Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard recently shared a significant career decision during an appearance on Bill Mahers podcast, Club Random. The actor revealed that he declined the opportunity to star in a biopic about the legendary Motown musician Marvin Gaye, a project helmed by acclaimed director Lee Daniels. The reason for his refusal? The biopic's exploration of Gaye's rumored homosexuality, which Howard felt he could not authentically portray.

During this candid conversation, Howard reflected on what he considers the biggest mistake I made in my career, which was rejecting an invitation from Smokey Robinson to play him in a separate biographical film. Robinson, known as the King of Motown, had personally invited Howard to dinner to discuss the project. At that time, however, Howard was already engaged in discussions about the Gaye biopic and felt a sense of loyalty towards Daniels, stating, I was being faithful to Lee Daniels because I had given him my word as a man.

Howards decision to turn down the role reportedly left Smokey Robinson deeply disappointed. Host Bill Maher chimed in, suggesting that the exploration of Gaye's life would have been compelling due to the many dramatic elements, including the tragic circumstances surrounding Gayes death, which involved his father.

You would have been perfect as Marvin Gaye, Maher said, emphasizing the missed opportunity. Both Maher and Howard discussed the complexity and depth that Gayes life could have brought to the big screen.

This conversation took a more personal turn when Howard recalled an encounter at the home of the late music producer Quincy Jones. He recounted asking Jones about the rumors surrounding Gayes sexuality. Im asking Quincy, Im hearing rumors that Marvin was gay and Im like, Was he gay? And Quincys like, Yes,' Howard shared. This revelation played a significant role in Howard's decision to decline the role. He expressed, They wouldve wanted to do that, and I wouldnt have been able to do that.

When Maher pressed Howard about whether it was the idea of kissing a man on screen that was the issue, Howard confirmed, No. Because I dont fake it. Maher, in a moment of agreement, added, I couldnt kiss a man either.

Howard elaborated further, stating, That would f me. I would cut my lips off. If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off. This strong emotional reaction underscored Howard's discomfort with the idea of portraying a character in a way that did not align with his personal beliefs.

Maher awkwardly chuckled but noted, It does not make me homophobic to not want to kiss a man. Howard then concluded his thoughts on the matter by stating, Thats fine, do what you love to do, but dont do it at me, dont aim it at me, expressing a reluctance to embody a character that involved aspects of identity he felt he could not understand or relate to.

Over the years, numerous attempts have been made to depict Marvin Gayes life on film, highlighting the artist's complex and often tumultuous existence. The most recent project was reported by Deadline in 2021, where Warner Bros. secured an Allen Hughes-directed film featuring producers Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, alongside a script written by poet-playwright Marcus Gardley, known for his work on the upcoming adaptation of The Color Purple.