Terrence Howard Declines Marvin Gaye Biopic Role Over Character's Sexuality

Actor Terrence Howard has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic directed by Lee Daniels due to his unwillingness to portray a potentially gay character.

Howard explained his decision during a recent interview, stating that after Quincy Jones informed him about Gaye's alleged sexuality, he decided against taking the role. "I would cut my lips off" before kissing another man on screen, Howard candidly remarked about his personal boundaries as an actor.

The "Empire" star emphasized that his refusal wasn't rooted in homophobia but rather in what he described as staying "truthful to his craft" and his personal comfort levels with certain on-screen actions.

Howard also mentioned regretting a similar decision when he declined to portray Smokey Robinson in another biopic project for related reasons.

The revelation has sparked discussion about the challenges of authentically portraying historical figures in biographical films, particularly when aspects of their personal lives, including sexuality, are part of the narrative.