Terrence Howard's love for acting came naturally, through summers spent with his grandmother, New York stage actress Minnie Gentry. He later began his acting career on The Cosby Show after being discovered on a New York City street by a casting director. Soon, he followed with several notable TV appearances on shows such as Living Single, NYPD Blue and Soul Food. He became well known for his lead role in the UPN TV series Sparks.

Howard broke onto the big screen with his riveting performance in Mr. Holland's Opus. Howard's most memorable performances to date are of scene-stealing characters such as "Cowboy" in the Hughes brother's film Dead Presidents and as "Quentin" in Malcolm D. Lee's Independent film The Best Man. The latter earning him a NAACP Image Award, Independent Spirit Award nomination and a Chicago Film Critics Award nomination.

A self taught musician, Howard plays both the piano and the guitar. You can see Terrence display his musical talents opposite Jamie Foxx in this year's breakout film Ray. A promising songwriter, Howard's lyrics are soon to be acquired by some of today's biggest artists.

In addition to his musical talents, Howard also has a strong interest in science.


Idlewild (2006): $40,000
Hustle & Flow (2005): $12,000

Has a degree in Chemical Engineering. Was in Ashanti's first video, Foolish. At the age of 3, he witnessed his father stab a man in self-defense. His father served 11 months for manslaughter. Went to Pratt institute to study chemical engineering. Attended the third annual Dubai International Film Festival in the United Arab Emirates in late December 2006 along with Oliver Stone, Mos Def and Richard Gere. He has 10 siblings. Had Bell's palsy for nine months while in high school. Both of his parents are of African-American and Caucasian descent. Was in consideration for the part of Curtis Taylor Jr in Dreamgirls (2006). However Jamie Foxx was cast instead.