Terrence Howard: Acting is My Hustle

It took almost 20 years for Actor Terrence Howard to get into the spotlight, but after his Oscar nomination for “Best Actor” in the film Hustle & Flow he has finally arrived.

His first major role was in the 1995 film Mr. Holland’s Opus, as Louis Russ, which led to other roles and high visibility among the African American audience. He has starred in films such as Crash, Idlewild, Four Brothers, and Ray. Howard’s natural talent, which adds credibility and realness to every character he plays is a sure formula for success in the future.

Terrence Howard was born in Chicago Illinois, but was raised in Cleveland, Ohio.  Howard’s love for acting came naturally, through summers spent with his great-grandmother, New York stage Actress Minnie Gentry. During the 1940s, Gentry performed in a number of Broadway productions and later appeared in several films, including School Daze, Def by Temptation, and Jungle Fever, as well as the television series All My Children and The Cosby Show..

At 16, Howard legally declared his independence, and two years later moved to New York City to pursue his acting dreams. In an interview with the newspaper Orange County Register he says, “My father always said that if you want oranges, you have to go to where the oranges grow,” Howard said. “I wanted to act. The place to act was in New York.” While in New York he also had plans to enroll in college. He told the school that his transcripts and SAT scores were on the way, and he convinced them to give him a special entrance exam. The actor had a low GPA, but because of his “gift of gab” Pratt Institute accepted him. Then he convinced the financial aid office into giving him a scholarship to attend the school. “I had to apply for welfare to prove I was local to qualify for the scholarship, but I didn’t mind because I had been on welfare since I was 16 anyway.”

His challenging background and will power to succeed has greatly benefited his career. “While other kids were in acting school, I was collecting a reservoir of life experiences so I understand the underlying motivations behind the acting. That’s not something you can learn in class. You have to live it.”

What is most intriguing about Terrence Howard is that he hasn’t let fame get to his head. He still maintains a high level of humility. He still lives an almost average life. While most actors live in New York and California he lives in a quiet suburb outside of Philadelphia. “I love trees. Too much concrete in New York. Too many big people. I don’t do well with big, important people…Besides until I start making money I’m strictly McDonald’s,” he says in reference to why he still lives near Philadelphia.  Also when his mother was in the hospital he was booked for several important endorsement meetings. But Howard decided to cancel them. Howard’s response to why the meetings were cancelled was simple and heartfelt. “What’s the point of being successful if you’re too busy for your mother?”

Howard’s most recent project is his role as a Colonel of the Tuskegee airmen in the all-action war movie “Red Tails.” The movie has a star-studded cast, which includes Cuba Gooding Jr, Daniela Ruah, Bryan Cranston, and Ne-yo. It will be released in theaters on January 20, 2012.

The actor’s road to fame has not been an easy one, but it has been worthwhile. It has been a long time coming for the talented actor Terrence Howard, but because he wasn’t an overnight success he appreciates it more.  As a result, he has every intention of making the most out of every opportunity.

-Deja Cromartie