Overview

• Terrence Howard revealed on Bill Maher’s podcast that he declined the role of Marvin Gaye in a biopic due to discomfort with on-screen intimacy involving a same-sex kiss.
• Howard emphasized that his decision stemmed from his approach to acting, stating he could not fully inhabit a character he did not understand.
• The actor learned about Marvin Gaye’s same-sex relationships during conversations with Quincy Jones, which influenced his decision to step away from the project.
• Howard maintained that his choice was not rooted in homophobia but rather in his commitment to authenticity in his performances.
• The Marvin Gaye biopic was being developed with director Lee Daniels, and Howard had initially prioritized it over a separate project involving Smokey Robinson.