Actor Terrence Howard has revealed he declined the opportunity to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic directed by Lee Daniels because the role required a same-s*x k*ss—something he said he could not convincingly portray.
Speaking on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, Howard explained that while the project was high-profile and the role potentially career-defining, he ultimately stepped away due to personal boundaries related to the character’s romantic life.
“I can’t play that character 100 percent. I can’t surrender myself to a place that I don’t understand,” Howard said. He emphasized that he was not comfortable performing a same-s*x k*ss, stating that he wouldn’t be able to approach the scene with the authenticity he brings to other roles.
Howard shared that it was music producer Quincy Jones—who confirmed to him that Marvin Gaye had relationships with men—who helped clarify the direction of the role. “I was over at Quincy Jones’ house, and I asked him, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay—was he?’ And Quincy said, ‘Yes.’”
Despite understanding the creative intent, Howard ultimately declined the role, saying, “They would’ve wanted to do that [on-screen k*ss], and I wouldn’t have been able to do that.”
He added that his decision was not rooted in homophobia, but rather in his personal limitations as an actor. “I prepare for my roles by fully immersing myself in them. If I can’t get to that place mentally and emotionally, I don’t believe I can do the character justice,” he said.
Howard’s comments have sparked debate online, raising questions about the responsibilities actors have when portraying real-life figures and the personal boundaries they draw in their craft.
