Terrence Howard Net Worth

## Terrence Howard’s Net Worth: A Look at His Career, Finances, and Controversies

Terrence Howard, the acclaimed American actor and musician, has captivated audiences with his compelling performances in a variety of roles. This article delves into the multifaceted life of Terrence Howard, examining his net worth, career accomplishments, financial challenges, and personal life. While his talent is undeniable, his journey has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations.

Early Life and Background

Terrence Dashon Howard was born on March 11, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois. His early life was marked by hardship. His mother, Anita, was only 15 at the time of his birth. He witnessed a violent incident at a young age when his father was involved in a fatal altercation. This event led to his father’s incarceration and a subsequent divorce, shaping Howard’s childhood. He was raised in Cleveland and Los Angeles. Howard’s great-grandmother, actress Minnie Gentry, instilled in him a passion for acting. He was emancipated at age 16 and later pursued chemical engineering at Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute, though he did not complete his degree.

Career Highlights: From Early Roles to Empire

Terrence Howard’s acting career began in the 1980s, but he gained recognition in the mid-1990s. His breakthrough roles came in 1995 with “Dead Presidents” and “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” These roles showcased his versatility and paved the way for a successful career. Howard steadily built his resume with roles in films that further established his presence in Hollywood. Over the years, Howard has appeared in numerous films, including “Ray” (2004), “Crash” (2004), “Hustle & Flow” (2005), and “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” (2005). In 2008, he expanded into music, releasing the album “Shine Through It,” which demonstrated his talents beyond acting. That same year, he debuted on Broadway in an all-black production of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Empire Salary and Legal Battles

One of Terrence Howard’s most notable roles was as Lucious Lyon in the Fox drama “Empire.” He starred in the series from 2015 to 2020. According to a lawsuit filed against his talent agency, CAA, in late 2023, Howard’s salary per episode started at $125,000 and increased to $325,000 in the final season. The final season had 18 episodes, resulting in $5.85 million in gross earnings for Howard. This lawsuit claimed that CAA had a conflict of interest, potentially negotiating his salary lower due to the agency’s interests in the show’s profits. Howard alleged that he was paid less than actors on less popular shows, such as Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”) and Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”), and even less than Jim Parsons of “Big Bang Theory”, which had lower ratings than “Empire” during its peak.

IRS Troubles and Financial Difficulties

Throughout his career, Terrence Howard has faced several financial challenges, including issues with the IRS. In 2016, he was hit with a $600,000 IRS lien. He also received a $1.1 million tax bill in 2010. In 2019, he and his then-wife, Mira, were investigated for tax evasion and were subjected to additional liens. In March 2024, Howard was ordered to pay $900,000 in a tax evasion case related to unpaid taxes between 2010 and 2019. He did not appear in court or defend himself in the case.

Iron Man: Salary Disputes and Marvel Conflicts

Terrence Howard’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was marked by both success and controversy. For the 2008 film “Iron Man,” he was initially paid $3.5 million, the highest among the cast. However, he has claimed that he was originally slated to earn $4.5 million and took a pay cut to help Robert Downey Jr. land the lead role. He alleges that Marvel offered him only $1 million for the sequel. This led to his replacement by Don Cheadle in “Iron Man 2.” Howard stated that he had a three-picture deal with Marvel and was supposed to earn $4.5 million for the first film, $8 million for the second, and $12 million for the third. He claims his agent was dismissive when Marvel proposed a reduced salary for the second film. Howard also mentions that Robert Downey Jr. did not return his calls when he tried to resolve the situation.

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Personal Life and Relationships

Terrence Howard’s personal life has been as eventful as his career. He has been married multiple times. He was married to Lori McCommas from 1989 to 2003 and again from 2005 to 2007. They had three children together: Aubrey, Heaven, and Hunter. He married Michelle Ghent in 2010, and their divorce was finalized in 2013. Ghent sued him for unpaid spousal support. Howard married Mira Pak in 2013, and they have two sons, Qirin and Hero. They divorced in 2015 but became engaged again in 2018.

Lawsuits and Legal Troubles

Howard has faced several lawsuits and legal troubles throughout his life. He was arrested for assaulting a flight attendant in 2000 and for domestic violence incidents with McCommas in 2001. Ghent obtained restraining orders against him due to allegations of assault. Composer Tex Allen sued Howard in 2008. In 2012, his former manager Victoria Fredrick sued him for unpaid commissions related to several of his movies. Howard responded, claiming the manager was a personal assistant and not entitled to the compensation she was seeking. They eventually reached a settlement.

Awards and Honors

Despite the personal and financial setbacks, Terrence Howard has received numerous awards and honors for his work. He has earned over 30 awards, including multiple BET Awards, a Black Movie Award, and a Satellite Award. He has been nominated for numerous NAACP Image Awards, winning several times. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019, a testament to his contributions to the entertainment industry.