Terrence Howard is no stranger to intense roles, emotional depth, and the Hollywood spotlight.
But when it came to portraying the legendary Marvin Gaye in a high-profile biopic, the veteran actor drew a firm line—and it had nothing to do with singing ability or acting range.
Why Howard Said No to Playing Marvin Gaye
Speaking candidly on Club Random, Bill Maher’s podcast, Howard shared that he passed on the opportunity to play Marvin Gaye in a film by director Lee Daniels.
The reason? He said he couldn’t bring himself to perform scenes that would involve kissing another man.
“I couldn’t fake it,” Howard, 56, said during the episode. “If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off.”
He made it clear that his issue wasn’t about the sexuality of the character itself, but rather his own limitations as an actor when it came to certain physical scenes.
A Role He Didn’t Feel He Could Fully Commit To
The Empire and Hustle & Flow star explained that he didn’t feel capable of truly inhabiting the role if he couldn’t give it his all.
“I can’t surrender myself to a place I don’t understand,” he said. “I can’t play that character 100 percent.”
Howard explained that to do justice to a character, he needs to be able to embody them entirely—and in this case, he didn’t feel like he could.
That’s what ultimately led him to walk away from a project many others would have jumped at.
Rumors Surrounding Marvin Gaye’s Private Life
Though Marvin Gaye never publicly identified as gay or bisexual, rumors have long swirled about his personal life, including a rumored relationship with actor Marlon Brando.
Howard said he’d heard the speculation too, and even asked music legend Quincy Jones about it directly.
“I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay,’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?’” Howard recalled.
“And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes.’” That confirmation, he said, cemented his decision to turn down the part, as he knew the film would likely explore that aspect of Gaye’s life.
A Missed Opportunity With Smokey Robinson
Interestingly, Howard revealed that his decision to hold out for the Marvin Gaye biopic ended up costing him another big role.
He was in talks to play Smokey Robinson in a different project, but negotiations stalled because he was still connected to the Gaye film.
Looking back, he said turning down Smokey’s role was one of the biggest mistakes of his career.
“Smokey was heartbroken,” Howard said. “And I was too, honestly.”
No Homophobia, Just Personal Boundaries
During the podcast, Bill Maher chimed in, saying he wouldn’t be comfortable kissing a man on screen either—and both men were quick to say that doesn’t make them homophobic.
Howard stressed that he has no issue with gay characters or actors taking on those roles.
He simply feels it’s not something he personally can do convincingly.
“Do what you love to do,” Howard said, “but don’t aim it at me. I just can’t do that.”
The Long-Awaited Marvin Gaye Biopic Still in Development
Even though Howard stepped away from the project, the Marvin Gaye biopic is still in the works.
Warner Bros. acquired the rights several years ago, with Allen Hughes set to direct and big-name producers like Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, and Andrew Lazar attached.
The screenplay is being written by Marcus Gardley.
Marvin Gaye’s life—marked by soaring success, personal turmoil, and a tragic end at the hands of his own father—continues to intrigue filmmakers and fans alike.
Whether Howard takes part or not, the story of the “What’s Going On” singer will likely make its way to the big screen sooner rather than later.