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Home Entertainment

Terrence Howard refused Marvin Gaye biopic role because of gay scene: ‘I would cut my lips off’

April 29, 2025
in Entertainment, Music, News
Terrence Howard refused Marvin Gaye biopic role because of gay scene: ‘I would cut my lips off’
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He was not ready for a certain kind of sexual healing.

Terrence Howard passed on the chance to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic because he would have had to film gay scenes.

The “Empire” alum recalled having a “conversation with Lee Daniels about playing” Gaye years ago at the same time that Smokey Robinson approached him “to play his life” in a movie.

However, after shutting Robinson down, he told Bill Maher on Sunday’s episode of “Club Random” that he also declined to portray Gaye after finding out that the late singer’s alleged bisexuality.

Terrance Howard in 2019
Terrence Howard passed on playing Marvin Gaye because he would have had to film gay scenes. WireImage
During an appearance on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast Sunday, the “Empire” alum disclosed that Smokey Robinson invited him to dinner years ago because “he wanted me to play his life” in a movie. Club Random Podcast/YouTube

“I was over at Quincy Jones’ house and I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay,’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?’” Howard, 56, recalled on the podcast.

After Jones said yes, the “Hustle & Flow” actor decided that he “could not” play the role.

“They would’ve wanted to do that, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that,” he said.

And when Maher asked if he “couldn’t kiss a guy on screen in a movie,” Howard told him, “No. Because I don’t fake it.”

Howard turned down the role from the Motown pioneer because he was already in “conversation with Lee Daniels about playing Marvin Gaye” in a separate biopic. Club Random Podcast/YouTube
“I was over at Quincy Jones’ house and I’m asking Quincy, ‘I’m hearing rumors that Marvin was gay,’ and I’m like, ‘Was he gay?’” Howard recalled on the podcast. “And Quincy’s like, ‘Yes.’” Club Random Podcast/YouTube

“That would f–k me,” the “Iron Man” star added. “I would cut my lips off. If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off.”

Howard reiterated that he couldn’t “play that character 100 percent” because he can’t “surrender” himself to a role he doesn’t “understand.”

He also expressed his regret for turning Robinson down.

Howard told Maher he wouldn’t have been able to kiss a guy for the film. Club Random Podcast/YouTube
“That would f–k me. I would cut my lips off. If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off,” he declared. Club Random Podcast/YouTube

While there were rumors about Gaye’s sexuality, there is no definitive evidence to confirm that he was attracted to men.

The two-time Grammy winner was married to Anna Gordy from 1963 to 1977 and Janis Hunter from 1977 to 1981.

In April 1984, Gaye was shot to death by his father, Marvin Gay, Sr., during a family argument. He was 44.

A black-and-white photo of Marvin Gaye performing in 1976
While there were rumors about Gaye’s sexuality, there is no definitive evidence to confirm that he was attracted to men. Christian Rose
Marvin Gaye at the American Music Awards in 1983
The two-time Grammy winner was married to Anna Gordy from 1963 to 1977 and Janis Hunter from 1977 to 1981. AP

Earlier this month, Howard revealed that he shot down an alleged romantic advance from Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is facing federal sex trafficking charges and a host of sexual assault lawsuits.

“Puffy invited me, for weeks, asking me to come teach him how to — wanted me to be his acting coach for a while,” he alleged on the “PBD Podcast” earlier this month.

However, the “Pride” actor claimed that when he would visit the Bad Boy Records founder to work on acting material, Combs would just be “sitting” and “looking” at him.

A black-and-white photo of Marvin Gaye performing in 1976
In April 1984, Gaye was shot to death by his father, Marvin Gay, Sr., during a family argument. He was 44. Redferns
Terrence Howard at the 2017 Oscars
Earlier this month, Howard revealed that he shot down an alleged romantic advance from Sean “Diddy” Combs. Getty Images

Howard said he asked his assistant for clarity about the record producer’s weird behavior.

The Oscar nominee’s assistant allegedly responded, “‘I think he’s trying to f–k you,’” which prompted Howard to end all communication with Combs, 55.

“I’ve lost businesses because I don’t bend over in that way. I don’t compromise,” he declared.

“I don’t play gay roles. I don’t kiss a man. I don’t do that s–t because the man card means everything.”

The post Terrence Howard refused Marvin Gaye biopic role because of gay scene: ‘I would cut my lips off’ appeared first on Page Six.

Tags: actorsBill Maherbiopicsgayhomophobialgbtqia+Marvin GayeMusiciansPodcaststerrence howard
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