Terrence Howard was nearly cast in a biopic about iconic R&B artist Marvin Gaye, but he withdrew from the project at the last moment after learning that the singer was allegedly homosexual.
In a conversation with Bill Maher on his Club Random podcast, the actor reflected on the biggest mistake he made in his career. He said that he turned down the opportunity to play Smokey Robinson’s offer to play him in a biopic because he was already in talks to star in Lee Daniels' biopic on Marvin Gaye. "I was being faithful to Lee Daniels because I had given him my word as man," he said.
While the news left Robinson dejected, he ended up not choosing both the projects later as Quincy Jones, the late American record producer and composer revealed details about Gaye's sexuality. "I was over at Quincy Jones' house and I'm asking Quincy, 'I'm hearing rumours that Marvin was gay' and I'm like, 'Was he gay?'" Howard explained. "And Quincy's like, 'Yes,'" added Howard. After that revelation, Howard reportedly decided he "could not" star in the movie.
When Maher asked if he couldn't kiss a guy on screen, he said, "No. Because I don’t fake it. That would f— me. I would cut my lips off. If I kissed some man, I would cut my lips off."
Bill Maher shared an understanding of the actor's perspective towards the character, but said that he wouldn't go as far as Howard if asked to play a gay character in a movie.
Howard explained that it was more a matter of committing to the role than anything else. He said that he cannot play a character that he doesn't understand.