Actor Profile: Terrence Howard of Hustle and Flow

Terrence Howard is a genius when it comes to acting out emotions on screen. Whether it is anger, pain, insecurity, or delight, Howard has the ability to make the audience feel the same way that he does. Terrence Howard is so masterful at his craft that when he acts out an emotion, you can see that emotion right down into his soul. As talented as Terrence Howard is, it is amazing that it took so long for Hollywood to finally stand up and recognize his brilliant acting. The 37-year-old Chicago born actor is still young and has a long career ahead of him. However, it took him nearly twenty years of smaller roles and TV appearances before he was finally recognized as a true movie star. Success must taste extra sweet for Terrence Howard, since he worked so long and so hard to get to this level.

Although Terrence Howard is just beginning to receive national acclaim, many in the African-American community have been aware of his talent for some time now. Howard started out on TV, with appearances on several shows including The Cosby Show, Living Single, and NYPD Blue. His first notable roles on the big screen took place in Mr. Holland’s Opus, Dead Presidents, and The Best Man. Terrence Howard’s career began to really take off with his roles in Ray, Crash, Hustle and Flow, and Four Brothers.

In Hustle and Flow, Howard somehow managed to show the human side to a pimp. Rather than glamorizing a despicable profession (if it can even be called a profession), Howard portrayed the desperation of his character and his desire to get out of that lifestyle. At the end of the movie, Terrence Howard is trying to convince a successful rapper (played by Ludacris) to give him a shot at becoming a rap star. In these scenes, Howard pours out one emotion after another; going from insecurity, to jubilation, to fury. It was a magnificent performance that earned him an Oscar nomination for best actor. Although he did not win the Academy Award, he should win one soon with performances that good.