Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows careerTerrence Howard is an accomplished actor known for his dynamic range and captivating performances across film and television. With a career spanning several decades, Howard has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, earning praise for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles. This article explores his extensive filmography, highlighting his most notable movies and television shows.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on March 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, Terrence Howard developed an interest in acting at a young age. He studied at the Pratt Institute in New York City and soon began taking on minor roles in television. His breakthrough role came in 1995 with the film Dead Presidents, directed by the Hughes Brothers, which helped launch his career in Hollywood.
Terrence Howard Movies and TV Shows
Movies
| Year | Movie Title |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Hustle & Flow |
| 2008 | Iron Man |
| 2009 | Crash |
| 2011 | The Iron Lady |
| 2011 | Red Tails |
| 2013 | The Butler |
| 2014 | Prisoners |
| 2014 | Sabotage |
| 2015 | Southpaw |
| 2017 | The Escape Plan 2: Hades |
| 2019 | Fighting with My Family |
| 2020 | The Banker |
| 2023 | The System |
TV Shows
| Year | TV Show Title |
|---|---|
| 2004–2005 | The Fosters |
| 2015–2020 | Empire |
| 2021 | The Business of Drugs (Documentary) |
| 2021–2022 | Your Honor |
Notable Movies
1. Hustle & Flow (2005)
One of Howard’s most iconic roles came in Hustle & Flow, where he played DJay, a struggling Memphis pimp with dreams of becoming a rapper. His raw and powerful performance earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The film’s success led to Howard being recognized as one of Hollywood’s most promising actors.
2. Iron Man (2008)
Howard became a household name when he was cast as James “Rhodey” Rhodes in Iron Man, the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Though he was replaced by Don Cheadle in later MCU films, Howard’s portrayal of Rhodey helped establish the character as a key figure in the franchise.
3. Crash (2004)
In this Academy Award-winning film, Howard played a police officer who struggles with his own prejudices while trying to navigate a day full of tension and racial tension in Los Angeles. Crash was a critical success and showcased Howard’s ability to tackle complex social issues in his performances.
4. The Butler (2013)
The Butler was based on the real-life story of Cecil Gaines, a man who served as a butler in the White House for several decades. Howard played the role of Howard, a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement. The film boasted an ensemble cast, with Howard’s performance standing out as one of its key highlights.
5. Prisoners (2013)
In this thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve, Howard starred alongside Hugh Jackman, playing the father of a kidnapped child. The film was praised for its intense atmosphere and the performances of its cast, with Howard’s portrayal of a distraught and desperate father receiving critical acclaim.
6. The Best Man (1999)
The Best Man is a romantic comedy-drama where Howard played the role of Quentin, a man whose life becomes complicated when his best friend is about to get married. The film became a cult classic, and Howard’s comedic timing and dramatic performance resonated with audiences.
7. Empire (2015-2020)
Empire was a groundbreaking TV series that aired on Fox, where Howard played Lucious Lyon, a powerful music mogul and head of a major record label. The show was a major success and helped redefine the music industry drama genre. Howard’s portrayal of the ruthless yet vulnerable Lucious earned him several award nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama.
8. Iron Man 2 (2010)
Though Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle in the MCU following the first Iron Man film, his role as Rhodey in the 2008 movie and his brief return in Iron Man 2 helped solidify his presence within the superhero genre.
Television Appearances
1. Empire (2015–2020)
Howard’s defining TV role came with Empire, where he portrayed Lucious Lyon, the CEO of Empire Entertainment, a fictional music label. The series revolved around his complicated relationships with his family and the challenges he faced to maintain his power. His nuanced portrayal of the character earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations. Empire became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its music, drama, and Howard’s commanding presence.
2. Wayward Pines (2015)
In this psychological thriller, Howard played a character named Arnold Pope, a mysterious figure involved in a strange and complex plot. Wayward Pines, based on the books by Blake Crouch, was an intense, mind-bending series, and Howard’s performance was a notable part of its success.
3. The Simpsons (2006)
Howard made a guest appearance in an episode of the iconic animated series The Simpsons. In this particular episode, he voiced himself as a fictionalized version of himself, showcasing his willingness to participate in humorous and nontraditional roles.
Upcoming Projects
Terrence Howard continues to work in both television and film. His passion for acting remains strong, and fans eagerly await his future projects. Howard has also hinted at exploring new creative ventures, including working behind the camera in directing and producing.
Conclusion
Terrence Howard’s career has been defined by his versatility and commitment to his craft. From his unforgettable role in Hustle & Flow to his portrayal of Lucious Lyon in Empire, Howard has shown that he is capable of taking on a wide range of roles in both film and television. His performances are often marked by a mix of intensity, vulnerability, and authenticity, making him one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. Whether on the big screen or the small screen, Terrence Howard continues to captivate audiences with his talent and charisma.