces a moment when a big opportunity comes with a big decision. For Terrence Howard, that moment came when he was asked to portray music legend Marvin Gaye on-screen. But it wasn’t the fame or the challenge that made him hesitate; it was one particular scene. Actors reject roles all the time, but Terrence’s reason is unlike any other.
Terrence Howard recently shared that he turned down the chance to play Gaye because he didn’t feel comfortable kissing a man onscreen. His honesty has sparked conversation, not just about acting, but about how personal values and public roles can sometimes clash.
Terrence Howard revealed he would cut his lips off if he kissed a man
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During an episode of the Club Random podcast with Bill Maher, Terrence Howard called it one of the biggest mistakes of his career. He explained that he had been talking with director Lee Daniels about playing Marvin Gaye in a movie. At the same time, Smokey Robinson had also shown interest in Howard portraying his life story.
Howard said things changed after he spoke with music legend Quincy Jones. He asked Jones about rumors that Gaye might have been gay, and Jones said yes. That made Howard stop and think. “They would’ve wanted to do that,” he said, referring to a possible gay relationship in the movie. “And I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”
Howard’s words have caused a stir, especially one comment where he said, “If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off.” He added that it’s not about hate or being homophobic. To him, acting means going all in, and if he couldn’t fully be that character, he didn’t want to take the role. “I can’t surrender myself to a place that I don’t understand,” he told Maher. Howard made it clear that it’s about being honest in his work, not judging anyone else’s lifestyle.
Terrence Howard has never been one to follow the crowd. He’s best known for his role as Lucious Lyon in Empire, a show that was also created by Lee Daniels. He also earned an Oscar nomination for Hustle & Flow, proving he’s got range. But Howard has always had clear lines he won’t cross. He mentioned in another podcast that he’s lost jobs for not “bending over in that way.” For him, it’s about keeping what he calls his “man card.” Right or wrong, Howard believes in staying true to what feels right for him, even if it costs him roles.
Marvin Gaye never confirmed or denied his sexuality, but he was married twice
Despite the fact that Marvin Gaye was more than just a smooth voice and classic hits, Terrence was not willing to take the role because of his sexuality. Marvin Gaye’s music changed and inspired generations; songs like “What’s Going On” and “Sexual Healing” made him a legend, but his personal life was just as complex.
He married Anna Gordy, sister to Berry Gordy. However, the couple separated in 1973, and Gordy filed for divorce in November 1975. After Anna, Gaye married Janis Hunter in October 1977. They also separated in 1979 and officially divorced in November 1982. Gaye was the father of three children: Marvin III, Nona, and Frankie.
There have been some rumblings around the late Marvin Gaye’s sexuality. People are saying the beloved song and dance man was “a homo.”
I think one look at his gorgeous, sexpot of a wife (14 years married) will confirm, once and for all, that he was “All Man,” all day long. pic.twitter.com/6HF4k4tB63
— Your friend, Vince Classic (@VinceClassic) April 29, 2025
There have always been questions about Gaye’s private world, including his sexuality, but Gaye never confirmed or denied them. Whether true or not, these stories are part of why many believe his life deserves an honest biopic. For fans, it’s not about rumors; it’s about telling the full story.
Terrence Howard’s decision to turn down the Marvin Gaye biopic shows how personal beliefs can shape a career. Not every actor will say yes to every part. And not every story needs to be told by the same kind of voice. But what matters is that legends like Marvin Gaye are remembered and honored.