Terrence Howard

**Terrence Dashon Howard** (born March 11, 1969) is an American actor revered for his remarkable performances on film and television. Notably, he has received a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and two Independent Spirit Awards. Howard made his film debut in a minor role in the buddy comedy _Who's the Man?_ (1993). He later gained recognition for his Academy Award-nominated role as a pimp and drug dealer in _Hustle & Flow_ (2005). Howard played James 'Rhodey' Rhodes in the first Iron Man (2008) film. Throughout his career, Howard has delivered impressive performances in films like _Biker Boyz_ (2003), _Ray_ (2004), _Crash_ (2004), _Four Brothers_ (2005), and _August Rush_ (2007), among others. He also voiced James in Disney's animated film _The Princess and the Frog_ (2009). Howard made his Broadway debut playing Brick in the revival of Tennessee Williams play _Cat on a Hot Tin Roof_ (2008) and released his debut album, _Shine Through It_, in 2008. In December 2022, he announced his plans to retire from acting. Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Tyrone and Anita Howard. He was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, under the care of his great-grandmother following his parents' divorce. Howard made his first appearance in the entertainment industry in 1992, playing Jackie Jackson in _The Jacksons: An American Dream,_ an ABC miniseries. Throughout his career, Howard has made his mark in the film industry, actively seeking roles that 'teach him about himself.' He has also worked as a film producer, notably credited for the 2007 film _Pride_. In 2008, Howard hosted the PBS series _Independent Lens_ and stepped into the music scene with his debut album. Howard played the lead character Lucious Lyon in the Fox musical drama series _Empire_ from 2015 to 2020.